June 16, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Are you a hermit by nature? Do you like being alone?

Coupled with depression that loner tendency can morph into withdrawal.

Start re-thinking social isolation, and make an effort to socialize just a little bit more.

Volunteer for a couple of hours, go out after work with co-workers, or simply reach out to a friend.

You don't need to change your basic character, but shifting away from social isolation may ease depression a bit.

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com 

June 15, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Nature calms anxiety.

These webcams are great for meditation, getting to sleep or having in the background while you work.

Koshi Wind Chimes Earth, Air, Water, Fire
Mountain Rain and Thunderstorm Sleep Sounds
Bird Sounds Spectacular: Morning Bird Song

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com 

June 14, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Get help.

“The worldwide pandemic has disrupted our lives, caused grief and worry, and brought even more hardship to people already struggling with economic, educational, societal, and physical and mental health challenges. More people than usual are living with anxiety or depression and, sadly, the suicide rate is increasing. We want you to know, believe, and embrace the fact that you have the power to help someone who is affected by a mood disorder. Social distancing does not have to mean emotional distancing or loneliness. You can be caring in the time of COVID-19.”

Families for Depression Awareness helps families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides. HERE is their info on help during COVID-19.

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com 

June 13, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

If you cannot work full time because of depression – simply cannot face it – consider applying for disability benefits.

Not having any money and going further into debt does not help anyone climb out of depression.

Can you get benefits? Can you get them for a temporary time? Can you get them if you are doing any work for money? How hard is it to get benefits?

It can be very difficult but it also may be more than worth it!

Depression and anxiety can make applying hard, so get help to navigate the paperwork and regulations – an attorney is good, or any friend or relative with patience. Your insurance company may also assign you an ally to help with the process.

HERE is one resource.

And HERE is the official Social Security Disability for Depression SSA website.

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com 

June 12, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

“If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of depression, or that your current treatment is not managing your symptoms, you should see your doctor. When booking your appointment inform him or her that you may need extra time to discuss your symptoms.”

HERE are excellent tips for having that discussion.

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com 

June 11, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Depression that persists for two years is known as dysthymia. HERE is Kati Morton describing the signs that you may be struggling with dysthymia, or high-functioning depression.

Avoiding social situations
Feeling extra irritable
Constantly tired
Struggling to concentrate
Using unhealthy coping skills more and more
Constant worry about past or future

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com 

June 10, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

WebMD.com has a comprehensive section on depression, HERE:

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com  

June 9, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

Why don't more doctors first test for nutritional deficiencies before dispensing Zoloft or Prozac, and especially anti-psychotics like Seroquel and Zyprexa?

Competent doctors will send you to get lab work done before upping your meds or adjusting anything. Sometimes we do need antidepressants. But other times we need spinach.

HERE is a list of nutritional deficiencies that present as or contribute to depression.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Vitamin B Complex
Folate
Amino Acids
Iron
Zinc
Iodine
Selenium

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com 

June 8, 2021

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

When it’s time to intervene, from the great healthline.com article, "How to Help a Depressed Friend":

Depression can increase a person’s risk for suicide or self-injury, so it’s helpful to know how to recognize the signs.

Some signs that might indicate your friend is having serious suicidal thoughts include:

Frequent mood swings or personality changes
Talking about death or dying
Purchasing a weapon
Increased substance use
Risky or dangerous behavior
Getting rid of belongings or giving away treasured possessions
Talking about feeling trapped or wanting a way out
Pushing people away or saying they want to be left alone
Saying goodbye with more feeling than usual

CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it. 

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com