Category: Getting better

Depression – What is it?

On By debdebtigIn Depression, Get help, Getting better, WellnessLeave a comment
  • Depression is a common mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure. Depression can also cause changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, concentration, and thoughts.
  • The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. Some people may experience only a few symptoms, while others may experience many. The symptoms of depression can also vary in severity.
  • There are many different risk factors for depression. Some of the risk factors for depression include:
    • Family history: People who have a family history of depression are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
    • Personal history: People who have experienced a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one or a serious illness, are more likely to develop depression.
    • Substance abuse: People who abuse drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop depression.
    • Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and cancer, can increase the risk of depression.
    • Life stressors: People who are going through a lot of stress, such as financial problems or relationship problems, are more likely to develop depression.
  • There are many different ways to detect depression. Some of the methods that can be used to detect depression include:
    • Self-assessment tools: There are many different self-assessment tools that can be used to screen for depression. These tools are usually available online or in doctor’s offices.
    • Clinical interviews: A doctor or mental health professional can conduct a clinical interview to assess for depression. This interview will typically include questions about the person’s symptoms, medical history, and family history.
    • Biological tests: There are some biological tests that can be used to detect depression, such as blood tests and brain scans. However, these tests are not always accurate and are not usually used to diagnose depression.
  • Early detection and treatment of depression is important. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, it is important to seek professional help. Depression is a treatable condition, and there are many different effective treatments available.
  • If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, there are many resources available to help. You can talk to your doctor or a mental health professional, or you can contact a crisis hotline or support group. There is help available, and you don’t have to go through this alone.

Today is Mental Health Awareness Day

On By debdebtigIn Depression, Get help, Getting better, WellnessLeave a comment

Today, I will share my truth. I am plagued by depression. Depression doesn’t have me, but depression does fight with me.

It fights with me to stay in bed and not start the day.

It fights with me to not be positive and bring light to the world.

It fights with me to not go out shopping.

It fights with me to not go visit my grandbabies.

It fights with me to not go out and play with the dog.

Know this:

I WILL get out of bed and start my day!

I WILL continue to be positive and try to bring a light to the world.

I WILL go shopping when I need to (Yup, today).

I WILL continue to go visit my grandbabies to enjoy their beautiful light and love.

I WILL go outside and enjoy the sun and play with Teddy.

Depression may plague me, but, *I* will define me!

Amazing Life

On By debdebtigIn Bad day, Depression, Getting better, Happy, Joy, WellnessLeave a comment

Feeling incredibly blessed. I have a loving family. Wonderful friends. An amazing man. And everything is going right with my world.

But know that when you fight depression and anxiety it’s an every day battle. Some days are amazing while others can be so hard to even crawl out of bed.

I’m very happy that I have so much in my life that makes me want to get up and join this amazing world every day. It definitely wasn’t always that way.

Depression and Cleanliness

On By debdebtigIn Bad day, Busy, Depression, Getting better, WellnessLeave a comment

Do you have a depressed friend that can never seem to get their house clean? Always dishes in the sink or the floor really needing to be vacuumed? Thinking back to my absolute worst days I can see my houses at those times and I just cringe at the sight. Clothes everywhere rather than in the basket. Dishes in the sink. And vacuum? You’ve got to be kidding.

Know that even if your friend doesn’t know they are depressed you are probably seeing someone that is having a really rough time. I had so many times where my house became the first visible sign of how bad my depression had gotten. I remember my mother saying ‘a messy house is a sign of a messy mind’ and she was usually right. How could I possibly wrap my head around cleaning my house when I couldn’t wrap my head around clearing the clutter in my mind?

Some opposites happened as well. A couple times I was smart enough to help someone else out financially while I dealt with the depression rather than making the depression worse by trying to clean or organize. On the other hand there were times where a specific thing would be neat and organized to the nth degree. I was told once by a psychologist that it was because it made me feel better to be able to control that one thing.

If you have a friend or family member going through this don’t JUDGE them, help them. Find out what’s wrong and how you can help pull them OUT of the depression even a little bit. Anything could help.

Yeah, I still see days when stuff builds up but nothing like I have before. And man am I glad I recognize it for what it is when it starts. If this is you. Just tackle it once piece at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed and take care of you! Ask for help if you need it.

Depression and memory loss…

On By debdebtigIn Depression, Forgetful, Forgot, Get help, Getting betterLeave a comment

Ever notice how your depressed friend seems to forget stuff? I didn’t realize when it was happening how bad the memory loss was. Looking back at my worst periods of depression I see it now.

I’d get those calls and messages from friends ‘hey did you forget to send me that info?’ Or ‘hey did you ship that thing?’ Or even ‘umm did you forget you were coming over?’ And yes I’d forget everything! Can you imagine how horrible that makes you feel when you were doing something nice for someone and a few weeks later they ask if you sent it only to realize ‘oh crap! I forgot again!’

If I ‘forgot’ about you in the past just know it wasn’t about you! It wasn’t that I didn’t care. It’s simply a horrible symptom of depression. And the more depressed you are the worse the memory loss can be! Of course, the more you realize that you forgot the worse you feel about forgetting and that causes you to beat yourself up even more making you more depressed. It’s a horrible and painful cycle.

If your there forgive yourself. If your friend is there forgive them! It’s not their fault! And if your there look for tools to help. To do lists do wonders. But don’t over do them either. They can be overwhelming for you if your depressed and can’t seem to get through them. Break stuff down into little parts and do what you can when you can. Every accomplishment helps! Even the tiny ones.

Hang in there. Your loved and I hope this helps you know you are NOT alone!

Busy bee…

On By debdebtigIn Busy, Getting better, Happy, JoyLeave a comment

I’ve been a bit absent here lately, for that I apologize. There is a lot going on in my world. I’m excited to start planning our weddings. (Yes, multiple as we are a multi-continent couple.) It’s interesting how quiet times can be either sad because I miss him so much or hectic because I’m so busy thinking about everything that needs to get done.

I hope this finds you happily active today and that you’re finding time to enjoy life not dwell on it. Take care and God Bless.

Making a painful day a good day…

On By debdebtigIn Bad day, Getting better, Pain, Relax, SmileLeave a comment

Woke up this morning with my back out of whack. I’ve had so many times when this would have me grumbling and pouting and being mad at the world. My depression on these days was horrid. So glad I’m not in that place any more. Got up this morning and made the decision to make the day work anyway. I chose to feel good about the day even with the pain. Even in depression you have the choice to try to feel even a little better or to dwell in the pain. I choose better.

I did have a big smile that the universe also decided to show me I was on the right path. One of my favorite podcasts and coaches sent out an email about this very subject.

Turning around a bad day

I smiled as I knew it was meant for me to share with all of you. If you haven’t heard of them check it out. These ladies are awesome and will make you laugh and learn.

Hope you have a blessed day! What do you do to turn a bad day around? Leave me a comment below.

My pic is what I decided to do. I play with my puppy. He makes everyday wonderful.

Abuse is never ok and not always visible…

On By debdebtigIn Bad day, Depression, Fear, Get help, Getting betterLeave a comment

I mentioned a couple posts ago about how I was so depressed I was in a ball every day at the same time. I didn’t know then that I was actually being abused. Abuse is not always physical or even something you can see. Sometimes it’s verbal. It’s the words that are shouted at you. When every word you hear behind closed doors tell you how awful you are. That you’re an awful person. An awful mother. And so many swear words. That you’ll never go anywhere because of what will happen if you do. It’s hard. So hard. And you try to hide it from your family. Especially your children.

Please if you are going through this or know someone that is please reach out and get help. You can escape. It may not be easy. But you can live again. You can get your life back. Don’t let anyone take it out on you.

I’m proof that you can survive. I pray this post reaches the person that needs to hear/read this.

Lazy Saturday…

On By debdebtigIn Getting better, Relax, SmileLeave a comment

Sometimes you just need time to relax and regenerate. Today is that kind of day. Teddy and I are hanging out listening to some nice music. Took a nap just because. And are just having a pleasant day hanging out together.

How are you spending your day? Don’t forget to take some time for you. Sometimes you need a break.

See you soon.