I was looking for something on my blog the other night and I ran into post after post after post about DEPRESSION. A topic that is in the news right now due to the tragic suicide of Robin Williams. His death made me stop social media for a few days, because I found it overwhelmingly depressing.
I don't want to be depressed. Many people are, and no one else wants to be, either. I read a book recently that said it's very easy to stay in that depressed rut because it's comfortable. I didn't like that. Is that me? Perhaps. Maybe not.
If you are depressed, see a doctor. Because I am neither a physician nor a professional, I must put that caveat in. I have learned that besides, or in addition to, prescription medication, there are two things that can help relieve depression with about the same success rate as medication. Also, I read that if 50% of your symptoms dissipate while on medication, that is considered a cure! 50%! Not very good.
The first thing to do is exercise. It produces all those feel-good hormones and brain chemicals. It's SO difficult to exercise when you are depressed, but it makes you feel better. Last night I was very down and did not work out. However, my son and I went for a drive and we ended up parking the car and walked for 45 minutes. I felt so much better. It was night and day difference.
Secondly, meditation. It is proven to help with depression, stress, and life in general. It's hard to learn to do, and I'm working diligently on it. I found a free How To Meditate series, courtesy of the author Sara L. Stein. Go here for a free download. I practiced this "release" meditation tonight for five minutes. I set the timer on my phone, and was surprised at how quickly the time passed. It helped a great deal and the tension was gone from my body.
I know my biggest struggle in life is that I do not handle stress well, I have depression, and self-esteem/body confidence issues. This can all be overcome. I believe that with all my heart.
Right now I am going through a very tough time. Personal matters, a new semester in school is about to start, and other things that I cannot mention are hanging over my head. It does not have to weigh me down. It does not have to bring me down. Stay the course, take breathers, when my thinking gets to stinking, I just need to bring myself into check.
My eating has not been good at all. I've been craving and consuming carbs and milk. I learned that is a natural response to try to get more serotonin. Tomorrow, first thing, it's off to the grocery store to make sure I have adequate protein, veggies and healthier good carbs. Tomorrow I will also get a good workout in. A walk is good, but I can do better. And I will.
There will be no loss on the scale tomorrow. That's okay, because tomorrow is one day. There will be in the future.
