Posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2003, at 13:12:47
In reply to What's the Deal w/Depression???? Help! , posted by Susan J on September 5, 2003, at 12:55:43
When you figure out how to make it go away, let me know. This bout has been a year and a half so far for me. It's frustrating when you think you are doing everything that everyone tells you to do - but it is still a problem. Changing therapists was a good thing for me, but I don't think that I would recommend that everyone in the world change therapists.
Your road trip. My depression makes it hard for me to concentrate when I'm driving - it makes me fall asleep (sort of). I try hard not to drive more than 1/2 hour away, but there are times recently when I've needed to drive 1 1/2 hours (to a funeral). I stock up on those little carrots (they take a while to eat if you chew them a lot, don't have too many calories, keep pretty well, I like them), Smarties (Little disc shaped candies in a roll, I like them because it is easy to eat them slowly - one little piece at a time), Tootsie Rolls (the little ones, for when chocolate is necessary), soda with caffeine. It also helps to listen to a book on tape (music doesn't help me much). Is there anyone riding with you? If so, tell them that their job is to keep you awake. You can play the alphabet game (look on signs to find each letter in alphabetical order). Other things you did in the car as a kid??
If you find yourself falling asleep. STOP. I didn't once, and I didn't have an accident but I easily could have. Get off at an exit and find a grocery store. Walk around - the different visual stimulation is helpful. Buy some grapes.
Please be careful.
poster:fallsfall
thread:257298
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030829/msgs/257305.html