Why would I turn a 4 ½ hour trek in Shenandoah National Park into an all-or-nothing scenario? After all, this was just a warmup to trekking the Inca Trail this October in Peru. A chance to test out gear and remember what worked and what did not when we climbed Kilimanjaro in January. And maybe it was hotter than any recent hike I have undertaken. But why should that trigger … [Read more...] about It’s Just a Hike, Why Am I Using All or Nothing Thinking?
Coping Statements for Depression
Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
I’m Joel and I have Major Depressive Disorder. This short video gives a snapshot of what I am up against. I have learned one amazing thing about myself. Most of what I worry about never happens. I will time-travel into the future and imagine all kinds of trouble. But as the event plays out, the trouble never appears. My depression throws out some form of unhelpful thinking … [Read more...] about Until 4 Years Ago, I Never Called My Depression By Name
My Updated 2023 Coping Statements for Depression and Anxiety
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash I began 2023 by updating my list of Coping Statements. After 4 years, it seemed time to make sure my list was up to date. I wanted to see what I am using and what coping statements I have passed over. With a collection of 101 coping statements, I can use for my depression and anxiety, knowing which ones seem to help is … [Read more...] about My Updated 2023 Coping Statements for Depression and Anxiety
Was Reducing My Wellbutrin a Good Idea? – Part 2
The afterglow of having family at our home has faded, along with the strength of my Wellbutrin. It was me that brought up reducing my daily dosage when I last met with my psychiatrist. I cited how warm and lighter the winter had been so far and that I had not needed to get out my daylight box. Plus, having gone to Africa, the winter had been broken into pre and post-trek to … [Read more...] about Was Reducing My Wellbutrin a Good Idea? – Part 2
My Depression is Waiting for Me to Say, “I Give Up”
Photo by Hasnain Babar on Unsplash My depression can only push me so far or it will lose its host. After all, if I die, then depression dies too. So it is in depression’s best interest to keep me alive and kicking. Even when it has me in the abyss, its focus is on keeping me up against that wall. If I cannot feel anything or envision any way forward, depression is … [Read more...] about My Depression is Waiting for Me to Say, “I Give Up”