“Even on the days when I feel mentally well enough to exercise, there’s no guarantee that working out is going to boost my mood. Of course, there is research that shows a correlation between exercising and reduced depressive symptoms for some people with depression – but that doesn't mean it's a clinically proven cure. Aside from that, being told that it will make me happier by people who don’t understand the constraints of a mental health issue is as ill-informed as it is annoying.
“I go through days when working out simply isn’t in reach. I’m too fatigued and feeling too hopeless to do so much as open a curtain. Feelings of lethargy are common in people with mood disorders, and exercising when you’re feeling that low-energy can be as close to impossible as it gets. Asking us to transcend the symptoms of our illness and do something that isn’t currently within our reach is a patronizing strategy.”
– Beth McColl
(Read article HERE.)
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.”
You've seen and heard it a million times, usually in reference to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Whatever your religion or philosophy, think about whether you can adopt this as a liberating motto.
Don't beat yourself up over “failings” that are part of your innate character. They aren't failings. They're you in all your glory! Love yourself the way you are. Learn life hacks to circumvent issues that your quirks and personality traits may cause. And move on, accepting the things you can't change.
And when it comes to the world around you, there is a LOT you can not change. But there are some things you may be able to. Rather than beat yourself up or beat your head against the wall, take some time to really consider what you have power over. You may find it's a lot -- whether in your immediate domain or in the world at large. Take some time in quiet contemplation to discern what you CAN change, what you CAN do. And do it.
Decisive action is a powerful depression treatment. Courage!
Do something fun! Something you don't usually do. Shake it up!
Take a walk in the woods.
Go to a shelter or pet store and visit the animals.
Sing karaoke.
Play.
Or work if that's fun – work on a project you put aside, such as a business plan or a quilt or woodworking project.
Go to a ball game with a friend.
It doesn't much matter what you do. Just break your usual patterns that are contributing to your depression.
“Sea glass is beautiful. Everyone loves sea glass, and everyone wants to find sea glass, but no one wants to become sea glass. It is worn and shaped by the forces around it. It is beautiful because of what it has endured. The original colors change, but become something even more beautiful. But sea glass is never bright and shiny. It is not perfect glass. In fact, it is broken glass – the furthest thing from perfect.”
Get help: Medication
“Please Note: Although antidepressants can be effective for many people, they may present serious risks to some, especially children, teens, and young adults. Antidepressants may cause some people, especially those who become agitated when they first start taking the medication and before it begins to work, to have suicidal thoughts or make suicide attempts. Anyone taking antidepressants should be monitored closely, especially when they first start taking them. For most people, though, the risks of untreated depression far outweigh those of antidepressant medications when they are used under a doctor’s careful supervision.”
The National Institute of Mental Health provides clear information on recognizing and treating depression.
Thank you to HuffPo for this great column, and to Liv Raimonde for her inspiring piece, Open Letter to My Depression: 4 Ways I Defeat You Every Day!
“Dear Depression,
“I must say you have put up quite a fight. You insidiously infiltrated my life years ago completely unbeknownst to me. For years I blamed myself for the rage, despair and deep emptiness that consumed my life. But it was you all along, hiding cowardly in the shadows, vehemently inflicting pain on my existence. You tore my confidence to shreds, destroyed relationships that I held dear and stripped away my appreciation for life...”
Read the entire letter HERE.
“Despite increased awareness of what bipolar disorder is and how it affects people's lives, often thanks to movies and shows like Silver Linings Playbook, Homeland, and Michael Clayton, there are still strong stereotypes that influence how we define and recognize the condition in ourselves and in loved ones.”
Decreased need for sleep
Racing thoughts and accelerated speech
Restlessness and agitation
Overconfidence
Impulsive and risky behavior
Hopelessness
Withdrawal from family and friends and lack of interest in activities
Change in appetite and sleep
Problems with memory, concentration and decision making
Preoccupation with death and thoughts of suicide
Yippee! It's Tax Day! (Said no one, ever.)
“There’s no need to go it alone as you deal with tax-based stress. While chatting with a trusted friend or family member may help, there’s no substitution for a series of sessions with a licensed therapist. You’ll gain valuable skills for dealing with symptoms and just might uncover factors exacerbating your tax situation and further harming your mental health.
“Help can come in many forms. While a therapist may be critical for dealing with feelings of hopelessness, you’ll also want to tackle the problem head-on. Working with an attorney may help you feel more in control of your tax situation – and therefore less vulnerable to the symptoms of anxiety or depression.”
And if you fall behind on your taxes, the stress grows. Here are some tips for dealing with tax issues before they completely stress you out.