Coping statements work! But you must say them to yourself or out loud to gain the benefit from your coping statements. Unless you know what coping statements are and why they are effective, you may not get the most out of them. I know from personal experience that this was true for me. Using coping statements began for me as affirmations. People send mental … [Read more...] about The Startling Truth About Coping Statements For Anxiety and Depression
My 101 Best Coping Statements For Anxiety and Depression
Coping Statements for my anxiety and depression helps me live a balanced life. It turns out that I was using them at times before I understood what they are. For years it was unclear to me why they work. But because of my hospitalization last year for major depressive disorder, I was introduced to the science behind coping statements. As I found tools to help me with … [Read more...] about My 101 Best Coping Statements For Anxiety and Depression
Why Most Budgets Fail in the First 7 Days (And What I Do in 10 Minutes Instead)
Traditional budgets demand time, discipline, and perfection. Mine requires 10 minutes a week—and actually gets used. It was over 20 years ago that I discovered I needed to consider budgeting for real. Up until then, we kind of floated along. There were new jobs for both of us after graduation. Then came three kids, then the purchase of our first home. Then we moved back … [Read more...] about Why Most Budgets Fail in the First 7 Days (And What I Do in 10 Minutes Instead)
The Most Dangerous Kind of Depression Doesn’t Look Like Depression at All
You show up. You perform. You smile. And because of that, no one—including you—realizes how much energy it takes just to keep going. Even though I am retired, I still spend time each day looking at my email. Often, someone is up before I am, so I am either making coffee or pouring myself a mug. While I don’t have a real calendar, I often make up a short to-do list on the … [Read more...] about The Most Dangerous Kind of Depression Doesn’t Look Like Depression at All
For Eight Years I Saw a Different Psychiatrist Every Year
What finally happened when someone asked a simple question about my depression medication? My Peer Advocate, from On Our Own, has been after me for several years to speak with her doctor about my medication. For some reason, I had never really considered the idea. I would say, “yeah, yeah” when she would bring it up, but then not follow up with a phone call or a Google … [Read more...] about For Eight Years I Saw a Different Psychiatrist Every Year
I Thought Therapy Was Today: A Lesson in Anger, Loneliness, and Emotional Growth
I went to bed after midnight and thought I was having therapy this morning. I woke up at 6 am and got up at 6:40 am. After going to the bathroom and making my bed, I went into the kitchen to make coffee. Then I took my phone and began to review last night’s emails and text messages. That’s when I realized that this is only Tuesday, and my Zoom therapy session is on … [Read more...] about I Thought Therapy Was Today: A Lesson in Anger, Loneliness, and Emotional Growth
The Beetle by the Pool and What Panama Is Teaching Me About Retirement
I am looking at a huge beetle climbing up beside the swimming pool. It moved slowly along the edge of the shadow and then turned and went down the step. I lost it when it moved so that my view of it was blocked by a hammock. Now it went up again. And when I looked up from typing, it was down again. It must be looking for food, not escape. One last thing about the … [Read more...] about The Beetle by the Pool and What Panama Is Teaching Me About Retirement
