Depression is something that I have struggled with for decades now. I am feeling the effects of it very strongly at this time, but instead of trying to fight against it I accept that this is a part of me. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that I don't wish to get out of the depressed state, what I am saying is that I am allowing it to take its course and not being hard on myself during the process. By doing this I have found that the depression lifts more rapidly and I am able to be myself again, if this makes any sense. See, in the past I would get down on myself for feeling this way, and it only made matters worse, because by getting down on myself, I was not liking myself or accepting myself for who I am. So I know that this depressed state will not last long, at least I am praying it doesn't, but I just wanted to share this with you all because I know that some of you are also struggling with depression, and perhaps this may help in some way. Something I have noticed, too, is that when I go through depression I do not stop posting on my blog. For myself, doing this blog is a form of therapy, as it gives me something happy and constructive to do that is a good diversion. For those of you who are newer to my blog and may be wondering...yes, I am on medication for depression. In fact, the medication I am taking was increased to double about a year ago. I still get the effects of depression, but not as deeply or as long as I did in the past, and I think this is partially due to the increased dose of medication but also partially due to the way I see myself when I am going through it. Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you all enjoy this post! :)
The videos I have selected for this post are:
A Just for Laughs Gag/Juste pour Rire
Loretta Laroche: Relax and Rest
Sea Predators
Top 5 Most Expensive Cat Breeds
For the following, I am providing the link sources beneath photo. You just need to click on the images to see a larger view.
Begin to see yourself as a soul with a body rather than a body with a soul. - Wayne Dyer
Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. - Mother Teresa
Do not worry, my sweet one. Often what feels like the end of the world is really a challenging pathway to a far better place.
It's okay to cry. It's okay to scream. It's not okay to give up hope.
Just because life can get crazy, doesn't mean you must go crazy. You can experience outer chaos, and still find inner peace. Nothing even needs to change outside you, to find calm inside you. This calm is available at all times. Just breathe.
In order to move on you must understand why you felt how you did and why you no longer need to feel it. - Mitch Albom
Your mind constantly absorbs all your attention, with one worry after another pretending to be necessary...it distracts you from feeling the priceless goodness present in yourself this very moment! Take a breath, notice the air going in and out of your lungs right now! Can you feel your heart beat this very second? Can you feel the miracle it is to be alive? Can you feel the miracle of this moment freed from thoughts? It is through a quiet mind, that the light of eternal peace can shine into this world.
How do you say "thank you" for sunshine or health...for clear days or gentle rains...for happiness, joy or love? You say it by sharing what you have. You say it by making the world a better place in which to live. - Thomas D. Willhite
Putting your phone down and actually paying attention when someone is talking to you. There's an App for that...it's called respect.
Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. - Charles R. Swindoll
By bringing nature into our lives, we invite humility.
Rock: Really, Luna? Really?
Sleep: Hey, you have your passion, I have mine.
veggie might
Thank you all so much for visiting me here! I always appreciate and enjoy reading your kind comments, which you are always welcome to share!
I know what you're saying about how worrying about things just makes things worse. I use to do the same with sleep - worry that I wasn't getting enough which would just make things worse. Once I changed my mindset - "this must be all that my body needs right now" - I began to function much better.
ReplyDeleteLinda, this is me giving you a big virtual hug. ((((HUG))))
ReplyDeleteYour attitude about how to approach your depression is such a healthy one and an inspiration. Thank you for sharing and for giving us some insight into how you are feeling, what you are feeling. Thank you also for these posts each day which I consider a wonderful gift, and I hope tomorrow the sun shines for you in every way.
ReplyDeleteThat phone one is excellent - pity more people didn't adhere to that saying :)
ReplyDeleteHope your bout of depression passes very quickly.
It is said that by telling others, it halves your problem...
Hola mi querida amiga. Espero que te pongas pronto bien. Yo también llevo cuatro meses malos. Pero como tu bien dices tenemos que seguir y los amigos de nuestros blogs son una maravillosa terapia. Un enorme abrazo.
ReplyDeleteSome times you wish live is 'Le Concours de Puzzle' -> so easy, Linda...
ReplyDeleteLovely hug, my dear friend.
You should try swimming, it's rather relaxing.
ReplyDeletewise words! A big hug:)
ReplyDeleteDo hang in there lovely. I have dealt with this in the past too, but finding a passion helped me pull through. Greetings and best wishes!
ReplyDeletelovely...
ReplyDeletela dépression une maladie de notre temps Linda..
ReplyDeletesuperbe vidéo de "Planet Doc"
greetings
Sea Predators, is wonderful Linda, I wish you a very good week.
ReplyDeleteDepression is bad. It could kill if not cure properly. Thankfully you are able to control it.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you get better soon.
ReplyDeleteGreatings from Spain
As you know, I also suffer from depression. Like you, I have come to accept that this is just how I am. I cry very easily and that is not necessarily a bad thing. Oh, by the world standards, it is, but pooh on the world's opinion! Anyway, I will leave you with this saying from an old pastor of mine:
ReplyDelete"Often the most sensitive people are the most caring people."
Hugs,
Deb
je te souhaite une belle et douce semaine
ReplyDeleteon a du soleil mais nuageux par moment, le temps est frais ...
picasso ronfle a coté du poele au bois :)
porte toi bien
bisous
I have family members and friends who deal with depression. I'm glad they're part of my life.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, dear Linda! You are wise not to get down on yourself when you experience depression. It does more harm than good when well meaning friends and family members order you to "snap out of it." Instead, I find that "experiencing it out" and allowing it to diminish on its own is a better way of coping with it.
ReplyDeleteLoretta Laroche reminds me of Jerry Seinfeld. Her self help lectures take the form of stand-up comedy routines. The killer whale is a formidable creature. Intelligent animals are the most dangerous, man included.
Thank you, dear friend Linda!
Ahhh my sweetie, this is not so good and maybe you could visit your doctor? This is very good that you can share all these things with us, it can make you strong and all the advices could be a great bless for your soul! Please, take care of yourself and try to focus on what you doing and also try to pay attention to all those small things that can make us all happy. I love you and will pray for your situation! Much love and care, Liuba x
ReplyDeleteJe vous remercie de ce partage, ma belle-soeur a souffert de la dépression donc je comprend ce que vous vivez au quotidien...Je pense bien à vous ♥ et je vous embrasse fort
ReplyDeleteManon
Good morning Linda. I'm back. I had a problem with my internet and that's why I wasn't able to get into my computer for about a week but things are OK now. Depression, yes it does have it difficulties but " It's okay to cry. It's okay to scream. It's not okay to give up hope." I agree with you that writing in the blog, it helps. I enjoy writing mine but I've learned that I don't need to write every day now.
ReplyDeleteYour work on your blog shows a person who loves yourself & others. Keep it up my wonderful friend. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
I wish you good luck. It helps to air feelings of frustration. That's for sure.
ReplyDeleteWriting is definitely the best therapy. I'm glad you have this outlet! Hope you feel better soon. I've never struggled with depression myself but I have loved ones who are on medication for it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your feelings with us. Great videos and quotes. Enjoyed them all. Have a blessed day. Madeline
ReplyDeleteI quite agree with your take on depression.
ReplyDeleteI'll always listen to you, L ... I know pretty much what you are going through ... 1.) from my work on a busy psych unit and 2.) from personal experience ... I wish u health and happiness always ... and yes, keep on blogging cuz IT IS a form of therapy ... you know and I know and we know ... smiles ... Love, cat.
ReplyDeleteHope you make it back to a happy state of mind soon, Linda. You certainly do find lots of fun and inspiring things to put on the blog despite your current feelings. God bless.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a very good approach to cope with your depression. When I was younger, I struggled to be more social and active. But I'm really not. Over the years I've accepted who I am..it feels so much better to accept and be myself. It's wonderful blogging helps you in form of therapy. Have a lovely new week xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing more personal stuff with us, today.
ReplyDeleteI've not been depressed so I don't know how it feels. I wish you well on your approach. Sounds like acceptance is the key for you.
ReplyDeleteLoved the gag.
I linked you to Awww Mondays for the kitties. Wow, they are very expensive. I wouldn't pay that kind of money. I would go to the pound and get a rescue cat.
Have a fabulous day Linda. ☺
Sorry your problem with depression, I wish you a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteThe gag help us smile, the videos are very nice.
Kisses.
Merci ma belle Linda, j'espère que tu vas aller mieux! Bise et bonne journée tout en douceur!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are experiencing and I like your point of view..Some days I think and say to myself "Be kind to yourself" Other days I am down on myself for yet another day of not getting out of the house, not feeling up to going and doing..
ReplyDeleteI like doing stuff and interacting with the world when I am out and about, my problem is motivating myself :-/
Sending you cyber hugs....
Ese auto análisis que haces de tu depresión es muy importante, porque puede que con ello, estés empezando a controlarla.
ReplyDeleteMe ha parecido muy interesante tu entrada porque puede servir de ayuda, a muchas personas que la padecen.
Un abrazo y mucho ánimo.
Hi Linda, You publish such a great blog ... It just must be testimony that you are a strong person and your meds are working well. You always seem upbeat and have some of the most positive things on your blog. Bless your heart. One of the items you posted today is right on point ... "It's okay to cry. It's okay to scream. It's not okay to give up hope." Your efforts are admirable ... keep up the good work! And I always appreciate your kind comments on my blog ... Thank you Linda.
ReplyDeleteI'm all for vegge but no, no Vegemite for me. I prefer Marmite.
ReplyDeleteWonderful entries today - my favorite quote of all was from The Journey Home. And the videos ---fun except for the killer whales - i guess the tuna wouldn't think so...lol. I hope your depression lifts for you Linda, real soon. All I know is when I go through periods of being down (probably different than depression).... a walk in nature always is soothing and centering. Take care. Sending you a cyber hug(((( Linda))))) a big one.
ReplyDeleteby the way - each post that you do must take up so much of your time- to help lift others. I think that is such a service u are doing! thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteyour words are sooo wise ..
ReplyDeleteI wish you a lot of love and strenght to overcome your depression, linda!!!
always nice to read your thoughtful blog.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda. So sorry to hear that the big D is attacking again. May it soon pass. I think your approach to dealing with it sounds very sensible. I'm glad you have your cat. And, speaking of cats, I can't imagine spending the prices that some of those cats command when there are so many wonderful cats available for free or for a very reasonable price.
ReplyDeleteCats are sleep specialists
ReplyDeleteI hope you will recover soon. Mother Teresa's word is truly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. Be fine,Linda.
Wish you all the best, like this fun and cute post :)
ReplyDeleteKisses
Svetlana
http://capemaychic.weebly.com
be faithful in the wee things.. yes! totally agree! :D
ReplyDeleteThis is me sending you a gentle hug... You are filled with kindness, and you are admired by many...
ReplyDeleteBlessings, and thank you for the great post!
Penny
Sending you hugs, my Montreal friend! I hope you feel the sun expanding inside you already, Linda. And if it's still cloudy inside, I hope it breaks through soon! You are a kind and loving person who gives joy and encouragement to so many. You lift my spirits all the time.
ReplyDeleteI so understand how you are feeling! Depression can sneak up from nowhere and for no reason, even in the middle of a beautiful day. You can't will it away, and beating yourself up only makes you feel worse; you spiral into an even darker place. Sticking to your blogging distracts you and pulls you out of yourself; how wise of you to hang in there with it, Linda. It WILL pass! Just trust in that!
Very few people know this about me (and now maybe more will), but I have been on medication for depression and anxiety for many years; I'm not sure for how many, but certainly 14 or 15 years. My doctor says that I will most likely have to be on them for life. I am grateful for the drugs, because I can see the impact depression and anxiety have had on five generations of my family (that I can count). I have not suffered life-long like those before me, and my niece is getting help through medications much earlier than I did. Even with the medications I spiral down, but not as often and not as deeply. I'm sharing this only to let you know you're not alone; others do understand. I'm trying to be brave like you! People have suffered alone too long!!
Take care!
Merci pour tous tes beaux posts. Bisous Bisous
ReplyDeleteLinda, I definitely can relate to your feelings on depression. It's easy to get into a spiral of self-loathing. I think you have a good mindset, though I know it's hard to accept yourself and your own faults sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe cat video was interesting, though I can't understand anyone who would pay so much for a cat. I'd much rather get one from a shelter. They will love you just as much(if not more) than some fancy breed.
It is so good Linda that you share how you deal with depression. I am sure your words will bring hope and comfort to many!
ReplyDeleteOi Linda, seu nome já é uma esperança.
ReplyDeleteEu já passei por tantas coisas más, até aqui na blogosfera, mas ganhei, minha infância foi a fase mais bonita, apesar de ser adotiva. Apanhei tanto quando criança por nada, minha mãe era doente mas naquele tempo não conhecia as doenças de hoje, se for contar tudo que passei era pra eu tomar umas 3 cartelas de remédio. Eu me curei com a ajuda de Deus e você tem que dizer todos os dias eu vou vencer e vencerá como eu.
Que Deus lhe mande uma estrela do céu na horas tristes, ela a acalmará.
Beijos no coração
minicontista
Se quiser falar comigo tenho e-mail no meu blog
Hello, sweet Linda! Thank you for sharing today. While I'm sorry you must contend with Depression, I'm grateful that you share, and especially, how you cope. I, too, battle Depression, and it worsens chemically when my pain increases. Unfortunately, I am unable to use medication, and have adapted in other ways. So grateful medication is helpful to you (and I'm a little jealous about that LOL). Like you, I try to embrace the "feelings" of the hour, regardless of what they are, so that I can overcome them. It's difficult, but so much better to be good to ourselves in the Process of whatever we experience. Thank you VERY much for sharing. Sending lots of good thoughts your way, and heartfelt prayers. Thank you also for bringing encouragement to my little life each day. hugs, de
ReplyDeletepraying for you
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, You're so brave to share your feeling. It must be so challenging at times...I think you're doing a remarkable job.
ReplyDeleteLoretta Laroche's word is so true...you don't have to available 24/7. We need sleep! I was unable to sleep for a few days, suffering from jet lag. Boy, I was so tired. What? $50.ooo? for a cat? It sounds crazy, right?
Hi Linda. Im just catching up on my blog reading...I wanted to say that a wonderful book that gave me a whole new view of depression is CARE OF THE SOUL by Thomas Moore. If you have never read this, it will be of great interest, as it has helped me a good deal. Best wishes always.
ReplyDeleteChère Linda vous êtes brave de vous exposer ainsi. La dépression est très fréquente mais beaucoup de gens se voilent la face. En tout cas votre résolution d'en parler, de continuer à bloguer et surtout à ne pas prendre des médicaments est le chemin vers la guérison, je crois :)
ReplyDelete