So, aside from trying to get better and help HUBS get better this past month, I've also been reading a book that was suggested to me by a reader of this blog (Thanks, Jeri!).
The Depression Cure was written by a doctor who created a drug-free program to help people kick their depression symptoms in the ass.
What I love most about the program is that everything is doable, inexpensive or free and based on some pretty simple ideas. Since we tend to close ourselves off from life when we're depressed, we end up making things worse because, guess what? We need to get some exercise, hang out with people, sleep a solid part of the night, go outside and see the sun and do things we enjoy so that we stop dwelling on our problems (perceived and real).
I haven't fully implemented all of his ideas, mostly because there's still a bit of upheaval around these parts, but I am happy about what I've been able to do so far.
1) I'm taking an omega 3 supplement because it's been shown to help with mood.
2) I've been using Breathe Right strips since Friday, and they have greatly helped my ability to sleep through the night. (With the exception of Monday night, when I was up for an hour and 40 minutes dealing with a bout of food poisoning. I'm done with you, Applebee's.)
3) Now that it's cooler outside, I've been spending a lot more time outside in the sun. Not purposely soaking up the sun, but not actively staying to the shadows when I'm outside, either.
4) With all our HUBS medical trips of the past few weeks, I've probably talked to more people this month than I have all summer. Even though doing so much of it was annoying at times, I know it's better than locking myself away in my cat-filled house on a daily basis.
5) I let HUBS talk me into swimming last week. His physical therapist said it would be good for his back and leg, and he found a place with a whirlpool, sauna and steam room to help with my congestion that we could try for free. And, you know what? I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was free. We went in the middle of the week at night so hardly anyone was there. The pool was a balmy 84 degrees so it didn't shock to get into or out of. The whirlpool without bubbles was to die for. You have my heart Jewish Community Center. You. Have. My. Heart.
6) I've become completely absorbed in the games on my phone. Ruminating is one thing that will make depression worse every time. I needed to get my mind off things and turned to my neglected game apps. It has worked tremendously. I even had HUBS futz with my phone to give me more storage space so I could add more games. I'm loving the freedom it's giving my brain!
I plan to do more as I feel better. Honestly, I feel like I have some control over my symptoms for the first time in my life. If nothing else, this program works just by giving me hope of being able to beat this thing. Plus, I'll have a nice list of steps I can take to make things better when I start to get down.
If you're battling the blues or full blown depression, I cannot say enough to recommend getting your hands on this book. I really believe it will help.
Do you have any tried and true methods for beating back the blues? I'd love to hear them, so share in the comments!
6 comments:
That is awesome. I understand the need to do all of those things. When I do even just a small part, it's amazing how much better I feel. :-). You go girl. :-),Susan Cooper
It sounds like you are progressing exceptionally well. I have tried a number of these previously and there are a few I would like to try. Thank you for sharing this information. It is highly valuable to anyone who has been or is going through depression.
Keep it up. It takes guts and determination to keep depression at bay and you seem to have these attributes in spades :)
Hi Adrienne,
I particularly hate pills! They make me throw up- illness or no illness. So I like to go the mental route when trying to "beat back the blues".
Depression and I used to be kind of 'closely related'. We crossed each others paths occasionally and when that happens, all hell lets loose.
So my simple antidote to dealing with such negative occurrences is to focus my mind on other things- stuff that are important, positive and attention grabbing. I could listen to music, do a house chore or simply go for a walk. It works!
Thanks for your comment on my blog (www.deep-think.org).
That book sounds good... i'll have to check it out... I am also a believer in supplements!
One thing that helps me is running, or just long walks... that sometimes helps too!
So happy to see you've found the book helpful! I need to revisit it again and work ALL the steps a bit better. That book really did make me aware of all the time I spent ruminating. I still do, but at least I have tools now to deal better with it.
Thanks for all the comments, everyone! Now that I'm sleeping better getting to bed at the same time every night isn't as hard as I thought it would be. I've also been able to wake up at roughly the same time every morning.
Plus! I've done morning yoga three times this week, so I'm exercising more, too. I'm sore, but I know it's better than sitting on my ass all day!
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