05 December 2007
holidays and depression / dysthymia
Why do the holidays have to come in the winter, when the shortened daylight hours are already starting to cause problems? It's almost as if it's a conspiracy.
I don't know how many Christmases I spent fighting back tears, despite being surrounded by my family. I'm a lot better now because of the meds, but emotions still run high for me at this time of year. There's still that roller-coaster effect, where you can be fine one moment and a little thing will send you off down the hill at lightning speed the next moment.
How do you deal? How do I deal? Here are a few things that I do to try to keep my mood more even and above the depths during the holidays:
1. Sunlight. If the sun's out, I try to make sure I get some amount of exposure. I open the curtains. I sit by the window. If it's warm enough, I get outside, even if it's only to walk around the outside of the house a few times.
2. Music. Even if I don't really feel like it, I put on music. Preferably something that I really like. A good jolt of rock-n-roll helps me. Classical music -- the more upbeat pieces -- can be soothing and mood enhancing at the same time. The only problem I find with music is that some CDs remind me of happier or sadder times and that can have the opposite effect. I'm fearless about changing the music if I find it's not doing what I intend.
3. Contact. I try to stay in touch with positive people. If someone brings me down or annoys me, I try to avoid them as much as I can. Conversely, if someone tends to bring out my happy side, I seek them. Sometimes cheering up someone else can improve your mood. Good deeds aren't good only for the recipient; the one who does the good deed gets a good feeling, too.
4. Writing. Getting my feelings out on paper (or onto my computer) helps me wash them out of my mind where they may be causing conflict. Talking to a therapist is also a good choice. Crying in a supportive environment can do wonders for cleansing the negative. I often feel drained but a bit better after letting myself feel the negative and expressing it. [Funny word "express" -- it means literally: "force out."] It's something of an exorcism for me.
5. Exercise. Most people don't like to exercise. It's work. It's hard to motivate. But even a little bit of exercise can make a big difference. For me, lifting weights -- or resistance training -- makes a bigger difference than aerobic exercise. Honestly, I find it easier to lift weights than to do the aerobic stuff. Studies have shown conclusively that exercise is an excellent tool in combating depression. For people like me who are on meds and still need a boost sometimes, exercise is like the cherry on top. The added benefits are a better self-image, better physical health (weight-wise, bone strength, stamina...), and a feeling of accomplishment.
These are only five suggestions. I'll keep thinking and trying to stay aware of what I'm doing to help myself get through this difficult time of year so I can share it with you.
Stay safe.
Mary
I don't know how many Christmases I spent fighting back tears, despite being surrounded by my family. I'm a lot better now because of the meds, but emotions still run high for me at this time of year. There's still that roller-coaster effect, where you can be fine one moment and a little thing will send you off down the hill at lightning speed the next moment.
How do you deal? How do I deal? Here are a few things that I do to try to keep my mood more even and above the depths during the holidays:
1. Sunlight. If the sun's out, I try to make sure I get some amount of exposure. I open the curtains. I sit by the window. If it's warm enough, I get outside, even if it's only to walk around the outside of the house a few times.
2. Music. Even if I don't really feel like it, I put on music. Preferably something that I really like. A good jolt of rock-n-roll helps me. Classical music -- the more upbeat pieces -- can be soothing and mood enhancing at the same time. The only problem I find with music is that some CDs remind me of happier or sadder times and that can have the opposite effect. I'm fearless about changing the music if I find it's not doing what I intend.
3. Contact. I try to stay in touch with positive people. If someone brings me down or annoys me, I try to avoid them as much as I can. Conversely, if someone tends to bring out my happy side, I seek them. Sometimes cheering up someone else can improve your mood. Good deeds aren't good only for the recipient; the one who does the good deed gets a good feeling, too.
4. Writing. Getting my feelings out on paper (or onto my computer) helps me wash them out of my mind where they may be causing conflict. Talking to a therapist is also a good choice. Crying in a supportive environment can do wonders for cleansing the negative. I often feel drained but a bit better after letting myself feel the negative and expressing it. [Funny word "express" -- it means literally: "force out."] It's something of an exorcism for me.
5. Exercise. Most people don't like to exercise. It's work. It's hard to motivate. But even a little bit of exercise can make a big difference. For me, lifting weights -- or resistance training -- makes a bigger difference than aerobic exercise. Honestly, I find it easier to lift weights than to do the aerobic stuff. Studies have shown conclusively that exercise is an excellent tool in combating depression. For people like me who are on meds and still need a boost sometimes, exercise is like the cherry on top. The added benefits are a better self-image, better physical health (weight-wise, bone strength, stamina...), and a feeling of accomplishment.
These are only five suggestions. I'll keep thinking and trying to stay aware of what I'm doing to help myself get through this difficult time of year so I can share it with you.
Stay safe.
Mary
Labels: depression, dysthymia, holiday blues
