CWD Daily: May 2021

May 31, 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.

Tip of the Day

It's a Monday holiday in the United States, and for those lucky enough to be employed there may be great relief in having an extra day off this week.

Maybe your job is contributing to your depression?

Are there proactive steps you can take to change your situation – even in a tough job market with high unemployment? Skills you can acquire? Groups you can join to make contacts? Career counseling you can get?

Taking positive steps toward improving your situation can truly alter your state of mind. Think about what you can do toward creating a work life that doesn't sap the life out of you!

Take one step this week toward building a better work environment, whether at your current job or in a new situation. Baby steps!

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

May 30, 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.

Tip of the Day

HERE is an article on coping with depression, with some solid tips. It's a quick read, so check it out.

“The first step is to remove substances that are a major contributor to depression. Illicit drugs, like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, and others, are associated with depression...

“Illicit drugs are not the only substances that impact your depression; alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and even caffeine can change your mood and affect your overall mental health...

“A healthier diet will lead to improved energy, motivation levels, and the possibility of decreased depression...

“Get out and exercise!...

“In the beginning, a trip to the mailbox or down the street will suffice. Many small changes lead to big results.”

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 29, 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.

Tip of the Day

Britain's National Health Service has great ADVICE on coping with social isolation in this time of pandemic.

Find out about your employment and benefit rights.
Plan practical things like getting food, medicine, household supplies, ongoing medical treatment.
Stay connected with others.
Talk about your worries.
Look after your body.
Stay on top of difficult feelings.
Do not stay glued to the news.
Carry on doing things you enjoy.
Take time to relax.
Think about your new daily routine.
Look after your sleep.
Keep your mind active.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 28, 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.

Tip of the Day

Do you expect perfection from yourself? Or bite off more than you can chew sometimes? Or beat yourself up for every mistake, big or small?

You're only human!

Take a deep breath and repeat that when and as often as necessary.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 27, 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.

Tip of the Day

Escape to your favorite place via the Internet, by finding a webcam of someplace you love or have dreamed of visiting.

A European city, a national park, and just about anywhere in between can provide you with memories or dreams when you're feeling depressed. Relax and visit E arthcam to go to your happy place for a while!

San Francisco Bay is fun day or night.

Little Italy in New York City has a webcam live from Mulberry Street with a lot of activity including outdoor restaurant seating, shoppers and residents.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 25, 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.

Tip of the Day

Conquering worry is a fantastic addition to your toolkit. HERE is a great blog that can be added to your arsenal against depression.

HERE is a podcast, too.

I'm not sure how often these are updated, but they are rich with information.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Lilacs are a harbinger of spring! Their luscious fragrance and delicate beauty and the abundance of their bushes delight the senses.

Cut some lilac branches for your kitchen table – the bushes grow back healthier when they're trimmed so you're doing no harm.

If you can't find any in a common area (alley, field, etc.) ask a neighbor if you can cut some of theirs, or purchase some at a florist or farmer's market, or plant a bush of your own.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Get help.

If you wonder if you need help, talk to your family doctor or another trusted professional.

Get a recommendation. Make the call.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 22, 2020

CWD Daily

Tips for Coping with Depression

If you are in a suicide crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline -
1-800-273-8255.

Tip of the Day

None of us has to be perfect. Imperfection does not equal failure; it just means you're alive. Because every living human is imperfect.

So, give yourself a break. You're pretty darn wonderful, even when you make mistakes or don't reach your every goal.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

What's your Friday? Whatever day of the week starts your down-time, plan something relaxing.

An hour to yourself to meditate or read. A long walk. A run in the park. A poker game with friends – even virtually.

Take some time just to chill. It's good for you!

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

And then some days...unexpectedly...you feel happy!

– Happy by Pharrell Williams

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

When you're depressed everything seems wrong.

Try to think of one thing, no matter how small, that's going right.

It might help shift your focus and your thinking, and therefore shift your depression.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Many people are working to bring bipolar disorder into the light with moving and informative testimonials.

“Living with Bipolar Disorder” features actor Richard Dreyfuss describing his depression journey.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Studies have shown lavender can improve your sleep cycle, calm anxiety, and treat depression.

A great product to introduce the scent of lavender into your daily life is laundry soap! You can find many brands at your grocery store, such as Gain, Seventh Generation, and Mrs. Meyers. Target, Walmart and Bed, Bath and Beyond are a few of the stores that carry it.

There are also smaller brands available for online purchase. Here are a couple:

Sapadilla – Sweet Lavender and Lime Liquid Laundry Detergent
MountainMadness – Lavender Natural Laundry Soap

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

If you are in pain from depression, seek help.

If you've tried therapy or meds before but they didn't work, tell a professional just that. Find someone who will be your partner on this journey to wellness. Find someone who will guide you to try different things until you find the one that works for you.

Don't keep putting it off. Seek help.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Try probiotics against depression, starting with blueberries. Eat a handful a day. They're considered a superfood!

“Blueberries contain the antioxidant flavonoid anthocyanin, which is associated with reduced inflammation and the risk of depression. Finally, they also contain vitamin C, which can be beneficial for reducing the negative impacts of stress.”

– Foods that help with Depression in The Recovery Village

Check out THIS great article from Prevention and think about whether eating more probiotics (including blueberries) is a change you should explore.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Business Insider, of all places, printed a 2015 article entitled 12 Tiny Transformations That Will Improve Your Life.

These fantastic suggestions, such as “having an aggressive reading regimen,” aren't the typical feel-good advice. Best of all you can implement some of them right now!

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Just breathe.

HERE is a phenomenal Ted Talk. It's long, but it's worth watching the entire thing.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

“It's all right,
Everything will work out fine...”

Traveling Wilburys – End of the Line music video

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

When we're depressed, we look for something to make that feeling go away. For many of us, eating is the go-to solution.

While eating is a way to “stuff” your feelings, literally, it's also a short-term fix and a vicious cycle.

Still, there are things you can binge on for some comfort with minimal guilt. It's best to make them yourself to control the amount of fat, salt and artificial ingredients.

Pasta prima vera
Broccoli Alfredo
Thai red curry with vegetables
Vegetarian chili
Baked veggie or potato chips
Pretzels
Homemade oatmeal cookies
Chocolate fondue fruit
Baked peaches with low-fat vanilla ice cream

delish has an article with 51 Delicious Dessert Recipes That Won’t Derail Your Diet!

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Nature calms anxiety.

HERE is a live webcam of the Hawaii humpback whale sanctuary at Maui Sands. It's migration season so you may see some whales, but at any rate the view is amazing.

HERE is a highlight reel from 2012 – so if you don't see any whales live you can still witness their majesty.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Get help.

Sometimes friends with mental health issues can provide the best referrals. If you have a safe relationship with a trusted friend, ask them if they have a suggestion regarding therapists or programs.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Do you resist going out or being with people? Try to socialize, at least a little!

If necessary, if anonymity feels essential, then do something with strangers. Look for events at the library, or a paint night, or even a movie. Get out among people.

In the time of COVID there are still ways to be around people and absorb the energy of socializing. You can social distance easily at a park, an outdoor shopping plaza, an outdoor movie or concert, a skate park or any other open-air venue.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Depression and poverty are fast friends. Depression can actually mean poverty, as in “the Great Depression”.

“Being in debt, broke, and unemployed can lead to depression, but the converse is also true: depression can precipitate financial meltdown...

“Holding down a job while you are in the throes of the symptoms of major depression can be very difficult for some people – although there are people who find functioning at work far easier than functioning at home. Job loss or unemployment is not uncommon in those with depression.”

This article presents realistic advice about “Depression and Money Issues”.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Exercise? Right.

“Even on the days when I feel mentally well enough to exercise, there’s no guarantee that working out is going to boost my mood. Of course, there is research that shows a correlation between exercising and reduced depressive symptoms for some people with depression – but that doesn't mean it's a clinically proven cure. Aside from that, being told that it will make me happier by people who don’t understand the constraints of a mental health issue is as ill-informed as it is annoying.

“I go through days when working out simply isn’t in reach. I’m too fatigued and feeling too hopeless to do so much as open a curtain. Feelings of lethargy are common in people with mood disorders, and exercising when you’re feeling that low-energy can be as close to impossible as it gets. Asking us to transcend the symptoms of our illness and do something that isn’t currently within our reach is a patronizing strategy.”

– Beth McColl

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com

May 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.

Tip of the Day

Exercise – hit the gym, hike, bike, walk, jog, swim, play tennis or ultimate Frisbee!

Nothing lifts the mood like endorphins released through exercise!

Exercise may also take your mind off present problems.

And a change of scene and situation can break you out of a tape loop of negative thinking.

Contact: witchhazel2020@gmail.com