It takes a lot of effort sometimes

Having depression causes me not to want to do anything much at all. I have a struggle finding interest in something and my idleness leaves me with too much time to think about my down feelings.

The days I PUSH myself to leave the house and go do something for other people, are the days that I feel much better about myself... and that grey depression cloud lifts a bit.

Just the other day I went to the hospital and visited a friend who had surgery. Then from there I went to a care center and visited another friend who is not doing very well. I was very glad that I came out of myself and made the effort to do that.

Sunshine, fresh air, and doing what we love to do

Sun therapy...being outdoors soaking up Mr. Sun and Vitamin D...both of which are important in the defense against depression.

I feel that there is something refreshing and magical with being out in the sun and breathing in the fresh air....especially if there is a little soft breeze and the scenery is lovely. I love to take slow, deep breaths and enjoy the moment. And now that spring is about here, I can truly say that I have “spring fever”, because I can’t get enough of the outdoors. Seems that the more I can just relax out in the sun and fresh air....the less severe my depression bouts seem.

Another thing that helps me, is doing the things that gives me the most enjoyment. One of those things is my writings. I write about my feelings and thoughts on a multitude of various topics of life and things. Doing the things we love to do....and doing them with all our heart and to the best of our ability, is what brings us joy and lifts us out of our down periods. And if the things we love to do can also help other people, then how wonderful is that.

A good laugh

I am always grateful to my friends and family who send me some of their forwarded e-mail fun things. No matter how down I happen to be on a given day...if I receive a “funny” from someone and it happens to hit me just right, I find myself in a good, loud, side hurting laugh over it. I consider a good hard lengthy tears in the eyes laugh to be very good medicine.....for anyone...and for anything that troubles you!

The Ups and Downs of December

My friend L. and I both struggle with the ups and downs of depression. We help each other through our bad days and have somewhat shared and compared our struggles through this past month. Why December seems to be our worst month, is different for each of us. Past memories and experiences play a part....along with the rush, stress, and sometimes overwhelming preparations of the Christmas season.

How are YOU doing?

Well, not too many days left until Christmas. How are YOU holding up? Have you been able to keep busy enough to get your mind off of your sadness? Have you had opportunities to go out and do something for someone else?

I also hope that you live in an area where you can soak up some of Mr. Sun....or at least sit under some full-spectrum lights.

I would like to hear from you as to how you are handling this time in your life.