June 23, 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

16 Things I've Learned from 16 Years of Dealing with Depression (Huffington Post)
by Hannah Sentenac, Contributor, writer, journalist, vegan.

16. There's always hope.
15. I can't expect to feel good all the time.
14. Alcohol was not my friend.
13. People who haven't suffered from depression have a tough time understanding it.
12. Self-compassion is key.
11. Lots of other people are fighting similar battles.
10. There's a reason meditation has been around for thousands of years.
9. Social media can exacerbate a sense of alienation.
8. Spending too much time alone is a bad idea.
7. There is no final destination.
6. Exercise is an amazing antidepressant.
5. There's no quick fix.
4. I should always ask for help when I need it.
3. My brain can change.
2. Everyone's journey is different.
1. I can make it out.

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 22, 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

Don't avoid all carbs if you are depressed. Complex carbohydrates are necessary for health and can be mood stabilizers, as they break down slowly over time.

In general (very general), eat whole grains and high fiber foods, and skip simple sugars (like sugar, white bread, white pasta, etc.).

HERE is a plethora of information on eating to beat stress and depression from healthywomen.org.

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 21, 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 WHO has provided tips on dealing with the perfect storm of COVID-19, depression, and drug and alcohol disorders, linked HERE.

“If you are being treated for an alcohol or drug use disorder, be aware that the COVID-19 outbreak may lead to increased feelings of fear, anxiety and isolation that can increase the risk of relapse, substance use, disengagement from treatment or non-compliance with treatment regimens. Make sure that you continue to take medication as prescribed, particularly if you receive treatment with opioid medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine, and that you have a way of obtaining a regular supply of your medication. If you are receiving support through a psychologist or support group, find out how to continue that support during the outbreak.”

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 20, 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

What makes you laugh?

With the Internet you can now find almost anything on YouTube or Netflix or Hulu. Find something sure to crack you up and have a laugh! It's great for releasing tension and easing depression.

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 19, 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 strikes at all levels of education and privilege. It's a great equalizer.

Check out THIS website that provides a platform for lawyers suffering with depression to express their struggles.

And they also have a podcast.

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 18, 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

Tired all the time? Maybe you're depressed.

Get a full physical exam including blood work and tell your doctor if you're tired all the time!

There are many common conditions that cause fatigue, such as Lyme disease, iron deficiency, narcolepsy, thyroid issues and sleep apnea, just to name a few. Most are easily treatable.

Key to solving your fatigue issues is a correct diagnosis. Blood work could rule most things out and begin to pinpoint if depression is an issue.

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 17, 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

People who are depressed often go off their medication after a period of time because they feel better. And often the depression returns, though it might take them a while to recognize that.

It is not a failure to need antidepressant medication, any more than it's a failure to need blood pressure or epilepsy medication. Medicine is for illness, and illness is not your fault.

If you've gone off your antidepressant medication and feel really depressed... talk to your doctor about that.

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 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