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Christmas and depression

I have not atttempted music or a movie yet. Still leaning on going off line till after christmas. But that would just be giving what ever going on, more power

i see the pscyh doc tuesday
 
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I love some of the ideas others have posted.
Having a plan and then being creative sure helps me.
 
Cath, I think it's incredibly courageous of you to start the month by getting out of the house. I also think starting this thread is a wonderful way to reach out and start a community of voices of support and empathy. You never know-- by starting this thread you may have just pulled someone else out of a hole.
You don't need to be a ray of sunshine-- maybe just try to give yourself credit for making an effort. The holidays are tough for a variety of reasons but the nice thing is that in general people are a bit nicer to each other and the lights make the dreary, darker days seem a little more sparkly and fabulous. I think being here at TLP is a great choice because it's such an unwaveringly lovely and supportive community where we can be ourselves and it's okay. Plus, we're so global that at any given time there must be someone who's awake to chat with! You're on my mind, Cath. Hang in there and keep reaching out and getting out, if it helps you. xo
 
Oh wow on the Vit D. It helped me, didn't cure my depression but it gave me a lift. Everyone has great ideas. From what I know about you I think maybe writing, or finding pictures that bring back memories would be something you enjoy. I liked the DYD pics that you could almost make your own picture.
But yes, I think having something you have in your stash already would be good and make it a little more colorful. Or adding pictures you find online like you have been doing. I think you would get bored doing everyday like that. But you could have it every now and then.
You do so well capturing memories you can do some of that, some of what happened today. Just because it's Document your December, it could be a mixture of what it was like as a child, as a early married couple, what your mom liked to do. Looks like there is a good group of us here. We could start a DYD challenge thread and have people write ideas they thought of that might not be the ordinary? you have good ideas you can add too.
 
Cath_ said:
Still leaning on going off line till after christmas. But that would just be giving what ever going on, more power
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Don't give in! I love that you recognize it would give it more power. Sometimes a little offline break is good for the soul, when it's for the right reasons. Good luck with your appointment on Tuesday. How did your appointment today go?
 
I hate way too warm! Isn't that always the way this time of year? Either it's freezing or way too warm.

How was getting out for you?
 
panic is worse prior tto leaving, and it passes once i out awhile
 
My therapist's office was chilly but too much else to talk about to ask him to turn on the heater (cuz then it gets too warm).
 
@Cath_ this time of year is SO hard for me. I live 3000 miles from my family, and I am most homesick this time of year. I know how you feel :( I suffer from severe depression/anxiety all year round, but this time of year is always bad.

I know we don't really know each other, but you can always message me if you ever want to talk. I am only on at night though, so don't fret if I don't answer right away.
 
Cath. That you went out makes me want to do a happy dance. That alone should show you that you can do anything you set your mind to ! When my friend had a depression we made her a" spoil myself chart. " we wrote on a planner calender nice things to do and look forward to nearly each day. It can be something tiny,or something big,it doesn't matter,but the key word here is spoiling your self. Here are some examples, but you and your husband would know what as t is,a treat for you.
1 soak in a scented bath, light a candle,and just sit enjoying the flame .Send a bunch of flowers to your self. Write a list of 5 good things,and put it on the fridge. Cook or order in a favourite dish. Do A cross word,word search what ever takes your fancy. Do your nails. If the sun is even a little out, go for a small walk,or sit by the window and enjoy it. Buy A magazine.
Hopefully you can think of a lot of thinks that would make your day better. My friend said it helped ,because each day there was something she enjoyed.
Will be thinking about you lots, whether you are online or not.
 
@Cath_ - I have loved some of your recent layouts and enjoyed "talking" to you in Cheryl and Laura's chat this week. You have gotten lots of good advice already so I won't repeat any of it. Just know you are loved here at the Pad.

p.s. Bart would kiss you if he was around. You know frog kisses heal all ills...
 
just wanted to give you a ((hug)) I agree with the vitamins and try to get more sunlight!
 
Thinking of you Cath. Only recently I have started experiencing some anxiety, and it's hard. I do think the holiday season makes it worse... added expectations and all that. I would say only do a DYD project if it helps lift the depression, not make it worse. The biggest thing for me has been being with other people & socializing - I am very proud of you for getting out of the house! I hope your visit helped in some way. Praying for you!
 
I deal alot with scrapping my old photos of childhood. @Cath_ - Cath I know how hard this time of year is. I almost broke out in tears several times today. I put up the tree and remember the wonderful times, I put out my Dad's decoration, I reminisce with all the ornaments I place on the tree and then I look through old photos. My cousin who was also a close friend and like another brother to me passed in June. I was devastated. I came across photos today of the two of us and spoke with his sister on FB sharing the photos.. she is having a hard time too, so we talked about it together. That helped us both. I scrapped a few photos of my brother when he was a young boy with the yummy BYOC packs. Then I sent it to him and my sister in law... they loved it... those are the things and remembering things from childhood that make it easier for me to get through this time. Listen to some music and watch some of the movies .. I have been watching the Hallmark movies and they help too.... you are not alone. times may not be the way they were when you were a kid, but remembering those time should make you smile to get through the now. Good luck my dear.. again we are here!
 
Hugs to you, Cath! Thank you for reaching out to us, because we're your family!

This is for everyone, something that's been being shared around Facebook lately, and I thought it was appropriate to share here. Please feel free to copy and paste this into your Facebook feed if you want:

Hard time of the year for a lot of folks..Suicide Hotline 800-273-TALK (8255). A simple copy and paste might save someone's life. Would 3 of my Facebook friends please copy this post?
 
Some wonderful suggestions here Cath, and hope you are able to find something that works for you. It's great that you got out of the house! Thinking you you! xx
 
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