June 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

Depression fogs the brain sometimes.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you find you are forgetting things more and more the more depressed you feel.

Try to write things down. And accept that some things will be forgotten. You're only human.

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 

June 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

For a pretty great blog on Coping with Depression check out HealthyPlace.com.

“Healthyplace.com is the largest consumer mental health site on the net. We provide authoritative information and support to people with mental health concerns, along with their family members and other loved ones.”

One blogger wrote:

“...I want to share the ways I’ve learned how to live happily with depression. I am going to write about coping strategies that have worked for me and may also work for you.”

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 

June 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

Have the same patterns you have today – including financial ones – been causing you problems for years? The same damn negative patterns?

So, are you doomed? Can you ever change?

The better question is WHAT can you change? If you figure that out, you can shift your focus to the areas where you can grow.

What works for you? What has worked for you to make positive changes in your life? Think about that as a place to start to make positive changes now and to begin to feel better!

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 

June 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

Get help.

Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder.

Find a treatment facility near you, HERE.

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 

June 26, 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

Wing of Madness is a phenomenal website on depression, which has a myriad of resources and sites linked to, as well. It's been up and running since 1995! Good on them!

HERE is an article on what the non-depressed ally can do for/say to the depressed individual.

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 

June 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

There may be a correlation between depression and strokes in middle-aged adults. Yikes!

“The researchers suggested that depression may influence stroke risk through physiological changes resulting in vascular damage over time or through depression's effect on poor health behaviors, including smoking and physical inactivity.” (from a since un-published article on psychcentral.com)

"Depression affects quality of life, heart disease, and stroke risk," says Ralph Sacco, MD. He is chair of neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the immediate past president of the American Heart Association. (WebMD article HERE)

I'm going back to bed now. No, I guess what I will do is redouble my efforts to be healthy, both physically and mentally. Yeah, that's the ticket!

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 

June 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

A recent study on city planning suggested that being out in nature actually changes the brain and eases depression.

The article, linked HERE, is not very specific, frankly, and says the study was based on 90 minutes a day. So, who has 90 minutes a day to be out in nature?

Well, considering you probably spend 90 minutes a day on your computer for leisure, perhaps you do! And there are things we do, like pay bills or read the paper, that we could do outside.

Spend any time in nature, and shoot for at least once a day. It may help ease depression and will certainly improve your quality of life.

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 

June 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

16 Things I've Learned from 16 Years of Dealing with Depression (Huffington Post)
by Hannah Sentenac, Contributor, writer, journalist, vegan.

16. There's always hope.
15. I can't expect to feel good all the time.
14. Alcohol was not my friend.
13. People who haven't suffered from depression have a tough time understanding it.
12. Self-compassion is key.
11. Lots of other people are fighting similar battles.
10. There's a reason meditation has been around for thousands of years.
9. Social media can exacerbate a sense of alienation.
8. Spending too much time alone is a bad idea.
7. There is no final destination.
6. Exercise is an amazing antidepressant.
5. There's no quick fix.
4. I should always ask for help when I need it.
3. My brain can change.
2. Everyone's journey is different.
1. I can make it out.

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 

June 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.

Tip of the Day

Don't avoid all carbs if you are depressed. Complex carbohydrates are necessary for health and can be mood stabilizers, as they break down slowly over time.

In general (very general), eat whole grains and high fiber foods, and skip simple sugars (like sugar, white bread, white pasta, etc.).

HERE is a plethora of information on eating to beat stress and depression from healthywomen.org.

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 

June 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

Get help.

The WHO has provided tips on dealing with the perfect storm of COVID-19, depression, and drug and alcohol disorders, linked HERE.

“If you are being treated for an alcohol or drug use disorder, be aware that the COVID-19 outbreak may lead to increased feelings of fear, anxiety and isolation that can increase the risk of relapse, substance use, disengagement from treatment or non-compliance with treatment regimens. Make sure that you continue to take medication as prescribed, particularly if you receive treatment with opioid medicines such as methadone or buprenorphine, and that you have a way of obtaining a regular supply of your medication. If you are receiving support through a psychologist or support group, find out how to continue that support during the outbreak.”

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 

June 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

What makes you laugh?

With the Internet you can now find almost anything on YouTube or Netflix or Hulu. Find something sure to crack you up and have a laugh! It's great for releasing tension 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 

June 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

Depression strikes at all levels of education and privilege. It's a great equalizer.

Check out THIS website that provides a platform for lawyers suffering with depression to express their struggles.

And they also have a podcast.

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 

June 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

Tired all the time? Maybe you're depressed.

Get a full physical exam including blood work and tell your doctor if you're tired all the time!

There are many common conditions that cause fatigue, such as Lyme disease, iron deficiency, narcolepsy, thyroid issues and sleep apnea, just to name a few. Most are easily treatable.

Key to solving your fatigue issues is a correct diagnosis. Blood work could rule most things out and begin to pinpoint if depression is an issue.

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 

June 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

People who are depressed often go off their medication after a period of time because they feel better. And often the depression returns, though it might take them a while to recognize that.

It is not a failure to need antidepressant medication, any more than it's a failure to need blood pressure or epilepsy medication. Medicine is for illness, and illness is not your fault.

If you've gone off your antidepressant medication and feel really depressed... talk to your doctor about that.

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 

June 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

Are you a hermit by nature? Do you like being alone?

Coupled with depression that loner tendency can morph into withdrawal.

Start re-thinking social isolation, and make an effort to socialize just a little bit more.

Volunteer for a couple of hours, go out after work with co-workers, or simply reach out to a friend.

You don't need to change your basic character, but shifting away from social isolation may ease depression a bit.

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 

June 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

Nature calms anxiety.

These webcams are great for meditation, getting to sleep or having in the background while you work.

Koshi Wind Chimes Earth, Air, Water, Fire
Mountain Rain and Thunderstorm Sleep Sounds
Bird Sounds Spectacular: Morning Bird Song

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 

June 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

Get help.

“The worldwide pandemic has disrupted our lives, caused grief and worry, and brought even more hardship to people already struggling with economic, educational, societal, and physical and mental health challenges. More people than usual are living with anxiety or depression and, sadly, the suicide rate is increasing. We want you to know, believe, and embrace the fact that you have the power to help someone who is affected by a mood disorder. Social distancing does not have to mean emotional distancing or loneliness. You can be caring in the time of COVID-19.”

Families for Depression Awareness helps families recognize and cope with depression and bipolar disorder to get people well and prevent suicides. HERE is their info on help during COVID-19.

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 

June 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

If you cannot work full time because of depression – simply cannot face it – consider applying for disability benefits.

Not having any money and going further into debt does not help anyone climb out of depression.

Can you get benefits? Can you get them for a temporary time? Can you get them if you are doing any work for money? How hard is it to get benefits?

It can be very difficult but it also may be more than worth it!

Depression and anxiety can make applying hard, so get help to navigate the paperwork and regulations – an attorney is good, or any friend or relative with patience. Your insurance company may also assign you an ally to help with the process.

HERE is one resource.

And HERE is the official Social Security Disability for Depression SSA 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 

June 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

“If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of depression, or that your current treatment is not managing your symptoms, you should see your doctor. When booking your appointment inform him or her that you may need extra time to discuss your symptoms.”

HERE are excellent tips for having that discussion.

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 

June 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

Depression that persists for two years is known as dysthymia. HERE is Kati Morton describing the signs that you may be struggling with dysthymia, or high-functioning depression.

Avoiding social situations
Feeling extra irritable
Constantly tired
Struggling to concentrate
Using unhealthy coping skills more and more
Constant worry about past or future

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 

June 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

WebMD.com has a comprehensive section on depression, HERE:

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  

June 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

Why don't more doctors first test for nutritional deficiencies before dispensing Zoloft or Prozac, and especially anti-psychotics like Seroquel and Zyprexa?

Competent doctors will send you to get lab work done before upping your meds or adjusting anything. Sometimes we do need antidepressants. But other times we need spinach.

HERE is a list of nutritional deficiencies that present as or contribute to depression.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Vitamin B Complex
Folate
Amino Acids
Iron
Zinc
Iodine
Selenium

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 

June 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

When it’s time to intervene, from the great healthline.com article, "How to Help a Depressed Friend":

Depression can increase a person’s risk for suicide or self-injury, so it’s helpful to know how to recognize the signs.

Some signs that might indicate your friend is having serious suicidal thoughts include:

Frequent mood swings or personality changes
Talking about death or dying
Purchasing a weapon
Increased substance use
Risky or dangerous behavior
Getting rid of belongings or giving away treasured possessions
Talking about feeling trapped or wanting a way out
Pushing people away or saying they want to be left alone
Saying goodbye with more feeling than usual

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 

June 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

Get help.

An EAP is an Employee Assistance Program that offers confidential help with any issue you're having. So if you are feeling depressed, you can see a therapist for 3 visits at no cost. And often 3 visits is enough to get you on the path to improved mental health.

If your employer participates in the program, there should be a poster in the break room or other public area. Call the number posted and your employer never knows you have used the service.

EAPs are a fantastic way to get some professional help for free!

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