Depression

[darren]

I have this thing called anhedonia.  It as though I don't experience a lot of pleasure in things that other people do.  It kinda sucks when you keep all you feelings to yourself, because they all add up.  When I turn to my friends in moments like that I tend to freak them out because I'm dupmping everything out all at once.  The doc said most likely I'm suffering from depression.  I think I've been in denial of that.  I thought depression was crying all the time and always feeling hopeless.  To me its more like feeling numb all the time.  Today though, I feel like crap.  I couldn't even tell you why. 

I know that getting on some anti-depressants might be benificial, and I could certainly use some therapy.  But until then, what other things can you do to heal?             

[Hopalong]

Hi Darren,
If you at all might have a touch of Seasonal Affective Disorder (fancy term for depression when seasons, hence light quality/quantity, change...) this is the time of year to begin using a therapeutic light box. About 30-45 minutes a day, morning only. I have one and it truly helps.

Also, you can add fish oil and SAM-e dietary supplements to your day. All three of these lift depression. Plus exercise.

Hugs,
Hops

[lighter]

Drink a tall glass of water... no ice.

Go outside and smell the air.... eat lunch in a nice spot and pay attention to the food, the trees, the people around you.  Notice things that are pleasant, funny, all the things going on in your space.

DO something really postive like wax and detail your car or organize a drawer you've been bothered by recently.  

It's amazing how hard it is to motivate ourselves when we're stuck but.....

if we can manage it....

one good feeling tends to lead to another, IME.

Seeing a good therapist is a great idea and making that appointment is something else to add to the above list.

[darren]

Thanks for the response!  It has been a while since I went out and put my nose up in the air or played in the rain a bit.  That always helps some.  I'll add this to my list of things to do.  I"ll keep working on the positive thinking and getting myself out of the rut. 

I wodner what kind of lighting is used for seasonal aggective disorder... I just so happen to work for a lighting company.

[Hopalong]

It's very strong full-spectrum flourescent light.
Check out Northern Lights...

hugs
Hops

[JanetLG]

Darren,

I've just bought a SAD light box, and they're really good. The one I've got is long and thin, and fits under the computer monitor, so I don't even have to stop surfing to get my daily 'fix' of light 

I've had mine about a fortnight, but I've noticed a difference already.

Mine is called LitePod (I'm in the UK - don't know where you are, but the models might be the same?)


Janet