Retreating to our mental closet

I have a friend who says he goes in his (mental) closet when he has a really bad day with depression. He seeks a quiet place in his home where he can be alone and where he does not have to interact with others for awhile. Here in his “closet”, he can do some reading, or his writings, or just sit and think and analyze and try to work out some solutions to what is bothering him, so that he can come to accept his thoughts and emotions. He says that time seems to be the real cure and then he can go forward again.

Reading therapy...whatever it takes to help us

There are many kinds and types of written material that we can use for reading therapy. Each of us is different with what interests us. But I am sure that we all can find SOMETHING that we enjoy reading...even the comics. I love to read fiction novels.

Here is my list of books that I have read within the last 12 months:

Twilight......by Stephenie Meyer

New Moon.....Stephenie Meyer

Eclipse.......Stephenie Meyer

Breaking Dawn....Stephenie Meyer

Midnight Sun (partial draft).....Stephenie Meyer

Don't Cry Wolf......Clair Poulson
A Train To Potevka.....Mike Ramsdell
The Christmas Shoes…Donna VanLiere
The Christmas Blessing….Donna VanLiere
The Christmas Hope….Donna VanLiere
The Christmas Promise….Donna VanLiere
Escape….Carolyn Jessop

My new discovery

Within the last month I have made a very important discovery pertaining to my depression.

For months now, I have been doing tons of writing, including beginning a book, and also reading a lot more fiction books. Surprisingly, I have noticed a pattern developing which I certainly hope continues throughout the winter months.

All this writing and reading has hugely helped improve my depression. Generally this time of year I am well into the depression blues and not having any motivation to do anything. Of course, when we are depressed everything seems to bother us and it all turns inward, to ourselves. But all this writing and reading has just accomplished the complete opposite...all my feelings and thoughts have turned outward away from within me.

My writings help me to delve within myself and pull all my feelings and thoughts out from within the depths of me and put them onto paper. Reading helps me escape for awhile into another time and situation, thus providing me with an outlet with which to ponder, enjoy and get lost in, for awhile.

So, the secret is...to find something that you enjoy SO MUCH that it will enable you to bring all your feelings and thoughts out of you and center them on something that can take you away from your pent up emotions.

Try an online depression forum

There are all types of forums online, for all types of things that we might be interested in, for help or to learn from. Forums are safe and private...they are NOT chat rooms. You just post a question and later people answer or comment on your question. The depression forum is made up of other people who suffer from depression. You can even just read the questions and comments from others...you don’t have to post one yourself, if you don’t want to.
Click on the following link to take you to a good depression forum:

http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-depression

Because I am also an introvert, I have joined an introvert forum which I really love and have learned so very much from. My favorite introvert forum is:
http://hiddengiftsoftheintrovertedchild.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=c98c3ed277b925c2539725fcd535ff64&board=5.0

Get outside!

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to get lots of fresh air and sunshine, along with exercise. There is something magic in it all.

Now as our weather is getting cooler, I just love to sit out on our back deck and spend a few hours just reading, in the refreshing air. I have noticed that it really makes a difference in how I feel...and that appears to be...happier.

What is your hobby or something you thoroughly LOVE to do?

....whatever it is, immerse yourself in it; get lost in it; get renewed giddiness with it. Do all you can to use that hobby, activity or interest to help you through your rough days of depression. Don’t feel too guilty if other things do not get done. Just know, and help your family to know and understand, that this is a temporary outlet to help you get through those days of darkness.

Yes, I know that when the bad days come, we generally do not feel like doing ANYTHING AT ALL...that’s why you must choose an activity that will strongly work for you and be like your medicine.

The activities that I LOVE and which help me are: watching movies, and doing my various writings including my 10 blogs. Yikes!...10 blogs? ...yes, I am addicted and also I love knowing that I can help other people through my various kinds of blogs.

I found a very helpful website on depression

It is called “The Depression Guide”.
http://members.fortunecity.com/depressionguide/

click on the chart below to enlarge...

Knowing and understanding that I am an introvert has helped me so much!

.... I N N I E ....

Oh what a blessing to finally discover that I am not all alone in my feelings and habits of not being a people person or not feeling comfortable in large crowds or social events and struggling with carrying on a conversation with someone.

It is such a good feeling to know that I am not “weird” for enjoying time being just with myself. And that I am ok because I don’t WANT or NEED lots of social life and tons of friends.

Discovering that 1/3 of the population is introverted, brings lots of comfort and greater understanding and acceptance of myself. I am a normal introvert and that knowledge has brought me such relief!

There is a book called “The Introvert Advantage...how to thrive in an extrovert world”, written by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D. The author herself is an introvert. The book shows introverts how to work with, instead of against, their temperament to enjoy a well-lived life.



If you are interested in the book, click on the link below:

http://www.theintrovertadvantage.com/advantage.html