Depression-distraction and variety

[white knight]

Medication is crutial as part of staying well if you suffer from depression. But we know we still have our depressed periods. Psychiatry is advisable but what about the periods in between appointments?

We need road detours on depression street. Like one of those ramps they have when descending steep mountains where trucks can shunt.

Distraction is such a tool to use. Why?

You find it hard to get out of bed. But we know you have to visit the bathroom and kitchen at times. Then drag yourself to walk 50 metres down the road. In that time you are using your senses...you smell flowers or even pollution, you hear noises, you feel the wind upon your skin and you focus on the environment. ..all things you wouldnt be doing while in bed.

Distraction is an incredibly powerful tool. Many of us have moods due to our illness. Bipolar moods are part of the package but coping with stress causes moods. This easily elevates to snapping at our partners. Many recommend time out. Time out includes distraction if you take that time out AWAY from the conflict zone. Google

Topic: relationship strife? The peace pipe- beyondblue

Years ago I used to restore vintage cars. I gave that up and flew model planes. Yes they were a good distraction but as they were my only interest/hobby they didnt stop me dwelling on my problems. In recent years my hobbies have included tinkering in my shed, gardening, cooking, designing, building our caravan, bb champion activity and outdoors like collecting firewood or garden stones. I want to add gold detecting and photography

As I've got older physical activity like gardening has to have a 1-2 hour limit so by default I've switched interests several times a day which results in more efficient distraction. It seems I stumbled onto a happier way to avoid depression.

A relative of mine lives in the city. Upon talking to her about her depression she now has a large jigsaw in a spare room, plays tennis, organises tennis events, plays scrabble nightly with hubby, cooks cheap meals to save money (pensioner) and maintains a vegetable garden. She was reluctant to garden as she rents but we went to a large hardware and purchased those iron garden beds you can empty when moving house.

Having a variety of interests spreads you mentally and physically. Distraction is an effective way of switching your attention more than is obvious. Both ideas you'll find effective as your senses are activated to changes in environment.

Can you use distraction?

Tony WK

[daniellerecovered]

I find distraction very useful!

It cuts the runination cycle and makes you be mindful and in the moment.

I distract myself by:

Socialising

Being busy at work

Taking on a new project eg. selling something, taking on a new course

Making goals

I find coffee helps with all of the above if i have a bad day of rumination it gives me the energy to get on with distraction activities!

[Emotions26]

Hello Tony WK over here.

Thank you for the directions.  Getting lost takes up much of my time. I discover other places where I have not been.  Rewarding sometimes.

I have found that the best distractions are those that I have not planned.  I need to outsmart my mind. 

On the other hand, choosing to go outside and garden; weather a huge enticement there; is a wonderful distraction as I absolutely love gardening.  I lose track of time.  I can forget to have lunch and hydrate.

Jigsaws for me I enjoy, however my cat always manages to find them even behind closed doors. 

Cooking I love as I can be creative.  I never have the same meal twice though, as I create with what I have.  Part of the fun.

Used to play scrabble with mother and twin.  I usually won and surprisingly, they enjoyed the games and did not complain.  I am reminding myself that there were some good times.  Just not enough. Not for them.  This is to rebuild me.

I have always been a walker in preference to driving somewhere.  I used to hike through various ranges and national parks.  Has been a while now.  Slowly, slowly, restarting.  Swimming I always loved but feel the cold too much now and low energy does not help. Perhaps that will come back into my life later as well.

Reading I love and have lost the concentration or focus.  A work in progress.

Writing comes and goes.  Has been a while. Today though, I have written a fair amount.

It is so easy to dismiss suggestions that have not worked in the past.  I have this in mind now.  Thank you for the prompt.

Ems26