FIGHT IT!! but how?

[white knight]

Fighting against anything has its limitations. An Army could blast its way through enemy lines but a wise commander might find a more peaceful way to achieve agreement and save many lives.

With depression its isn't that much different. When you are in that low zone it is pointless forcing yourself to "fight it". You can push hard to do the shopping and find yourself a mess in your car unable to move. What have you achieved then?

So as a sequel to my thread (google Topic: depression, the timing of motivation- beyondblue) I'd like to list some ideas of how to "fight it" in a wise way. To tame that black dog.

Patience- if you don't have any don't feel bad (google Topic: supermarket shelves- beyondblue. Cure is rare with depression so try finding a little patience to at least allow medication and therapy to work.

Withdraw- Pulling back from social events a little. Not fully but ask yourself "do I have the option of staying home"? "Do I have the option of not being a committee member of my club"?

Back to basics- (google Topic: back to basics- beyondblue)

Medications- take them, don't fall into the mind trap of thinking they are not needed. Work with your GP (google Topic: medication is a whirlpool- beyondblue)

Lifestyle- A change is as good as a ??? And if a few days/weeks away on a holiday works for you consider moving to such an environment

Family and friends- You have the decision making as to who stays in your life. You can determine if they are toxic or unhelpful. Find the tact to let them go or drift away. Remember, we are talking about your mental health.

Intrusive thoughts- Like everything else try to pull back moderately. Elimination of them is an unwise expectation. Reduce them by distraction. (Topic: distraction and variety- beyondblue)

Faith- whatever your religious persuasion is embrace it. Also have an open mind as to your journey to your inner heart. (Google Maharaji sunset youtube)

Feel lucky- this state of mind, positivity, your ability to get moving but....you need to be mentally well enough. Wait for that cycle to pick up then implement. (Google Maharaji the perfect instrument youtube)

Team effort- If you have a carer then rely on him/her to gauge how you are behaving, where you're at. Don't forget to care for them (Topic: who cares for the carer- beyondblue)

Disconnect- The burdens of the past, make peace with them. Write them on a pebble and throw them in the river.

Fighting it, is to be wise by not fighting it.

Tony WK

[Elizabeth CP]

Maybe we need to develop selective hearing!!! By this I mean we need to be selective on who we listen to particularly when measuring how good we are. SM you knew you were successful in turning around a failed business If the owners were too blind /stupid to appreciate you that's their problem not yours. I know their treatment towards you was unfair but as far as showing how worthwhile you were the results proved you were successful. That needs to be the focus not the owners opinion. As far as buttering bread most people can do it but what made you special is you did it to help others. You gave your time & efforts for people who needed them. That is special.

[white knight]

Yes it made sense to me also Sad Mushroom

And it doesnt surprise me, the commonality of people capitalising on willing horses, to beat them...as the saying goes.

Wherever Ive worked, being manic, I'd physically work hard, si who got the jobs that needed a hard fast worker? Me. The bludger was never thought of. Now at 61yo my jounts are worn out, I bet theirs arent. Its nive to be proud about it but in all seriousness you dont get the recognition you deserve.

Another aspect of this already mentioned by sad mushy is the quality of person you work for. There are toxic workplaces, bosses that wont simply praise a worker, etc. Then you get appreciation for buttering bread...and when you get that, you feel like hugging them!

So "fighting it" takes on a whole new meaning when we acknowledge many adpects of our lives we can change. A toxic workplace is one. Keep going from job to job until you find a workplace you are looking forward to attending.

Tony WK

[Sad_Mushroom]

Tony,

From 2014 to early 2015 I volunteered at a charity. I volunteered over 50 hours a week as a volunteer even though the manager only worked 28 hours per week.

I was always made feel special and worthy until I noticed staff were stealing and began reporting it. Once I began reporting the theft things went downhill. One of the 'thieves' told me he had been friends with the manager for over 30 years and they had been stealing for at least 5 years (from the charity) and the manager would ignore my reports and if the directors ever caught on, the manager would act dumb and blame everything on me, as I was in charge of stock.

I began keeping a diary, day by day. When the poop hit the fan I gave the directors the diary. I thought that would be it. BUT the directors thought it would look bad for the charity so decided to shut me up and keep the whole theft a secret.

I posted the diary online. THEN, and only then was action taken. The charity made sure I felt guilty and bad for posting the diary. I volunteered over 50 hours a week for a year, had keys to the shop and opened/closed the shop and they will not even give me a reference.

Sometimes doing the right thing is not looked on as right by the people concerned. Fighting it is knowing yourself that you did the RIGHT thing.

SM