"I have depression, depression does not have me." This has been my mantra for over 15 months. Hospitalized at the end of April last year, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. My hospitalization began my journey to learn all I can about depression. Along the way, I have collected tools that I use daily. Some tools for facing my depression are now so ingrained, that … [Read more...] about Two Tools That Help Me and Others Navigate Depression
Coping Statements for Depression
A Time to Sow, A Time to Reap – My Unhelpful Thinking Exposed
After 15 months of sowing, I am beyond doubt getting to reap some benefits. Depression is no longer the unknown figure lurking in the wings, trying to lure me with candy and peanuts. There are many tools I use daily to understand the sneaky, devious ways depression exploits situations to entice me to follow its ideas. Just yesterday, depression was attempting to insist I … [Read more...] about A Time to Sow, A Time to Reap – My Unhelpful Thinking Exposed
Am I Afraid to Heal?
Is depression my reason for living? After all, I have grown up with depression. We have been together for over 43 years, probably longer. And much of my life was spent not facing my depression. Heck, I was the expert on hiding my depression every time it would come around. I could certainly be the poster child for concealed depression. And then, I can sweep the … [Read more...] about Am I Afraid to Heal?
I’m a Little Nervous This Morning
Why? I’m still not sure what to say to my new Psychiatrist. And the appointment is less than five hours away. Yes, I have made some notes and collected documents. I have my Aetna Insurance card and my drivers license. In the bathroom, I hung a large cloth bag to collect all my current prescription medication, plus the supplements I am taking. Once again, I have all the … [Read more...] about I’m a Little Nervous This Morning
Day Five of My Stay-cation, So Why Can’t I Sleep?
On the first day of vacation, I was in bed and out like a light. This makes sense as I was up early and had worked until midnight. Then I had the hour-plus ride home, and some relaxing with a word game then lights out. For the past two nights, I have been going to bed later and later. This seemed like a marvelous thing to do. I was not rushing to bed as quickly as I … [Read more...] about Day Five of My Stay-cation, So Why Can’t I Sleep?