06/29/2022
For so many of us, there have been many moments over the last years that have caused great anxiety, depression, panic attacks and more.
No matter what has caused any of us to feel like there is no way out or no way to transform our stressors… No matter where you are or who you are, we can all use some help from time-to-time.
There is no shame in reaching out for help. Yet somehow, it is one of the hardest things we humans can wrap our minds around to do… admit we need help… admit we aren’t perfect, when inside most of us are chock full of doubts, insecurities and fears.
Some of the hallmark traits of depression for a lot of people is the desire to isolate, to turn inward on ourselves, to stop doing things, like eating healthy, enjoying a show or book, often falling into old bad behaviors, forgetting the hacks known to help us feel better.
When we most need to be with, sit with, talk with someone, we back away from the love and support of those who care about us. That invisible wall separating us, gets to be a huge chasm too hard to cross over to the help we need.
I am starting this series of suggestions, tips of things We CAN Do to help ourselves when we are depressed. Things that may actually help.
In honor of a longtime friend who decided last week he couldn’t remain on earth with us anymore. I’d known this man since 1986. We’d seen each other thru lots of life’s ups and downs. We had fun and adventures enjoying the many opportunities in SoCal for fun and adventures.
None of us had a clue to the depth of his depression. In fact, the last couple months he seemed to be moving forward, adding up the baby steps to feel more in control of his future and income…
Please, if you feel you are a danger to yourself or others, please reach out to someone you know & trust, get online or call the hotline to speak to someone who cares.
In Memoriam of Clyde
*** What tricks, hacks and practices do you use to re-regulate yourself?
I’d love to learn more suggestions.
Every tool we can add to our personal toolbox of life hacks is wonderfully worthy.
DEPRESSION TIPS #1
a. Shower. Not a bath, a shower. Use water as hot or cold as you like. You don’t even need to wash. Just get in under the water and let it run over you for a while. Sit on the floor, if you gotta. As the water drains away, think of problems draining away, too.
b. Moisturize everything. Use whatever lotion you like.
c. Put on clean, comfortable clothes you loved being in.
d. Drink cold water. Use ice. If you want, add some mint or lemon for an extra boost. Or drink a nice soothing hot beverage, like coffee, tea or warm water with lemon, maybe.
> If you can’t bring yourself to call, text or email or whatever, just have some social interaction with another person. Even if you don’t say much, listen to them. It helps. (You can always call/text/message me.)
These may seem small or silly to some, but this list keeps people alive. Often, it’s the littlest things in life that can make or break us.
We can learn to focus on more positivity with practice to build neural pathways away from being the automatic negative seeking machines we are hardwired to be for our own survival.
* At your absolute best you won’t be good enough for the wrong people. At your worst, you’ll still be worth it to the right ones. Remember that.
* In case nobody has told you today – you are worthy, deserving and enough. You were born enough. You have always been enough. You will always be enough. You are a work in progress.
You are worth your weight in gold, so please start a new habit today of being compassionate, kind and patient with yourself. You are the only you we have, so be nice to you. We love you’re here on the planet with us.
**People don’t fake depression… they fake being OK ... "I'm fine."
US National Su***de Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
800-273-8255
