thrive

Hey my buddies. I am so sorry to be so absent lately. The trip to CA, then no naps, then Mom visiting, just very out of sync. It  does take it’s toll. I am hanging in there eating fairly well and making some good choices at times and not so good ones at others. One night of my Mom’s visit I actually went to bed at 9:30 versus the old me that would’ve outlasted everyone and stayed up til midnight watching TV and eating to have down time. It felt so good to make that choice as I got sleep and didn’t eat late which i totally would have! Then there was the entire pizza my hubby and i ate after Mom left on Sunday - not such a good choice. I’m trying to balance it out.

I have missed so many of your stories here and missed telling you mine. I do apologize. Always feel free to email me for anything - i try and check that daily.

So, one thing I have been so struck by is this GIANT link between Depression and Weight troubles. I was talking to my mom about that as she is a diabetes educator - i told her to make sure people get screened for depression. I, too, have that big link. Depression can just hammer down on me in so many ways and eating is right there to alleviate the pain, fill the voids, numb me, distract, deter etc. I used to think it was my friend, now i think it is depression’s friend and part of an unending cycle.

I am finding some ways to step out of it.

First thing was the belief that I could step out of it and the hope that i would be successful. I always thought that was just how I am and then recently when I went through that few days of crazy I hit a bottom that pushed me back up. It was like the bottom of drugs/alcohol/ food abuse. I was just ready to be done and belived that I could. Very exciting and i am trying to hang on to that for  dear life EVEN or especially when Depression circles back around for me. I wanted to share some practical things that are helping me. Also, I just told the Diamonds about some research, too.

1. Sleep. Get it fo you can. Moms, insominacs, you hear this all the time. For me, it IS the number one link to depression I have discovered.

2. Find hope and belief in yourself. It really is possible to have a different experience of yourself and your life. I never believed it but i can say, now, that it is true. Do not listen to people who tell you otherwise about yourself!

3. Cling like mad to that hope not to that sorrow

4. The research is in, EXERCISE is as effective as prozac in treating depression and anxiety. I believe it is one hour 4 times a week. For me, I started with even 10 or 20 min at a time. With nice weather - I find outside most helpful.

5. Community. Balance between social and time alone. Support. Pay att’n to how you feel with different people - the ones that are belittling, criticizing etc don’t deserve you! That takes you away and gives depression more.

6. Journaling or blogging (feelings, thoughts, food, exercise, whatever works for you) I am thinking of starting a gratefulness journal.

7. Learning to be okay with who I am (still working on this). Had this great moment on a dog walk the night before my Mom came to town. See I was incredibly stressed and anxious. I tried to meditate out on this hill and my mind was so restless, what came, though, was this mantra - This is who I am. The idea is that it is okay, I don’t need to apologize, accomodate or be ashamed of - I am who I am. For instance, I spend too much $ at cafes everyday and I’m a little messy and we have alot of toys or whatever it is, it’s just me and that’s okay even if Mom doesn’t agree.

8. More research - Omega 3s with DHA, B12 vitamins, and folate all help depression and anxiety. Take them or eat them!

9. Sugar at night messes up my sleep. Otherwise I’m ok with it in limited quantities.

10. Being physically ill is an invitation for depression.

11. Being outside is magical!

12. Sex is good or physical intimacy -when not feeling sexual getting a massage can be wonderful.

13. Too much TV/eating definitely bums me out.

14. Showering every day and attempting a little fixing me up is great for feeling good and is the first to go when I’m blue (besides exercise).

15. Personally, I believe that meditation and yoga, but moreso meditation will be my savior. I started to do it every day last week and didn’t make it. The Mom visit threw me, but I will try again. Partly a tribute to my old therapist who died recently.

16. I forgot - therapy or group support.

17. Taking little steps to get things done. I tend to look at the big picture and get overwhelmed. Little steps, little bits of exercise, pounds, tasks, decluttering is good for me for that.

18. HA HA HA - I just re-read and realized I forgot that eating well effects my mood. When I eat well I feel good physically and mentally. There is some room for me to choose junk occassionally but not too much or my mind, body, and soul don’t like it.

I dunno, there are probably more… anyway, maybe that willhelp someone else. maybe just me to write it all out as a reminder of what i know about depression and anxiety and keeping them away!

love you all and take good care of yourselves - you really do deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!