The hardest thing for me and trying to cope with depression is to not give myself a hard time for feeling this way

[cloudy overhead]

The hardest thing for me and trying to cope with depression is to not give myself a hard time for feeling this way; I believe at least half of my depression is due to my belief system and how I interpret things; even-so at times it's  really hard to be positive, when many of the important areas in your life are not going well; or not going how you would like them to go. I'm 59 yoa now and thinking back, I feel I've often tended to be quite serious and melancholy and sensitive; getting older comes with its own set of challenges; therefore I try to get plenty of sleep; nap during the day if I feel like it; eat healthy; hydrate, exercise; or at least move; get massages; especially for the physical contact factor; which is very important; especially if your not in a tactile relationship...the sense of touch is extremely important; find a good therapist and only keep people in your life that are worth your time....sometimes, trying to cover all of these points feels too hard; then I remember how much better I feel when I can accomplish even one of these things.

Talking about how I feel with my partner is also good; he's a good listener.

Cloud Decreasing!

[blondguy]

Hi Cloudy

What an inspiration post! And welcome to the forums..

You have absolutely nailed it..We do give ourselves a hard time with depression...which of course only exacerbates the issue.

I have mentioned a few times that we dont try so hard and 'fight' a broken leg...a virus...a bad toothache....We actually accept these feelings knowing we will get better. Depression of course being a physical illness with psychological 'feelings' which requires the same acceptance...

Wonderfully said Cloudy

It would be great if you wish of course to stick around and offer you kind and correct coping mechanisms on our forums....(a few of us loiter in the BB Cafe when we are taking a break)...You are most welcome.

Thankyou so much for your kind and accurate post

Paul

[Doolhof]

Hi Cloudy,

Thanks for sharing how you are feeling regarding depression and your life.

Sometimes life can seem really cloudy can't it, but on thinking of that, I have reminded myself that to see a brilliant sunset, sometimes clouds are required!

It is wonderful you have managed to find ways to cope with your depression and to help make life more worthwhile and acceptable.

Massages are great aren't they! I have a lot of trouble with my back and sometimes go to the Asian massage people as they really get in to the sore spots and untie the knots in my back. I do prefer the lovely, warm oil massages though. There is something very special about those isn't there!

I agree with you that trying to do too much when you are depressed is just too difficult at times. When I manage to achieve something, I am very pleased with myself.

On the weekend I felt like I needed to clean up[ the whole garden. Instead I completed one sectiona nd feel very pleased with all I achieved. I even went outside before work this morning to admire the work I had done.

Thanks for your inspiration!

Cheers for now from (Mrs.) Dools

[cloudy overhead]

Hi Ms.Dools,

Glad to have helped in any way; its great to hear you can congratulate yourself for anything you get done;when your depressed; that's  sooooo important.

Good on you!

Cloud Clearing

[Zetta]

Hi Cloudy, 

I too find this really hard to do and thank you for your message!! It has given me a new way of thinking and I know now that I should be kinder to myself and celebrate the little things I can accomplish. Like today I finally cleaned the whole house and folded and packed away all my clean washing! 

I haven't cleaned the house in 2 weeks(oops) and haven't folded and packed away the clean washing all week. I just need to catch up on some ironing tonight and then I can relax for the rest of the weekend!! I think a well deserved bath is in order tonight!! 

Kind thoughts!

Zetta

[Doolhof]

Hi Zetta and Everyone,

It certainly does feel good when you achieve something even if it has taken a long time to get that something started!

Yesterday I completed some book work I had to do. I had been procrastinating about it not wanted to start it as I felt it would be a headache. It was a little bothersome but now it is done.

I try to do our washing on a Thursday and Friday so I then have the weekend free from that chore. I need to get up early on those days to do it, but I benefit greatly for having done so.

Being able to appreciate your own efforts is not always the first thing that comes to mind when you do something.

While working on tasks at home, I try to do a bit of housework and then treat myself to a bit of time having a drink some fruit and working on a Sudoku puzzle, then I tackle a bit more house work or other jobs.

Lately I have been stopping to do a little colouring in. Problem with that is I want to keep going and complete the whole picture! That is okay sometimes as well.

Hoping you all manage to find a healthy balance in your day!

Cheers, from Dools