Re: Dealing with Depression

[Guest guest]

Hi, all. I've been going through a very bad spell the

last few days, and the depression has really been

awful. I was thinking that maybe some of you can pass

along ideas for getting through really bad

depressions. My regular methods have not worked well

for me the last couple of days, but here are a few

ideas for things that *usually* help me, in case any

of them help someone:

I try to remember all the people (most especially my

husband) and pets who love me and depend on me and who

think I'm great.

I try to stop and take deep breaths.

I go for brisk walks and wonder at the birds and

butterflies and the rest of nature that I see.

I light some incense and watch it burn - slowly, while

clearing my mind of bad thoughts.

I listen to my favorite music.

I try to read something funny every day (I recommend

Far Side books, anything by (Dilbert), and

I'm going to order some books by Sedarus (sp?),

who cracks me up). Anyone have any other authors to

recommend?

I try to repeat to myself: I will get well.

I try to stay busy and keep my mind occupied. I have

found that this is the best way to stave off

depression, but like I said, the last few days have

been awful. When I'm this bad, I have to literally

force myself to get out of bed.

Wishing everyone some peace,

Suzy

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Suzy,

When I get really depressed (actually going through a bout of depression

right now) I try to keep myself bussy so that I wont be focusing on the

problem. Outdoor activitys, even just sitting outside can really help.

Also when I get depressed I tend to have bitter thoughts about all my

friends who are " normal " and have homes and children. This is the most

destructive part of it for me, so I just try and think of all the things I

have that those friends dont and I can usually see then that things really

do even out.

Also, when listening to your favorite music, make sure its the upbeat

stuff.

Bunny /| |\

. .

( ! )

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

Hi all,

Depression is a very common thing to develop when one has a chronic

illness like we do. I would urge anyone who has been suffering with

depression to see a therapist for treatment. It was instrumental in

getting me in the right frame of mind to go out there and find my

cure.

in SF

[Guest guest]

Suzy,

It might sound strange, but whenever I'd get really down in the dumps my mother would always tell me to do something nice for someone else. Never one to turn down mom's advice, I started doing that, and it really helps. Seeing the pleasure on someone else's face, and being the cause of it, always makes me feel good. And it doesn't even have to be anything big - an e-mail card just to say hi, telling someone you appreciate them, printing out a favorite recipe, etc. - and you'd be surprised how much joy that can bring.

Hope this helps!

Beth

[Guest guest]

Hello! As trite as it sounds, I recommend keeping a

gratitude journal. I often try to think of all the

wonderful things I DO have. Sometimes it helps, and

sometimes it doesn't. Also, I'm a therapist and find

that it is very helpful for many of my clients.

Liz

--- wrote:

> Hi all,

> Depression is a very common thing to develop when

> one has a chronic

> illness like we do. I would urge anyone who has been

> suffering with

> depression to see a therapist for treatment. It was

> instrumental in

> getting me in the right frame of mind to go out

> there and find my

> cure.

> in SF

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

I'm sorry that you are going through a bout of depression,

but try to remember that your body has been through a lot

with the surgery and healing, and that it is normal to have

some depression. From my own experience with surgery it took

me months to get my stamina back. You are so young and have

been through a lot. No one should have to deal with this

awful problem but to see those of you that are so young

breaks my heart. But I can tell you this from talking to you

and now meeting you I know that you are one strong lady. You

have an inner strength that radiates. Take care.

Bunny Hugs, Pam

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Good advice, my mom told me to do the same thing!

Pam

> Suzy,

>

> It might sound strange, but whenever I'd get really down in the

dumps my mother would always tell me to do something nice for someone

else. Never one to turn down mom's advice, I started doing that, and

it really helps. Seeing the pleasure on someone else's face, and

being the cause of it, always makes me feel good. And it doesn't even

have to be anything big - an e-mail card just to say hi, telling

someone you appreciate them, printing out a favorite recipe, etc. -

and you'd be surprised how much joy that can bring.

>

> Hope this helps!

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

,

I don't suffer from depression while dealing with this but

I do see a therapist but not for depression but for stress

management and it does help some. I agree about a

therapist for treatment if this is an issue.

=====

Kristy

http://www.geocities.com/sokokl/kristyspersonalpage.html

Owner:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Endo_Vulvodynia_PCOS

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Zoladexforendometriosis

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all for the kind suggestions. I didn't

make it clear in my original post that I was looking

for suggestions to help make it through a bad day or

two, as opposed to constant depression. I feel sad

about my situation for some part of most days, but I

am really *depressed* only a day or two here and

there. I am reluctant to try meds. for depression

that isn't more constant than that, so I was looking

for " pick-me-uppers " , which you've been kind enough to

provide. I like the idea of doing something nice for

someone else!

Interestingly, I felt much better this morning, both

physically and mentally. I said to my husband, it was

like someone had turned on a switch! Not

surprisingly, a few hours later, I saw signs (cervical

mucus) that I'll be ovulating soon. So it was that

good estrogen to the rescue again!

Thanks all for your good thoughts.

Suzy

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi. I have been dealing with depression from this condition for years.

I have a therapist, and she has lots of suggestions for ways to cheer

yourself up.

One thing that really helps me is my husband and daughter touch me

constantly when I'm in a flareup. Not both at the same time. But one of them

holds my hand or puts their hand on my back or shoulder. It is so

comforting. I can feel the gentleness and love flowing from them. Also they

do massage on me and that is so pleasant.

Unfortunately this doesn't help very much at work. I love my friends at work

but I would not feel comfortable with the touching (probably they wouldn't

either).

When I'm at work I go to the gym at midday and do aerobics. That usually

cheers me up and helps the pain as well, but the effects don't last the rest

of the day.

I thought your ideas are pretty good actually. How do your pets help?

>

> Message: 3

> Date: Sun, 5 Aug 2001 19:25:19 -0700 (PDT)

>

> Subject: Re: Dealing with Depression

>

> Hi, all. I've been going through a very bad spell the

> last few days, and the depression has really been

> awful. I was thinking that maybe some of you can pass

> along ideas for getting through really bad

> depressions. My regular methods have not worked well

> for me the last couple of days, but here are a few

> ideas for things that *usually* help me, in case any

> of them help someone:

>

> I try to remember all the people (most especially my

> husband) and pets who love me and depend on me and who

> think I'm great.

>

> I try to stop and take deep breaths.

>

> I go for brisk walks and wonder at the birds and

> butterflies and the rest of nature that I see.

>

> I light some incense and watch it burn - slowly, while

> clearing my mind of bad thoughts.

>

> I listen to my favorite music.

>

> I try to read something funny every day (I recommend

> Far Side books, anything by (Dilbert), and

> I'm going to order some books by Sedarus (sp?),

> who cracks me up). Anyone have any other authors to

> recommend?

>

> I try to repeat to myself: I will get well.

>

> I try to stay busy and keep my mind occupied. I have

> found that this is the best way to stave off

> depression, but like I said, the last few days have

> been awful. When I'm this bad, I have to literally

> force myself to get out of bed.

>

> Wishing everyone some peace,

>

> Suzy

>

>

>