Working through depression and worrying about the future: A personal journey

Have you felt like you’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of depression and worry about the future? I know I have. It’s a struggle that many face, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent state of being. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the strategies that have helped me deal with my depression and manage my worries about the future.

  1. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that involves being fully present and aware of the current moment. It can help you calm your mind and reduce stress. Some ways to practice mindfulness include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga.
  2. Set Realistic Goals: Setting achievable goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction. It’s important to start small and gradually work your way up to bigger goals. Remember to celebrate your accomplishments along the way!
  3. Seek Support: You don’t have to face depression and worry alone. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can help you feel supported and understood. Seeking professional help is nothing to be ashamed of and can provide you with valuable coping strategies.
  4. Practice Self-Care: Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for managing depression and worry. Make sure to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Engaging in activities you enjoy can also improve your mood and well-being.
  5. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Negative thinking patterns can fuel depression and worry. Challenge these thoughts by questioning their validity and replacing them with more realistic and positive thoughts.

Remember, dealing with depression and worrying about the future takes time and effort, but it’s possible to make it work. Don’t hesitate to seek help and support when you need it. By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your mental health and live a more fulfilling life.

Conquering the Blues with Silly Sayings: A Dose of Laughter for Depression’s Downers

Depression can feel like a heavy cloak, muffling joy and zapping motivation. But even in the midst of the storm, a little laughter can peek through the clouds. And what better way to find that sliver of sunshine than with some silly sayings?

Sure, they may not be Shakespeare, but these nonsensical nuggets of fun can bring a smile to your face, even if it’s just a tiny one. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to tip the scales in the right direction.

So, let’s ditch the doom and gloom and dive into the delightful world of silly sayings! Here are a few gems to get you started:

  • “I’m on a seafood diet. I see food, and I eat it.”
  • “My therapist told me to act like a duck in life. Calm and collected on the surface, paddling like hell underneath.”
  • “I’m not lazy, I’m just highly motivated to do nothing.”
  • “My brain is like a browser with 100 tabs open, most of them useless.”
  • “I’m not sure what’s wrong with my phone. I keep pressing the home button, but I’m still stuck at work.”

Remember, laughter is the best medicine (okay, maybe not literally, but it’s pretty darn good). So, share these silly sayings with your fellow depression warriors. Spread the laughter, lighten the mood, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll all find a reason to smile again.

Bonus Silly Sayings:

  • Feeling stressed? Just remember, you’re basically a walking bag of chemicals. Take a deep breath and chill, your mitochondria will thank you. 
  • Can’t sleep? Don’t worry, sheep aren’t judging. They’re probably just as awake as you are, counting all the ways their lives are better than ours. 
  • Feeling down? Think of it as practicing for your superhero origin story. Every great hero has a rock-bottom moment before they rise to the top. 
  • Brain not working? Don’t panic, it’s probably just on energy saver mode. Grab a coffee and hit the reset button.
  • Having a bad hair day? Just tell yourself you’re channeling your inner Einstein. Messy hair = genius, right?

Remember, the key is to find the silly sayings that resonate with you. They’re not a magic cure, but they can be a powerful tool in your depression-fighting arsenal. So, laugh it out, embrace the absurdity, and let the sillies chase away the blues!

P.S. If you’re struggling with depression, please know that you’re not alone. There are people who care about you and want to help. Reach out to a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone you trust. There is hope, and there is help. You deserve to feel happy again.

I hope this post brought a smile to your face, even if it was just a small one. Remember, laughter is a powerful tool, so use it liberally! And above all, be kind to yourself. You’re doing great.

Now go forth and spread the silly!

Fighting depression during the holidays

Are you struggling with depression during the holiday season? It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this. Many people experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and anxiety during this time of year. Here are some tips that might help you cope with depression during the holidays:

  1. Acknowledge your feelings: It’s okay to feel sad or lonely during the holidays. Don’t try to suppress your emotions. Instead, acknowledge them and allow yourself to feel them.
  2. Reach out to others: Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a mental health professional if you need support. Talking to someone can help you feel less alone and more connected.
  3. Take care of yourself: Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. These self-care practices can help boost your mood and reduce stress.
  4. Set realistic expectations: Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have a perfect holiday season. Instead, set realistic expectations for yourself and focus on what’s most important to you.
  5. Create new traditions: If the holidays bring up painful memories, consider creating new traditions that are meaningful to you. This can help you focus on the present and create positive memories.

Remember, depression is a treatable condition. If you’re struggling with depression during the holidays, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You deserve to feel better and enjoy the holiday season. I hope these tips are helpful to you. If you need any further assistance, please let me know.

Sources:
(1) Coping with depression during the holidays. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/coping-with-depression-during-the-holidays/ar-AA1kiB5d.
(2) How to support a loved one with depression during the holidays. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/how-to-support-a-loved-one-with-depression-during-the-holidays/ar-AA1kj5CV.
(3) The Connection’s Center for Behavioral Health: Depression Awareness During the Holidays. https://www.wtnh.com/ctmorningbuzz/unlocking-recovery/the-connections-center-for-behavioral-health-depression-awareness-during-the-holidays/.
(4) Dealing With Holiday Depression and Stress – Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/holiday-depression-and-stress/.
(5) Holiday depression: Causes, symptoms, and more – Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/holiday-depression.
(6) Holiday Depression and the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/happiness-is-state-mind/201912/holiday-depression-and-the-most-wonderful-time-the-year.

How to Deal with Exhaustion

I know life can be exhausting. Here’s some info about it and how you can deal with it when it hits you like a ton of bricks like it does to me sometimes.

You know that feeling when you’re so tired that you can barely get out of bed, let alone do anything else? Yeah, that’s exhaustion.

Exhaustion is not just being sleepy or lazy. It’s a serious problem that can affect your physical and mental health, your relationships, and your happiness. It can be caused by many things, like stress, anxiety, depression, illness, poor diet, lack of exercise, or too much work. Sometimes it’s hard to figure out why you’re so exhausted all the time.

In this blog post, I’m going to share with you some signs that you might be exhausted, some possible reasons why you’re exhausted, and some tips on how to deal with it and feel better.

Signs of Exhaustion

How do you know if you’re exhausted or just tired? Well, here are some common signs that you might be experiencing exhaustion¹² :

  • You feel tired all the time, even after resting or sleeping
  • You have trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions
  • You feel sad, angry, hopeless, or numb
  • You don’t care about anything anymore
  • You have trouble coping with stress or emotions
  • You have headaches, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, or other physical pains
  • You get sick more often than usual

If you have any of these signs for more than two weeks, you might want to see your doctor and check if there’s something wrong with your health.

Reasons for Exhaustion

There are many possible reasons why you might be feeling exhausted. Some of them are² :

  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Eating poorly or skipping meals
  • Taking certain medicines or treatments that can make you tired
  • Not getting enough sleep or having bad sleep quality
  • Being physically inactive or overdoing it
  • Having too many things to do or too much pressure on you
  • Living with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or chronic stress
  • Having chronic medical issues like anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, or infections
  • Dealing with grief, trauma, abuse, or other emotional problems

One of the most common reasons for exhaustion is depression. Depression is a mood disorder that makes you feel sad and hopeless for a long time. It can also make you lose interest in things you used to enjoy and make you feel worthless and guilty. Depression can affect your energy levels and make you feel exhausted all the time²⁴.

Depression can also affect your sleep patterns and make you sleep too little or too much. Both insomnia and oversleeping can make you feel more tired and less alert. Depression can also affect your appetite and make you eat too little or too much. Eating unhealthy foods can make you feel sluggish and drained. Depression can also affect your motivation and make you less active and more isolated. Not exercising and not socializing can make you feel more depressed and more exhausted²⁴.

Depression and exhaustion can feed off each other and create a vicious cycle that’s hard to break. But don’t worry, there are ways to break this cycle and feel better.

Tips for Dealing with Exhaustion

The first thing you need to do if you’re feeling exhausted is to find out what’s causing it and treat it accordingly. You may need to see your doctor if you think you have a medical condition that’s making you tired. Your doctor may prescribe some medication, therapy, or other treatments to help you with your condition and your energy levels.

You may also need to make some changes in your lifestyle and habits to reduce your exhaustion and improve your well-being. Here are some tips that might help¹²⁵:

  • Eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, veggies,
    whole grains,
    lean protein,
    healthy fats,
    and water
  • Avoid alcohol,
    caffeine,
    nicotine,
    and other substances that can mess with your sleep or energy levels
  • Take supplements like iron,
    vitamin B12,
    vitamin D,
    or magnesium if you have a deficiency that’s making you tired
  • Get enough sleep and follow a regular sleep schedule
  • Practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding screens,
    noise,
    light,
    and other distractions before bed
  • Exercise regularly and moderately to boost your mood and metabolism
  • Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge
  • Manage your stress levels by practicing relaxation techniques like meditation,
    breathing exercises,
    yoga,
    or massage
  • Seek social support from friends,
    family members,
    or professionals who can listen to you and offer help when needed
  • Engage in hobbies or activities that bring you joy and fulfillment

Exhaustion can be a serious problem that can affect your quality of life and health. But by recognizing the signs of exhaustion and taking steps to treat and prevent it,
you can regain your energy and vitality.

How to use self care to deal with your depression

Self care can be very important in your work to thrive in life while battling depression. Make sure you take the time that you need for YOU

  • What is self-care?
    • Self-care is simply taking care of yourself.
    • It can include anything that makes you feel good physically, mentally, and emotionally.
    • Some examples of self-care activities include:
      • Getting enough sleep
      • Eating a healthy diet
      • Exercising regularly
      • Spending time in nature
      • Connecting with loved ones
      • Doing things you enjoy
      • Practicing relaxation techniques
      • Seeking professional help if needed
  • How can self-care help with depression?
    • Self-care can help in a number of ways, including:
      • Reducing stress
      • Improving sleep
      • Increasing energy levels
      • Boosting mood
      • Reducing anxiety
      • Improving self-esteem
      • Increasing resilience
      • Promoting overall well-being
  • Tips for self-care for depression
    • If you are struggling with depression, it is important to find self-care activities that work for you.
    • Here are a few tips to get you started:
      • Start small. Don’t try to do too much at once.
      • Be patient. It takes time to build new habits.
    • Make it fun. Choose activities that you enjoy.
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling, reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist.
  • Conclusion
    • Self-care is an important part of managing depression.
    • By taking care of yourself, you can improve your mood, boost your energy levels, and overall well-being.
    • If you are struggling with depression, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources available to you.

The truth about Depression and How it REALLY Feels! A must-read for anyone dealing with depression.

Unbreakable: How I Turned My Depression and Anxiety into Motivation and You Can Too by Jay Glazer

What this book is:
AMAZING
The best description of depression of any that I’ve read, and I’ve read a LOT!

Who should not read this book:
The mild-mannered
The person that can’t deal with swearing

Who SHOULD read this book:
Anyone that’s dealt with depression and felt like no one understands what they are going through.
Anyone that has a friend or family member that has dealt with depression and just doesn’t understand what they are going through.

Which is the best version for you:
Audible: Amazing, he speaks to your heart and is blunt and true to his nature and true to what it takes to fight this illness that many people don’t understand.
Kindle or Print: Great for taking notes and reading over and over again!

Jay touches the heart of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. He talks about it from the perspective of someone that has been there and STILL is fighting it every day. The gray is real, the gray is HARD, the gray is what someone with depression deals with EVERY SINGLE DAY!

If you know someone that has ever dealt with depression, YOU should read this book.
If you know someone that attempted suicide, YOU should read this book.
If you know someone that is upset constantly and you don’t know why READ THIS BOOK!

In short, read this book! It will change everything you ever knew or thought you knew about depression.

View all my reviews

Today is Mental Health Awareness Day

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

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.

A very important show!

I haven’t been posting lately. This episode of Chaos and Kindness reminded me of my blog and all of you! I’ll be back and picking up again soon.

First, if you get a chance please watch the 5 October 2018 episode of Chaos and Kindness on WMUR in NH. Jason from Recycled Percussion does an awesome job shining a light on the important topic of Mental Illness.

You are NOT alone in this! So many people that you’d never guess are or have been fighting this! See you soon!

Chaos and Kindness link for 05October2018

Making a painful day a good day…

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.