September 25, 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

The Link Between Depression and ADHD

“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression can go hand-in-hand. Doctors sometimes call them comorbid or coexisting conditions, meaning you can have both at the same time.

“ADHD is a brain disorder that makes it hard to focus. Children and adults who have it might have trouble finishing tasks, sitting still, or keeping track of things, appointments, or details.

“Depression is more than just an occasional case of the blues. It’s deep sadness and despair you feel every day for at least 2 weeks at a time. It can make it hard to work, go to school, or sleep.”

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  

September 24, 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

As the song goes, “All I want is a room somewhere”.

Simplify your life. Not because it's trendy but because less stuff and simpler pleasures really can ease your mind and heart and bring you joy.

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  

September 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

Here are a few things you can do on a daily basis to feel good – with the option to not do them each day without beating yourself up.

Eat some protein.

Get outside, preferably in the sunshine but even if the sun isn't shining. Even if it's raining.

Listen to music.

Remember something wonderful that you've experienced. A loved one, an inspiring work of art, a specific place.

Dream of something for the future. Dream even if it's wild, and even if you don't expect to accomplish it.

Treat yourself with compassion and kindness.

You can try these, or make yourself a personal list. Feel free to change the list often. Add to it, but don't get overwhelmed by demands you make of yourself. The world makes enough demands as it is!

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  

September 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

In the Northern Hemisphere it is the first day of Fall, the Autumn Equinox.

Day and night are exactly balanced today, and the nights will now be getting longer.

Why is this NOT depressing?

It's not going to be so hot.
Halloween is right around the corner.
Apples and pears are in season.
Sweaters.

“...it seems to be universally agreed that fall is a time for snugly sweaters, hanging around in pumpkin patches, drinking hot cocoa, and delighting in the fact that you can wear tights again.” (anonymous tweet)

But, depression? Fall can be the season when SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, kicks in and we begin fighting depression in earnest. So have some candy corn and stay strong!

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  

September 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

The recipe for “the good life” is “knowing what your highest strengths are... and then re-crafting your life to use them as much as you possibly can.”

- Martin Seligman, Learned Optimism

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  

September 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

Get help.

Parents, if your child is frustrated and depressed by school, there is help.

Talk to the school psychologist or counselor to see if there is a free, confidential, non-threatening program within the school itself.

Take advantage of any tests available – your child may be having difficulties with their eyesight or hearing, may have a sleep disorder, may need emotional counseling, may have un-diagnosed dyslexia or other learning issues.

Use school or community nutritional services or food aid – malnutrition can contribute to learning disabilities and 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  

September 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

DepressionHurts.ca provides is an extraordinarily helpful symptom quiz to determine if you're clinically depressed (depressionhurts.ca/en/checklist/thinking-concentrating).

This site explores the following components of depression:

Emotions - Prolonged sadness, loss of interest, feeling overwhelmed/hopeless, trouble concentrating, an inability to make simple decisions for most of the day, or thoughts of death or suicide, all can be emotional symptoms associated with depression.

Fatigue - Feeling tired or fatigued nearly every day may be associated with depression.

Sleep - Sleeping too much or not enough may be a symptom of depression.

Weight - A weight change of more than 5% (up or down) in a month when you haven’t been trying to gain or lose weight may be a sign of depression.

Unexplained aches and pains - Being bothered by unexplained aches and pains (such as headaches, stomach pain, joint pains or other pains).

Thinking and concentration - Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions may be associated with depression.

Not to be substituted for professional help – but useful nonetheless!

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  

September 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

Did you take your pills?

You're feeling shaky and like you're going to cry. You're not sure you took your meds today and don't want to take them now in case you'd be doubling up.

What to do?

Ride it out. Eat some grounding food like potatoes (preferably not chips) or whole grains. Avoid sugar. Cry if you have to.

Having a wacky mood-regulating system sucks, sometimes!

Solution? Make sure your pills are in clearly labeled daily containers and put them right by your hair brush or toothbrush so you are reminded to take them.

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  

September 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

You don't have to do battle every day. 

Some days just making it through without an episode of melancholy is quite enough.

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