Posted by WorryGirl on May 12, 2003, at 19:29:51
In reply to EXTREME BOREDOM, posted by mmcasey on May 8, 2003, at 19:43:10
> I have realized that one major facet of my depression is this extreme boredom that I seem to always have. Someone posted about this a few weeks ago. But when I look back over the past few years, I can just remember a lot of times of just feeling really bored. It's like I think over my options of what to do and nothing seems appealing. But sitting there and doing nothing is obviously very dull as well. At times, I feel horribly depressed in addition to the boredom, but other times I don't even really feel that depressed, just bored (like right now for instance). Part of it is that I do not have the concentration to do many things that I would like to do like read or even watch tv. I am unable to become engaged in practically everything. I always feel kind of restless.
>
> Does anyone else feel like this? It kind of sucks!!
>
>Hi there,
Yes, I've often felt like you and what has helped me tremendously is taking up knitting. Yes, knitting! It's not just for senior citizens anymore. I was in the yarn store the other day and I was the oldest one in there (I'm in my mid 30s!).
Anyway, why it helps me is that I am creating something even if I'm just sitting there. My mind tends to race, even when I'm not in an overly anxious state, and the knitting somehow calms me and allows me to focus. It's great to do while watching TV. I believe that I actually absorb more info while knitting. I could just see the look on people's faces if I brought my knitting to church. I doubt my ability to absorb the sermon that way would be smiled upon!
And as boring as "knitting" might sound, it is anything but for me. I realize it's not for everyone, but maybe you could give it a try.
If you can learn just the simple basic garter stitch (there are tons of websites that can teach you or you might know someone who can show you in person), you can create a scarf in no time, and there are wonderful, colorful textured yarns (as well as pretty inexpensive yarns) out there these days that knit into some gorgeous designer-looking stuff. Great for gifts, too.
And men are taking up knitting these days, too - gay and straight, teens and older. It seems that hats and scarves are the most popular with them.
It is considered therapeutic by some pdocs and more people than ever are taking up this hobby.I'll admit that there are times, when I'm really down, that I can't even get motivated to knit, and I'll drudge around the house all day, bored out of my mind. But if I can manage to pick up the needles or turn on my computer it sometimes helps get me tuned into life a little better.
Even if you live in Florida, you can knit a sleeveless tank or a scarf.
Just an idea; I realize that it might not appeal to everyone, but it's worked pretty well for me :)
poster:WorryGirl
thread:225230
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030506/msgs/226191.html