All is not lost when I’m going through a period of deepening depression. Sometimes it seems like it is, especially during the worst moments of hopelessness. But if I lift my head long enough, I can see that there are things that I can do for myself to feel better.
And if you’ve ever been depressed, you’ll know that feeling even a little bit better can be a great relief.
I’m looking forward to seeing my therapist this week and my psychiatrist this week or next. In the meantime, here are some nonmedical things that have offered me some relief within the last few weeks:
*Spending time with my husband. Being with my husband, who is patient and kind and loving, lifts me up on even the worst days. Larry knows I’m not doing well, but he tries to draw me into conversation and make me laugh.
Even just being near Larry, knowing that he’s in the next room, makes me feel less alone. We spend a lot of time together on weekends. During the week, when our schedules allow, lunch with Larry breaks up my workday in a wonderful way.
*Spending time with my cats. Being in nature is good for my hurting spirit. I can’t seem to muster the energy or motivation to spend a lot of time outside, but I have nature in my house in the form of two furry creatures, Sam and Chase.
Focusing on them and their needs—for food, water, treats, warm places to sleep and lots of attention—takes me out of myself at least temporarily.
And their purrs and the sweet nudges they give me with their heads are balm to my heart.
*Reading books. I’m glad the reading OCD has receded because reading has been a big relief for me. I’m currently reading a mystery/thriller, which helps me to get out of myself and enter a different world for a while, and a nonfiction book that is teaching me a lot about the spirit.
*Reading blogs. Reading about the journeys that others are taking helps me know I’m not alone, gives me ideas for what I might do and just reminds me of all the good people out there striving to live life the best ways they can.
*Taking time to breathe. I tend to feel overwhelmed, especially when I’m at work. I find that stopping for just a minute or two and listening to my breath puts me in a better frame of mind.
There are other nonmedical things that I know help with depression that I haven’t been doing. For example, exercise can offer relief from depression. And it doesn’t have to be a workout at the gym. It can be a walk.
Being around other people and focusing on them or a shared activity can also be helpful.
I haven’t been exercising, and I’ve been staying at home most of the time when I’m not at work.
This is a case where I know about things that would help me feel better, but I don’t have the energy or inclination to do them. That needs to change, I know.
In the meantime, I will continue my activities that I’ve been doing. And I'll continue to have hope that things will get better.
What helps you when you’re feeling depressed, low or in a negative mood?
So sweet that being with Larry helps you. Reading makes me happy too. :)
ReplyDeleteKristina, yes, he helps me a lot. I am so grateful for him.
DeleteI too find that being with family has a great help when I'm feeling very low from depression. Oh, and just hugging my fluffy kitty makes me feel so good.
ReplyDeleteI hope you feel better soon. : )
Thank you, Sunny. I'm trying.
DeleteHugging fluffy kitties makes the world seem better.
Mainly prayer. I make all my requests to God and He gives me rest. Also listening to uplifting music, going out to the mall, playing with my hamster, and conversating with others. Great blogs and God bless!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ashley. Those are all good things to add.
DeleteI find that just cuddling with my boyfriend helps. Also reading blogs, taking pictures, or calling or emailing a friend. I also find that walking is the best for me. It takes a lot of effort for me to do it, but when I am out I feel so proud of myself.
ReplyDeleteAlly, those are all good suggestions. I know I should go for a walk, even a short one.
DeleteIt's funny that you mention your cats. It's amazing how animals can help us when we're down isn't it? My little cat Ruby has been my best friend and I don't know what I would do without her :)
ReplyDeleteKeith, that's wonderful that your little Ruby brings you so much joy. Our cats do the same.
DeleteReading your post, I'm reminded of how it's so important to concentrate on the small things that are not so small in keeping us healthy.
ReplyDeleteWhen my sweet Mo was still here, he provided me so much relief. That dog could make me laugh even when I felt dead inside.
I love long walks - really any vigorous exercise can boost my mood and calm anxiety a lot. But you're right, it's hard to actually get out there and DO it even though we know it's good for us!
Anyway, will be thinking of you on this Monday. Your post has already made mine much better.
Thank you, I appreciate it. The small things can make a big difference, can't they?
DeleteWatching a movie helps me, especially with my kitty snuggled up on my lap. And knitting and crochet can work pretty distracting for me as well. And I have an Email friend that I write with every day during the week, and just looking forward to her post helps too.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise it's much the same things you mentioned already.
Tina I hope you will soon feel better!! Thinking about you a lot.
Thank you, Klaaske, I appreciate it. You've listed some good things to try.
DeleteYou rock Tina. I know you can do this. And take a walk, the hormones released form the bottom of your feet are feel good hormones!
ReplyDeleteJodi, thank you for your support. And I will try to take a walk later today. I know it would do me good.
DeleteYou know Tina, I follow one blog that has nothing to do with OCD or depression at all. It's from Attic24, a stay at home mom who does the most amazing things with crochet. In very bright and happy colors. She is such a positive person, it's infectious!
ReplyDeleteI'm making the ripple blanket she has on her site and they truly are ripples of happiness as it's very soothing to crochet on the blanket without having to think of a difficult pattern.
I don't know if you crochet, but have a look, it's really a happy blog: http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/
Klaaske, thank you so much for sharing this. I do crochet, and I'm all for patterns that are fun but not too difficult. I will check out her site!
DeleteMusic, exercise, friends, sunshine, making lists of things to do (to help me focus)...all little things that add up to a dollop of motivation and happiness. Oh, and let's not forget chocolate. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestions, Becky--all good ones. Making lists does help me focus. And chocolate is always a good thing!
DeleteHaving something to look forward to helps me. If we have the financial ability to do so, I'll start planning a vacation or weekend trip a few months away.
ReplyDeleteLisa, that's a good suggestion. Even if it's not a trip, something to look forward to is nice to have.
Deleteit is such a two edged sword... you know that getting out and moving will help, but at the same time it is incredibly draining to even think about let alone do it. for me not socially isolating myself helps - especially when the depression really starts pushing me into that cave. living alone with no family it's very easy for me to be a hermit - but the effort to reach out to God and friends always helps! SO glad you have your sweet husband and kitties!! :o)
ReplyDeleteThank you. You're right--it's a two-edged sword. Moving around would help, but it just seems so hard to do at times.
DeleteYou're amazing, Tina. Even though you are depressed, you are doing things to help yourself, even if it's not easy....sure you can always do more, but that's true for all of us in so many situations...I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet. I'm just searching for any little thing that will help. And I want to help give others ideas for relief, too.
DeleteI like adventure/suspense novels - that I can read pretty much in one sitting, or about 4 hours. Those are pretty distracting. And movies that aren't too depressing/are funny and/or uplifting. Sleep. Music, or the radio (even advertisements can distract me).
ReplyDeleteMy therapy light (not sure if it helps or not, but still worth a shot for me), my list of Five Good Things for each day, wearing my new rings and/or my new necklace, there are so many little things that might help.
But some of them get harder to do when I feel depressed, like getting my dishes washed, or anything involving anxiety (like reaching out to friends). I think it is nasty how the symptoms of depression have the ability/tendency to make depression worse. :(
Abigail--you're right. The depression seems to feed on itself. And some of the little things that we know will make us feel better seem impossible. It's quite frustrating!
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