Part of it is because of the weather - I'm really not a huge fan of winter, but this one has been especially hard. A lot of snow, really cold temperatures - I'm just ready for spring. That coupled with some very stressful weeks at work has left me feeling - ho-hum.
I mentioned that to my friend, and said I was trying to find ways to combat the depression - exercise, diet, and making plans with friends being at the top of my list. Her response to me was to ask if I'd considered counseling.
Here's the thing - I have depression. Not a get-the-white-coat level of depression, but it's there. I deal. I used to go to counseling, but stopped when I really no longer saw a benefit. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think the fact that I can actually identify when I'm depressed, and think of ways to rationally handle the feeling, suggests I learned a lot from my counseling days. No?
Anyway, I reminded her I'd been to counseling before, and that there isn't much a counselor can do about the weather or my job stress. She responded by saying that a counselor can give me "coping mechanisms."
Such as - exercise, diet and making plans, I asked. She said that was a great idea, that I should do those things.
It's weird; I almost don't even need to be there for people to have a conversation with me.
Hugs. At times I feel the same way and the old "copers" (as a friend calls them) just don't work for me so I try something new within them and dive into it. Sometimes we just need something new.
ReplyDeleteHow about a different kind of exercise - maybe one that takes it up a notch, or a totally new food, or going somewhere you've never been before? I know it's within your current coping mechanisms, but at the same time, it's different.
Also, I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on TV, but I can not say enough good things about the Super B vitamins that my OB-NP suggested. They don't cure the world of it's ills and it might be placebo effect, but when I pee it's bright yellow/green and that makes me smile so I've got that going on...
Again, what she said. I dunno...if you find something that really works, let me know too :) I think I'm depressed, but I know mine is situational and I too have been to counseling but just need something...else...
ReplyDeleteCute~Ella - I'm going away this weekend - as luck would have it, to a place I've never been but have always wanted to visit. Bonus is that I'm going with some of my favorite people in the whole world, including two awesome kids. I find it extra-hard to be depressed around little kids. :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I get home, I have promised myself that I will be spending some quality time at the gym, and making some diet changes. Maybe also some vitamin changes, now that you mention that.
I'm determined to make things start looking up. Even if I have to turn them upside down to do it. :)
Thanks!
Autumn - In all seriousness, at one time, I sensed a dramatic change in my overall mood, behavior, etc. It was in large part due to some changes in my marriage. I ended up having to go on medication for depression (which two different doctors agreed upon).
ReplyDeleteI'm not someone who thinks meds are the end-all be-all answer. But I am also not someone who thinks they are a cop-out or to be completely avoided. My friend (from the post) also suggested that I have my Dr adjust my meds, but in my case, I want to try some other things first and see if I can get back to where I was on my own.
I only mention it because, a dramatic change (like I know you've been through) can trigger chemical changes. If that's happened, sometimes meds are needed. Not everyone stays on them forever, sometimes it's just the jumpstart your body needs to get itself back on track.
I think one of the hardest things to do when depressed is to do the things that we know are good for us.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to take me an enormous amount of effort to lift that kettlebell just to bring it to the middle of the room..after all that work schlepping it 10 feet, I'm supposed to clean AND press it? I don't think so.
My point being when depression hits, normal easy things feel insurmountable.
It makes me all stabby when I people tell me "just eat better and exercise".. well DUH.
KicknKnit - You're so right. I'm at a point where I know what I need to do - I just can't quite get there. I've promised myself that I will, and once I start, I know it will get easier.
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