I have discovered after a lifetime of living with Depression and Anxiety, that there are some things that I can do to help myself during relapses.
Routine
A big one is Routine. I get up for my day, start the coffee pot, let the dogs out, and get dressed. I know it sounds really un-glamorous. Let me tell you that getting dressed, in a bra (even if it’s a sports bra), putting on jeans, a tee, socks and shoes, brushing my hair, and using deodorant, can make such a difference in how I feel even at the end of the day. So simple, so do-able, so hard some days.
Part of routine is keeping a normal bedtime. Sticking to a normal diet, eating breakfast, lunch and dinner, trying for a little exercise, all part of the routine is huge. It keeps me from totally going off the rails, literally.
Creativity
Having a creative outlet is so important to me! I like to draw (more doodle really), write (obviously) including poetry (sort of), journal and take photos. These are all parts of my self-reflection and self-care. I carve time out of my day to go somewhere quiet, usually out to my back deck, or guest bedroom and sit with my feelings and doodle or write or crochet.
I am a crazy crocheter. Usually, if I am sitting, I am stitching. There is something about the rhythm of the hook, the movement of the yarn through my fingers, and making something that wasn’t there before that just totally lights me up! I make big things like blankets, or small things like amigurumi (stuffed animals) and it brings me so much joy! Even on my darkest days, when my brain just won’t shut off, I can pick up a crochet hook and some yarn and just for a little while my mind quiets and I come out of that fight/flight response and my nervous system slows just for a bit, I breathe deep and take in the peace.
Music
Music helps me move through my day. There are artists I love who have lyrics that speak to me. Kelly Clarkson and her song, “People Like Us.” Pink and her lyric “let me show you my scars in the daylight.” These ladies have been through some shit, and I can totally relate. Find the music that moves you.
Learning
I read. Usually at night as I am heading to bed. It gives my brain something to gnaw on while I slow for sleep. Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much, but more often than not, it does help me go to sleep.
Medicine
Medicine is a big one, huge actually, too big to cover here. I am sure to take my meds every day! I have known people who have mentally illness, are prescribed medicine, get relief from their symptoms and then stop taking their meds, thinking they don’t need them anymore. And then the whole cycle starts all over again. I am a maniac (not manic) about taking my meds. They can’t help me if I don’t take them.
Keeping Your Appointments
I keep every mental health appointment! Therapy is my super-power in keeping from doing any of the self-injury that I have used in the past to cope. We will get more into that in posts to come. My therapist is such a blessing, she is kind, nonjudgemental, and always open to offering her insights into my behavior. She is absolutely terrific. I cannot gush enough about my therapist. Everyone should have one, in some form or another. We have done in office appointments and currently are meeting virtually.
My psychiatrist is another of my super-powers. He is always calm, listens intently and works towards my mental balance. We have tried many combinations of medications, many to no avail, since I am a bit drug resistant, having taken so many medications over my life, most do not help me much, but we have worked out a regimen that does help me better manage. I do look forward to the time when I might take a blood test, to indicate which medications will work. I know that is coming and I can’t wait!
There is not a cure, at least that I am aware of, for depression and anxiety. There are methods that help manage the symptoms and some of them are presented here. There are hundreds of thousands of management methods out there in the world, each as unique as the people managing their symptoms and living in the world with Depression and Anxiety.
What are some of your skills? What has helped you through the tough times?