“Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Great Britain, was one of the “Big Three” (Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin) to lead the world in its defeat of Hitler in WWII. He told in his own writings of suffering from the “black dog,” Churchill's term for severe and serious depression.”
You've Come a Long Way, Baby!
If you've struggled with and still battle depression, take a minnute to acknowledge your accomplishments in that fight.
You understand depression and your own situation better. You're taking steps to get the help you need to the extent that you can -- from simply reading this blog to getting into therapy.
It feels like a never-ending journey.
But look at how far you've come!
November 2, 2021
November is a new month, with new challenges and triumphs to come.
With Halloween behind us, it is also the start of the “winter holiday” season, and that can be fraught with peril regarding depression. Family stress. Less sunlight. No money for presents.
It's time to really pull out the anti-depression resources. Stay consistent on meds. Try to get in some exercise. Eat well and consciously.
Here we go!
November 1, 2021
Get help: Crisis Text Line
“Crisis Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the US to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. With over 100 million messages processed to date, we’re growing quickly, but so is the need.”
In a crisis?
Text
HOME to 741741 to
connect with a Crisis Counselor.
Free 24/7 support
at your fingertips
US and Canada:
text 741741
UK: text 85258 |
Ireland: text 50808
Learn more by watching the founder's TED Talk.
October 31, 2021
This Halloween, try something that genuinely scares you.
Apply for that job you really want. Go back to school. Go hang-gliding!
Then take in your accomplishments – you were able to do something you never thought you could. You conquered a major fear.
There's nothing you can't do!
October 29, 2021
Here's comedian Ray William Johnson's very funny take on his depression. They say laughter is the best medicine.
“So, the way it works for me, specifically, is depression, anger and anxiety are all kind of bundled into the same package, so if I'm feeling one of those feelings I'm feeling them all.”
Okay, that wasn't the funny part. Take a look at the video, HERE.
October 28, 2021
Is it ADHD, Depression, or Both?
Anxiety isn't just in your “mind,” it's in your body. That's why deep breathing, meditation and medication work, for example.
This wonderful MedCircle VIDEO explains the three levels of anxiety in an easy-to-understand discussion.
October 27, 2021
“Acupressure
is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that may provide temporary
relief from anxiety symptoms. It involves stimulating pressure points
in your body, either on your own or with the help of a professional.”
Healthline.com offers this informative article on 6 Pressure Points for Anxiety Relief.
“Depression is a chronic disease and you must consult a Psychologist for diagnosis and treatment. But Acupressure Points can help you to heal yourself and get out of Depression faster,” from The 9 Most Effective Acupressure Points for Depression Treatment, in Acupressure Points Guide.
October 26, 2021
Is it ADHD, Depression, or Both?
“Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression are conditions that can and often do co-occur.
“Depression is estimated to be 2.7 times more prevalent among adults with ADHD than among the general adult population. Studies also show that about 30 percent of people with ADHD will experience a depressive episode or have a mood disorder in their lifetimes.”
October 25, 2021
Get help.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 988
Free and confidential support for people in distress, 24/7.
October 24, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Nutrition is key to managing depression. WebMD has a comprehensive list of 53 vitamins and supplements suggested to help ease depression, with their effectiveness rated based on scientific studies.
Nutrition is key to managing depression. WebMD has a comprehensive list of 53 vitamins and supplements suggested to help ease depression, with their effectiveness rated based on scientific studies.
For example, melatonin is likely ineffective, lavender is possibly effective, and lemon balm has insufficient evidence at this point.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 23, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
There are scientific and semi-scientific theories about why water, specifically large bodies of water, more specifically the ocean, may relieve symptoms of depression.
There are scientific and semi-scientific theories about why water, specifically large bodies of water, more specifically the ocean, may relieve symptoms of depression.
It can be a “letting go,” releasing worry to something vast and more powerful than yourself.
It's fresh air.
It's a change of environment.
It's all of these things and more. It is, in a word, magic.
So, go to the water – the ocean, a river, a lake, a fountain or a brook – and be refreshed and release your depression. If only for a little while.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 22, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Become invested
in the process of change, not just the outcome.
You may have dealt with depression for years, and frankly may never eliminate it altogether. But you can continue to work toward coping – not being sad all the time, being able to hold a job, having healthy relationships.
HERE is an interesting article about the stages of changing your behavior.
You may have dealt with depression for years, and frankly may never eliminate it altogether. But you can continue to work toward coping – not being sad all the time, being able to hold a job, having healthy relationships.
HERE is an interesting article about the stages of changing your behavior.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 21, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Establish a healthy source of validation.
Establish a healthy source of validation.
Make a “you”
section in your daily gratitude journal.
Before seeking
external validation, ask yourself, “What do I hope that person
tells me?” Then tell it to yourself.
Recognize when
you’re judging your feelings.
See yourself as
the parent to the child version of you.
Get in the habit
of asking yourself, “What do I need right now?”
For more detailed explanations, visit the tiny buddha website.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 20, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Barbara
Heffernan, LCSW, is a trauma and anxiety expert with an extraordinary
YouTube channel, awaken joy,
that can help you cope with your depression and find healing.
"Do you feel trapped by a cycle of negative thoughts and then possibly destructive behaviors that go around and around, and you just don't feel good? Maybe depressed, maybe anxious, but overall you would just like to change how you feel? Is there anything that can help?"
THIS video focuses on: “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises (FEEL Better!). Watch this video for easy-to-implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises to help anxiety and help depression and help you live a happier life."
"Do you feel trapped by a cycle of negative thoughts and then possibly destructive behaviors that go around and around, and you just don't feel good? Maybe depressed, maybe anxious, but overall you would just like to change how you feel? Is there anything that can help?"
THIS video focuses on: “Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises (FEEL Better!). Watch this video for easy-to-implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Exercises to help anxiety and help depression and help you live a happier life."
It's a how-to for shifting your thoughts and easing depression.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 19, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Strengthen your
relationships with the people you love. Sometimes you may feel like
darkness surrounds you, and they can be a beacon to follow back to
the world.
So, make a list of those you want to stay in touch with and every week call or email the next person on the list.
The people you depend on or who depend on you should be contacted most frequently, but the more people you stay in touch with the lighter your life will feel.
And you may be the guiding light in someone else's life – helping them more than you will ever know.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 18, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Get help.
Money problems are depressing. They stress you out, wreak havoc with your self-esteem, and make it hard to get the proper nutrition you need for your physical and mental health.
“Feeling overwhelmed by money worries? Whatever your circumstances, there are ways to get through these tough economic times, ease stress and anxiety, and regain control of your finances.”
Helpguide.org has an in-depth section on coping with financial stress.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 17, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Depression can
contribute to isolation and a feeling of loneliness and separation
from others. PsychCentral
has some tips for handling loneliness:
Realize that
loneliness is a feeling, not a fact.
Reach out because
loneliness is painful and can confuse you into thinking that you are
a loser, an outcast.
Notice your
self-deflating thoughts.
Make a plan to
fight the mental and emotional habits of loneliness.
Focus on the
needs and feelings of others, with less attention on your lonely
thoughts and feelings.
Find others like
you.
Always show up
when meeting with others.
Be curious, but
don't expect perfection or applause.
Kindness goes a
long way.
Be persistent.
Even if a particular group does seem like a dead end for you, try
another.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 16, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
With over 2
million YouTube subscribers, over 500,000 twitter followers, and 13
years of Internet popularity, YouTube star Charlie McDonnell still
suffers from depression. It's an illness, folks.
HERE is a That's So Charlie video about his depression.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 15, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
“Alcohol
use disorder and
depression are two conditions that often occur together. What’s
more, one can make the other worse in a cycle that’s pervasive and
problematic if not addressed and treated.
“Alcohol use can cause or worsen symptoms of mood disorders. Depression may even cause people to begin consuming large amounts of alcohol.
“The good news is that treating both alcohol misuse and depression can make both conditions better. As one improves, symptoms of the other may improve, too.
“It isn’t, however, a quick and easy process. It’s often a lifelong commitment, but one that can improve your life, health, and well-being in the long term.”
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 14, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
In 2020, an ARTICLE
in Medical News Today reported progress has been made on diagnosing
and treating depression through monitoring a patient’s heart rate.
“In the past, researchers had shown that depressed patients had consistently higher heart rates and lower heart rate variability, but because of the time it takes to treat depression, it had been difficult to follow up and relate any improvement to heart rate. But when we realized that ketamine leads to a rapid improvement in mood, we knew that we might be able to use it to understand the link between depression and heart rate.”
– Carmen Schiweck, Ph.D.
“A new pilot study has found that depression can be predicted with a 90% accuracy by analyzing a person’s heart rate over 24 hours.
“The research, presented virtually at the 33rd European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress, may be valuable in diagnosing depression and determining the most effective types of treatment.”
Stay tuned!
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 13, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
When you're
depressed you may not even want to get out of bed, let alone do your
laundry or get a haircut.
Be disciplined about self-care. Wash your face and brush your teeth every day. Take a shower at least every few days. Change your underwear once in a while.
Believe it or not these small steps are essential for managing depression.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 12, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
“Goalcast
empowers millions of people to live life with purpose. More than a
content production powerhouse, Goalcast connects human beings seeking
truth and authenticity.”
This website and YouTube channel are a treasure trove of inspiration. A dose of Goalcast is one prescription to help ease depression.
HERE is one moving and inspiring video – a tribute to the late John Lewis.
HERE is the Goalcast website.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 11, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Get help.
You may be exhausted and think that's why you're feeling down.
But when you are depressed, you're possibly not the best person to judge why you're depressed.
Seek help from a qualified professional if you're feeling particularly stressed or shaky.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 10, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
THIS
five-step exercise can be very helpful during periods of anxiety or
panic by helping to ground you in the present when your mind is
bouncing around between various anxious thoughts.
Before starting this exercise, pay attention to your breathing. Slow, deep, long breaths can help you maintain a sense of calm or help you return to a calmer state. Once you find your breath, go through the following steps to help ground yourself:
5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you.
4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you.
3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear.
2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell.
1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 9, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
There are some songs that lift you up instantaneously. Make a mix tape of your favorites.
Petula Clark –
Downtown
This is a
fantastically cheesy video – sure to make you smile.
Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk
Three Dog Night – Shambala
Here's a whole playlist: 20 Happy Songs to Play When You Just Want to Feel Good
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 8, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
Consider coffee
and depression.
Numerous studies have been done, but they contradict each other. Some say caffeine is a great anti-depressant, while others say it's a placebo and others say it sends you crashing after the lift.
Split the difference. Limit your caffeine to 1 – 2 cups/servings a day. That's coffee, tea, chocolate and most sodas. When in doubt, moderation is usually the best way to go!
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 7, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
What does minimum
basic income have to do with depression? It turns out, a lot! Poverty
sucks. (By the way, THIS
VIDEO on the link between
poverty and depression is from a U.S. mid-term election year [2018]
which is why he's talking about voting.)
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 6, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
“Standing naked under running warm water can be extremely healing and can help to clear away not just germs but also stagnant energy.
“Shower Meditation #1 – As you soap yourself, repeat the following mantra – “I cleanse myself so I may feel light, peaceful and at ease.” Keep repeating this mantra as you scrub your body all over. As you rinse off the soap, imagine all of the negative energy or energy that is no longer yours to keep going down the drain.
“Next, take your hand and make a flicking motion around the entire outside of your body, cleansing away any final lingering energy.
“Stand under the water one more time, close your eyes and visualize the water forming a protective golden white light all around your body. See the white light in your mind’s eye and take three deep breaths before opening your eyes.”
Click HERE for 3 shower meditations.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
October 5, 2021
CWD Daily
Tips for Coping with Depression
If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.
1-800-273-8255.
Tip of the Day
“Symptoms of depression and weight management issues are linked, and the relationship is a two-way street. In fact, a study done in the Netherlands found that obesity increases the risk for depression in initially non-depressed people by 55 percent, and depression increases the risk for obesity in initially normal-weight people by 58 percent.”
HERE are some helpful tips to try to manage weight gain and weight loss in depression:
Examine
the relationship between your depression symptoms and food.
Take
it slow.
Turn
the TV off and get moving.
Ask
your doctor if your medications are interfering with your
weight-management efforts.
Consult
with a registered dietitian.
CWD Daily is written by Julie Aiken, a layperson whose only authority lies in 40 years of coping with depression. Nothing in the newsletter should be taken as medical advice. Please do no self-diagnose or self-prescribe. Above all, please get help if you need it.
Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)