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Happy Mental Health Month.....by Susan
May is Mental Health Month. This is a time for us to work harder at attempting to raise awareness about mental health issues.
According to the Mental Health Association, 95% of us talk to someone about important decisions in our lives. I would imagine this would include family members, other relatives, friends and professionals. It sounds like many of us are getting support and have friends.
I happened upon an article written by Dr. John Grohol which addresses the findings of the Mental Health Association. You can find it in the PsychCentral Newsletter. I think it is interesting. In the article there is a link to the survey and findings of the Mental Health Association. It's really worth reading.
I hope our blog readers have people in their lives who are supportive and lend an ear when you need it. David and I have found that having each others' support, makes a huge difference in our ability to keep on going when things are tough.
Happy Mental Health Month to everyone!
According to the Mental Health Association, 95% of us talk to someone about important decisions in our lives. I would imagine this would include family members, other relatives, friends and professionals. It sounds like many of us are getting support and have friends.
I happened upon an article written by Dr. John Grohol which addresses the findings of the Mental Health Association. You can find it in the PsychCentral Newsletter. I think it is interesting. In the article there is a link to the survey and findings of the Mental Health Association. It's really worth reading.
I hope our blog readers have people in their lives who are supportive and lend an ear when you need it. David and I have found that having each others' support, makes a huge difference in our ability to keep on going when things are tough.
Happy Mental Health Month to everyone!
David's Depression......by Susan
Yesterday I had lunch with my brother David, the co-author of this blog. I picked him up at his apartment and drove to our favorite restaurant. We did a lot of talking and ate our favorite foods. After lunch we went to a few flea markets hunting for bargains but neither of us found anything that day. David is going through a really rough time. He is bipolar and his depression is bad right now.
In fact, this is probably his lowest point in the past 7 or 8 years. If you've been reading this blog, you know that he is a very kind person who has been doing a great job of expressing his feelings in his articles here at the site. About a year ago I wrote a blog article about my brother. It's titled "Big David". There are a lot of things I didn't tell you about my brother in that article. Like myself, he is a senior citizen. He is in good physical health. He is a mentally disabled veteran who served our country building the pipe line in Alaska during the Vietnam War. We were all so thankful that he didn't go to Vietnam. He is the only boy in the family and has six sisters!
David has two lovely daughters about 18 and 19 years of age, who are the world to him. He showers them with gifts and would do anything for them. However, David lives alone and as we all know, living alone can be very depressing in itself at times. He does a great job of taking his prescription medications, getting outdoors, exercising and calling to talk when he needs a friendly voice. Unfortunately these things aren't giving him all the help he needs right now and I would like to ask all of you to send good thoughts and prayers his way.
In fact, this is probably his lowest point in the past 7 or 8 years. If you've been reading this blog, you know that he is a very kind person who has been doing a great job of expressing his feelings in his articles here at the site. About a year ago I wrote a blog article about my brother. It's titled "Big David". There are a lot of things I didn't tell you about my brother in that article. Like myself, he is a senior citizen. He is in good physical health. He is a mentally disabled veteran who served our country building the pipe line in Alaska during the Vietnam War. We were all so thankful that he didn't go to Vietnam. He is the only boy in the family and has six sisters!
David has two lovely daughters about 18 and 19 years of age, who are the world to him. He showers them with gifts and would do anything for them. However, David lives alone and as we all know, living alone can be very depressing in itself at times. He does a great job of taking his prescription medications, getting outdoors, exercising and calling to talk when he needs a friendly voice. Unfortunately these things aren't giving him all the help he needs right now and I would like to ask all of you to send good thoughts and prayers his way.
Forget About It........by Susan
I remember when people used to tell others to "forget about it" as a way of trying to help you get past something that was causing you stress, anger, depression or anxiety. I often thought they were advising us to "stuff" our feelings or negate our feelings and I still think that is what they intended for us to do. I have recently discovered though, that a bit of "forgetting about" it is actually helpful.
Alzheimer's is something I fear, having had two parents with the dreadful disease. When I forget something it's usually a cause for anxiety. However, lately, I've really seen how forgetting helps my depression. One day I may feel really angry toward a family member or I may be experiencing a relationship problem and it seems overwhelming at the time. The next day it doesn't seem nearly as big or important to me. After a few days I can't even remember the details of whatever was causing me stress.
I don't think I have Alzheimer's by any means, but I stay very busy and I believe staying busy is the key to "forgetting about it". I'm able to "let it go" to a degree so as I can better deal with the problem when I do choose to refocus on it. Switching gears, or changing the channel to a different topic or activity, is one of the best ways I've learned in coping with all of these negative feelings that pop up in my life. We all have negative feelings we must learn to deal with.
I remember years ago when my Psychologist said repeatedly, "change the channel for a while". I guess his advice has really helped me and I hope you'll give it a try too.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon
(Susan is actually the Avon Rep.
who makes the Avon Reviews
Ozzie is her black cat! )
Alzheimer's is something I fear, having had two parents with the dreadful disease. When I forget something it's usually a cause for anxiety. However, lately, I've really seen how forgetting helps my depression. One day I may feel really angry toward a family member or I may be experiencing a relationship problem and it seems overwhelming at the time. The next day it doesn't seem nearly as big or important to me. After a few days I can't even remember the details of whatever was causing me stress.
I don't think I have Alzheimer's by any means, but I stay very busy and I believe staying busy is the key to "forgetting about it". I'm able to "let it go" to a degree so as I can better deal with the problem when I do choose to refocus on it. Switching gears, or changing the channel to a different topic or activity, is one of the best ways I've learned in coping with all of these negative feelings that pop up in my life. We all have negative feelings we must learn to deal with.
I remember years ago when my Psychologist said repeatedly, "change the channel for a while". I guess his advice has really helped me and I hope you'll give it a try too.
Please visit:
Ozzie Reviews Avon
(Susan is actually the Avon Rep.
who makes the Avon Reviews
Ozzie is her black cat! )
Survivor of Depression..........by Susan
I am a survivor of the beast many of us know as depression. I'm a baby boomer, senior citizen, wife, mother and grandmother and have struggled with the beast most of my adult life. If you're a frequent visitor to this blog, you probably know these things about me already.
It feels good to consider myself a survivor. It has taken a long time to feel this way but now I do and I want to spread the word that you too can reach the point where you feel like a survivor of depression.
Yes, the beast still rears it's angry head from time to time, but I've learned the methods that work best for me to continue on without too much disturbance from the depression. You too can learn to be a survivor of depression.
According to one definition of the word survivor, it means someone with great power of endurance, will, and determination to overcome difficulties. We can all develop these attributes by taking little steps to help ourselves feel better. Learn what healthy activity makes you feel better, even for a little while. Then, continue doing that as often as you can.
I'd like to leave you with one of my favorite things to do when I feel down.....go outside and enjoy the daylight and fresh air. Happy Earth Day!
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If I Go...........by David
We are all here for a very short time. We start realizing just how short the time is as we get older. The days and months seem to fly by compared to when we were young when it seemed we couldn't wait to get older. Now in our later years, a wish I have for all of us is that we live our lives by setting an example, for example is the only true way to leave our legacy to our children.
Cherish our children and spouses for they help to sustain us when we are depressed, tired or lonely. It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday pressures of life, bills, work and our depression. The ones we love need us , stay with them forever.
If I Go
The love I send to you, my love,
cannot be weighed or eyed
and when I feel you in my heart
I need you by my side.
Please let me stay one moment more
than my lifetime here on earth
for a moment's glance into your eyes
is more than heaven's worth.
Visit the ozzieblackcat home at: http://ozzieblackcat.com
Cherish our children and spouses for they help to sustain us when we are depressed, tired or lonely. It is so easy to get caught up in the everyday pressures of life, bills, work and our depression. The ones we love need us , stay with them forever.
If I Go
The love I send to you, my love,
cannot be weighed or eyed
and when I feel you in my heart
I need you by my side.
Please let me stay one moment more
than my lifetime here on earth
for a moment's glance into your eyes
is more than heaven's worth.
Visit the ozzieblackcat home at: http://ozzieblackcat.com
Rain, Rain, Go Away..........by Susan
Right now the sun is shining in Southwest Missouri and I hope it stays that way for a while. Rain in Missouri and Arkansas during the past few months has caused severe flooding and destruction, over and over again. We've had way too many dreary, rainy days. It's not only hard on those who are in the flood areas but also on those of us on higher ground enduring the onslought of sadness that often accompanies bad weather.
Fortunately, I live about two houses uphill from a large ditch that floods my neighbors yards. Tonight the city has turned off our water while workers attempt to repair water lines near that ditch. No showers, laundry or washing of dishes this evening. That work can wait but the work of overcoming the sadness and depression brought on by inclement weather is something that can't wait.
My husband and I took a brisk walk in the recently appearing sunshine and that was very helpful in chasing away the sadness. A bowl of ice cream seems like a good idea to me as well. I hope writing on this blog, watching a good television program later and a good night's sleep will help me feel more like myself tomorrow. What kinds of things help you overcome sadness brought on by bad weather?
My Avon Website
Avon Review Site
Fortunately, I live about two houses uphill from a large ditch that floods my neighbors yards. Tonight the city has turned off our water while workers attempt to repair water lines near that ditch. No showers, laundry or washing of dishes this evening. That work can wait but the work of overcoming the sadness and depression brought on by inclement weather is something that can't wait.
My husband and I took a brisk walk in the recently appearing sunshine and that was very helpful in chasing away the sadness. A bowl of ice cream seems like a good idea to me as well. I hope writing on this blog, watching a good television program later and a good night's sleep will help me feel more like myself tomorrow. What kinds of things help you overcome sadness brought on by bad weather?
My Avon Website
Avon Review Site
Do You Have Compassion for Those With Depression?.......by Susan
Recently, my brother wrote a couple of articles in which he has praised me for my compassion and empathy regarding his problems with depression. I've heard the same praise from others who I am in close contact with. However, I have also been criticized by some family members and friends for this quality. Some say it is enabling.
Do you have compassion for those with depression? Is it a good thing? I recently read a very interesting article on the subject and want to share it with you. Here is the article, Learn to Be Compassionate. I hope you will read this article and then make comments here on my blog as to your thoughts about having compassion for those suffering with depression.
Depression is a monster who attacks most people at least during some period of time in their lives. It can be a temporary thing such as the loss felt after losing a loved one, or losing a job. Even if your depression is a temporary, one time event, you will need others who can empathize and be compassionate toward you and what you are experiencing.
Please try to understand those who are suffering from depression. They are fighting a battle for their very lives. We can enable them to win that battle with our understanding and compassion.
Ozzieblackcat Homepage
My Avon Website
Ozzie Reviews Avon
Do you have compassion for those with depression? Is it a good thing? I recently read a very interesting article on the subject and want to share it with you. Here is the article, Learn to Be Compassionate. I hope you will read this article and then make comments here on my blog as to your thoughts about having compassion for those suffering with depression.
Depression is a monster who attacks most people at least during some period of time in their lives. It can be a temporary thing such as the loss felt after losing a loved one, or losing a job. Even if your depression is a temporary, one time event, you will need others who can empathize and be compassionate toward you and what you are experiencing.
Please try to understand those who are suffering from depression. They are fighting a battle for their very lives. We can enable them to win that battle with our understanding and compassion.
Ozzieblackcat Homepage
My Avon Website
Ozzie Reviews Avon
All Alone With Depression..........by David
It is sometimes easy to feel all alone when I am depressed. My kids don't really understand and you can't mention depression around strangers. I mean, it is taboo! I get very strange looks if I am asked why I am on disability. People can be very ignorant about disability due to mental health problems.
In addition to my caseworker and my doctor, I have my sister, Susan, who helps me very much. We talk on the phone and we go out to eat. I think everyone needs someone like her to talk to.....someone who understands what depression is like. If you don't have someone, get someone.
You can't depend on changing someone's mind about depression. If someone says things to you such as, "I make myself do a lot of things I don't want to do", they probably don't understand depression. This is someone you can't talk to because they will argue with you and you'll end up feeling worse.
If your spouse argues with you then you both need help together. If you don't get that help, you don't need that person around because it will be too hard to pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments when faced with their negativity. Sometimes our only accomplishment may be simply washing the dishes. Don't let someone else be negative about that.
Please find someone to talk to. Each of us needs all the help we can get.
Avon Website
In addition to my caseworker and my doctor, I have my sister, Susan, who helps me very much. We talk on the phone and we go out to eat. I think everyone needs someone like her to talk to.....someone who understands what depression is like. If you don't have someone, get someone.
You can't depend on changing someone's mind about depression. If someone says things to you such as, "I make myself do a lot of things I don't want to do", they probably don't understand depression. This is someone you can't talk to because they will argue with you and you'll end up feeling worse.
If your spouse argues with you then you both need help together. If you don't get that help, you don't need that person around because it will be too hard to pat yourself on the back for your accomplishments when faced with their negativity. Sometimes our only accomplishment may be simply washing the dishes. Don't let someone else be negative about that.
Please find someone to talk to. Each of us needs all the help we can get.
Avon Website
Feeling Guilty for My Bad Mood........by Susan
Do you think we need to feel guilty for being in a bad mood? Well, I do feel guilty. My bad moods don't usually result in my treating anyone poorly although I might bite someone's head off occasionally. I don't do that nearly as often as I used to.
I have discovered lately that if I get over tired I will soon be in a grumpy mood. Often I feel tired and don't feel like it's okay to rest. Feeling like it's not okay to stop working at whatever I'm working on, is what often causes my bad mood. Feeling like I have to take care of others even though I don't feel like it, will also bring on a bad mood.
Another thing that can cause me to be in a bad mood is being in the middle of something and having other family members interrupt me with what they believe is a more important thing for me to be doing. I have to admit that now and then just being interrupted for a short conversation can cause those bad mood feelings to start stirring inside me.
These are a few of the things that add to my feelings of guilt when I've been in a bad mood. I think the guilt stems from the old belief that whatever I'm doing, whoever I am, whatever I want, is not okay. Most of us with depression have plenty of feelings of guilt too. If we could get rid of our guilty feelings, I'm betting our depression would improve by leaps and bounds.
Thanks for reading this blog article. I guess you could say I had one of my bad moods today and just needed to rant and rave about it a little while.
My Avon Website
My Avon Reviews Site
I have discovered lately that if I get over tired I will soon be in a grumpy mood. Often I feel tired and don't feel like it's okay to rest. Feeling like it's not okay to stop working at whatever I'm working on, is what often causes my bad mood. Feeling like I have to take care of others even though I don't feel like it, will also bring on a bad mood.
Another thing that can cause me to be in a bad mood is being in the middle of something and having other family members interrupt me with what they believe is a more important thing for me to be doing. I have to admit that now and then just being interrupted for a short conversation can cause those bad mood feelings to start stirring inside me.
These are a few of the things that add to my feelings of guilt when I've been in a bad mood. I think the guilt stems from the old belief that whatever I'm doing, whoever I am, whatever I want, is not okay. Most of us with depression have plenty of feelings of guilt too. If we could get rid of our guilty feelings, I'm betting our depression would improve by leaps and bounds.
Thanks for reading this blog article. I guess you could say I had one of my bad moods today and just needed to rant and rave about it a little while.
My Avon Website
My Avon Reviews Site