In recent years, depression has been a big part of my birthday. To call it a birthday celebration would be wrong. From my perspective, there was no celebration involved. It was just a day to get through. And I did it by pulling together my high-functioning depression skills. I have honed this skill over many decades and can turn it on now, at will. But using my … [Read more...] about I’m Happy Depression Wasn’t At My Birthday Party
mental health
Singing to Music As I Drive Gives Me Too Much Time to Think
I imagine the artists would be flattered to hear I get lost in their music. And in and of itself, that is not a bad thing. But what I have found happening in the past few weeks is a song triggers a memory. The memory is often pleasant, but many times it’s painful. I try to ignore most of these thoughts by singing along. But the memory crowds in and begins to block out … [Read more...] about Singing to Music As I Drive Gives Me Too Much Time to Think
My Self-Care Helps Me and May Encourage Others
Self-care means different things to different people. Soaking in a bubble bath with candles all around the tub, while classical music plays softly in the background used to come to mind when I heard self-care. That thought used to make me cringe. Now I see the term as a catch-all for activities that I choose, which give me joy and relief from anything bothering me. How … [Read more...] about My Self-Care Helps Me and May Encourage Others
Depression Was Happy That I Was Neglecting Self-Care
I just thought I was overly busy. But then, I noticed that each day was clipping along, and I was becoming a spectator. No longer was I seizing the moment, setting aside time for me, or even thinking about tomorrow. Events were driving me. Then I spoke with my therapist. “If you don’t put your own oxygen mask on first, how can you help others?” Once again, he saw that … [Read more...] about Depression Was Happy That I Was Neglecting Self-Care
Evergreen – Lessons I’ve Learned From 50 Years of High-Functioning Depression
It's been almost 2 1/2 years since I checked in to 5 East. What I have learned since then has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. The morning I went to the ER, I was so tightly up against the wall that I could not see anything except the abyss. At that moment, I was way past circling the drain. And as I have recounted many times, that morning I saw only … [Read more...] about Evergreen – Lessons I’ve Learned From 50 Years of High-Functioning Depression