the id, the ego, & the single misfiring brain cell - Latest Comments on day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Hinermad [Visitor] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:27:03 +0000

Diana,

Oh be nice, or we’ll turn it into “30 days of challenges.” (grin)

Dave

admin [Member] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 16:01:54 +0000

Hey now. I didn’t say it would be 30 consecutive days!

Hmph. ;)

Aunt Bann [Visitor] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 04:53:51 +0000

OK, Young’un! Where is your post for today????

Judy [Visitor] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 17:55:20 +0000

l read “The Happiness Project” last year - it has some valid suggestions, but I like “Let’s Pretend This Never Happened” better. :)

Reflect on the positive. Every day, the kids and I have to choose 3 things that were good things for the day. It can be a simple as driving down the highway with the windows down, favorite song blaring. Sometimes, it’s just that I ate chocolate. The harder the day, the more important those three things are.

My Dad says plant something and watch it grow. I don’t know about the growing part, but I love to pull weeds when I’m in a funk. The digging/planting part can be great, too, since it’s physical labor with an immediate payoff.

My Mom has always said that cheering up someone else is the fastest way to cheer yourself up. Yeah. I like that one, but I’m fairly certain it’s been a long time since she practiced what she preaches.

I would never say that I struggle with depression, but I have a vested interest in arming my children against it.

Just one more thing. I think Dave’s right - you need a goal. I seem to remember my Dad saying that one, years ago. :)

Peachy [Visitor] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:49:38 +0000

- Okay, okay, just one more. Watch Uma Thurman in the short film, “The Mundane Goddess.” Her therapist gives her some good advice translatable into any case of depression.

Peachy [Visitor] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:21:21 +0000

Another suggestion: Get down on the floor with your dog and hash out your feeling with him or her. Be honest with yourself and your dog about your depression. Your dog won’t judge you and offers a free shoulder to cry on. Bigger, fluffier dogs are best for a good hug. Small dogs aren’t really useful. They’re generally too nervous/spastic to allow you to relax. Definitely don’t use cats; they could care less.

Or just get down on the floor and play with the dog. A good tug o’ war session and a dog’s playful spirit will lift you out of depression in no time.

Peachy [Visitor] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:20:31 +0000

Go fishing. I know you used to do so. There are plenty of lakes (albeit small and not really pretty) on the Academy. However, some of them have handicap access which is an advantage in your injured state. One of my favorite fishing holes was Eleven-Mile Canyon near Lake George. Beautiful scenery and good fishing. It’s about 1 1/2 hours away and costs extra to get into, but I it’s worth the time and expense.

Or drive into the mountains on one of the scenic byways. Colorado isn’t just the east side of the Front Range–which sucks. You need to get west of I-25 to really enjoy it. There are some good day trips along them close to where you live.

Aunt Bann [Visitor] in response to: day 1 of 30: ideas on how to cope with depression

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 04:56:30 +0000

I don’t get depressed very often, but I find that I can go outside awhile and usually not be so depressed when I have to go back inside. Writing also helps. And remembering how many people love me also helps. Make a list—-under Mitch, put my name. Then go from there.

I DO LOVE YOU!!!