That calm, clear feeling arrived two days ago. Even having the oven stop working after I used the auto-clean feature hasn’t dulled my sense of “I’m Ok.” I am enjoying this feeling. Understanding that this will not last forever, I am soaking it in. And the sense of balance is still with me today, as I start day three. Having balance does not make me feel special. I am not … [Read more...] about Is My Life With Depression Really in Balance?
SMART
No-nonsense Holiday Mental Health Awareness Tips to Overcome Triggers
There are only 16 more shopping days until Christmas. Hanukah is right around the corner, Kwanza is rapidly approaching. Yet Covid-19 marches on and wave two is sweeping across the country. As a group, we did not do so well with the staying at home for Thanksgiving idea. And the spike in new cases is bearing that out. Unless you don't believe in coronavirus, in which case … [Read more...] about No-nonsense Holiday Mental Health Awareness Tips to Overcome Triggers
What Does Your Depression Look Like? Mine Has Three Feelings.
My depression is a classic textbook hopelessness. Not the passing, “oh, I will never pass this exam,” or the “why didn’t I get the job?” While I have had many similar thoughts over my lifetime, these would only last a few days. I would get over it and move on. This feeling of hopelessness, in moderation, is a normal part of life. We all have disappointments and situations we … [Read more...] about What Does Your Depression Look Like? Mine Has Three Feelings.
Depression Introduced Me to Unhelpful Thinking Styles
It has been 15 months since depression and I walked into the emergency room. The tools I have learned since that morning are making my day-to-day life more balanced. I am much more consistent in my mood and attitude. Frequently the days do not look daunting and I am able to get up and get going. Even a few months ago, I was wondering if I would ever be able to do that … [Read more...] about Depression Introduced Me to Unhelpful Thinking Styles
Recent Raccoons and My Depression
I know my depression recovery is not a straight line. And, in the animal kingdom, some species are more active at certain times of the year. This includes raccoons that I see now on my nightly commute home. Having traveled the same back roads for almost a year, there are certain spots where I expect to see wildlife. Over the winter, I saw way more fox than I am seeing now. … [Read more...] about Recent Raccoons and My Depression