Posted by Fi on December 17, 2003, at 9:43:25
I havent used the Boards in ages- my home PC packed up and the work (and cybercafe) ones dont have any privacy. But got a corner PC today at the cybercafe. This is therefore not linked to anyone or anything in particular, but I'm at that stage of feeling pretty rough but able to get out and about (in my 5th short episode of depression this year...)
Here's my ideas for activities and things to get thru the day- anymore would be welcome. Writing this list is a way to distract myself for a while, anyway. I'm also very aware that people and depression/anxiety vary a lot, and so ideas for one person may not help someone else. These would all be at the stage when you have *some* energy, too- I realise when its really bad for some people, they wouldnt have the stamina for many of these.
1. Emailing friends who understand. Email is easier than the phone sometimes, when you cant sustain a conversation but still want some contact (I live on my own).
2. TV of a mildly interesting sort. Nothing too demanding, but not completely mindless.
3. Going on walks (we all know exercise is meant to be a Good Thing in mild/moderate depression..), but with a walkman with good music so its not just time to get engrossed in worries. I spent one brisk walk twice round the local dull park planning my packing for when I went to hospital (which never happened..)
4. A relaxation tape as long as its not irritating.
5. Claire Weekes books and tapes are old and a bit folksy but brilliant when you are swamped in anxiety/depression.
6. Singing. I know, you dont feel like it really, but it can help, as can what I have heard called 'floppy jogging' ie doing a bit of gentle dancing to yourself to a tune you like.
7. Going to the library. In the UK, that can give you contact (though not talking to people), plus free PC access, plus a range of undemanding novels and videos (tho I then get stressed about getting the videos back on time).
8. Having a bath, with something good on the radio to listen to if that helps. This can be a good thing to do first in the day, once you're actually managed the huge and crucial task of getting out of bed. Personally, I can vouch for the fact that staying in bed does make you feel worse, however tempting it is. Getting up can be easier if you can work out just how much fluid you need in the evening so you will *have* to get up in the morning, but not in the night.
I then have whatever I can face for breakfast and do the washing up.
9. Gardening. This was good in the summer, tho not much now.
10. Creative things like writing, painting. I'm no good at those, but am currently doing some embroidery of something as a present for mid-Jan.
11. If you cant face food, get plenty via things you can drink. I get by for the early days by drinking either BuildUp (one of those meal supplements made with milk), milk on its own, or ginger beer (not actually beer, sadly- just a fizzy ginger drink).They all have some (tho not lots) of calories. Plus the occassional chamomile tea or decaff coffee. When I start to feel better in the evening, I make the most of it by getting some food down me. At this time, its absolutely anything I can face, but fortunately I like fruit and veg (the liquid stuff I mentioned before doesnt have any fibre). I also find that *if* there is a good TV programme or something to distract me, its easier to eat then so I'm not focussing on the food and what a disgusting idea it is at that time.
12. Anything that can make you laugh (or even just smile) is worth its wait in gold, eg funny videos.
13. Put any worries down on paper for later (eg I need to get a builder but that can wait till New Year). I'm not thinking about Christmas as I have no idea if I can cope with the travelling/family bit, tho it would be nice to.
14. Housework is exercise too. Do small manageable tasks. When I am over the first few days,its the only time in my life I actually get something out of cleaning the windows!
15. Small bits of shopping you can do locally, with specific aims (eg I'm after a hose for the shower).
16. Reading is a bit hard at first, tho once your concentration gets better can be a distraction for a while. Magazines are easier at first.
17. If you're in work, and lucky enough like me to have an understanding boss (so far, anyway!), keep in touch with them and thank them lots for their understanding and support. I go back for a few hours a day to start with. Work in itself can be a distraction for me, without having the stress of a whole day (and rush hour commuting).
18. Dont give up altogether on the washing/hygeine stuff. Particularly with all the milk I drink, my mouth tastes bad if I dont clean my teeth regularly, and the sight of myself with dirty tatty hair does nothing for my mood when I see myself in the mirror! Clean sheets can also be more inviting.
I suppose the whole focus just changes- anything that gets you through the next hour, that isnt harmful, becomes a very worthwhile activity.
Small manageable goals and all that. Bearing in mind all the time that you will get better, and even tho it can feel like the end of the world, it really isnt. Although it is ****** frustrating, and such very hard work.
OK, that's just got me thru another 45 minutes.
Best wishes everyone.
Fi
poster:Fi
thread:290905
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20031217/msgs/290905.html