How am I coping with depression, what’s going well, what isn’t so good. In a nutshell, I think life is better. Read more after the beak.
Unfortunately, I have to start with something of a disclaimer. My posts about depression are about my journey. They should not be taken as advice or recommendations about how you should deal with your depression. I’m not a doctor, counselor, or therapist. If something in one of my articles resonates with you, great! If you think I’m “doing it wrong”, that’s fine too. Send me a comment, I’m happy to learn from others.
Last time I wrote about depression I was going to see professionals to see if changes were needed in my medication. I talked with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist. They didn’t make any drastic changes to my meds, but the dosage was increased. I think it’s helping, I’ll explain more further down the article.
There are some things I wasn’t expecting. I worked myself into a few routines. I was doing them with very little variation. Kind of OCD. I’m now a couple of weeks into my new dosage. Most of that ritual has gone away. It just doesn’t seem important any longer. None of it was really contributing to my life, so I don’t think it’s a big deal. I just can’t seem to remember why it was so important to me before. I’m thinking this is a good thing…more flexibility in my day. Less anxiety about not doing everything.
The other side of this I’m not so happy about. I’m having a difficulty getting places on time. I’m not missing anything important…but it’s not like me to be late. I’m trying to not let this bother me. A bigger deal was not paying one of my bills. I have corrected the situation with no repercussions, but this is something can’t continue…
I’ve been thinking about projects. For example, I started working on some new pendant lamps for our bathroom. I haven’t done a project like this in a long time. It feels good get my hands away from the keyboard. This will be my first time with glass etching. Looks easy, but doesn’t everything when a skilled person demonstrates.
There are other things changing as well. I moved my camera into the car, I feel the need to take pictures. I am both excited and scared about this. I’m not sure why it scares me, but I have a lot of anxiety about getting out there.
I’ve also been taking some classes through Kaiser. They offer some great classes, I’ve taken several now and have a few more on my list. They have several classes that talk about stress/anxiety, sleeping better, etc. And, they are free. That’s it for now. What are you going through? Talk about it in the comments.
some of my favorite walks begin on a trail with sign that says: “caution, treacherous conditions ahead” (something to that affect, they’re more prominent in Scotland). those trails start out smooth and easy, work their way up and present slippery, steep, damp slopes. eventually, they wind their way ’round to some beautiful vista.
my perception from your writing is that you are well on your way to that vista. best on the rest of your journey! blessed be.
Michael,
Wow….WOW….that is all I can say up front. I just came across this blog after hearing it mentioned on the Papa System DMR net tonight (11/20/17) Your brief comments here about your journey through depression (and all the things I gather reading between the lines) >deeplylot< of it out.
I will leave you with something someone told me years ago that has been helpful to me……"Bob…..you are harder on yourself than anyone else has a right to be".
Best 73 for Thanksgiving!
Bob WB0POQ
South St. Paul MN