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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tabitha on February 2, 2011, at 2:56:00
I can't figure out which board this goes on. Anyway...
I'm sharing this list of coping strategies I'm using to survive some pretty severe mood states. I always see the same lists in article and books but they never really seem to work for me. I'd love to hear other people's lists of things they've come up with that truly work for them.
For depression
a) So there is a fear/worry/misery mixture all the time. I use a sort of meditation strategy on it. It's there, but I don't feed it my mental energy and let it form distinct thoughts. By doing this, it doesn't quite become a thought train. It just remains a vague background state. It doesn't grow to become paralysis or a meltdown.
b) When stronger unpleasant feelings happen, chant. I do this mentally. I'm using a Buddhist chant but anything would work.
c) Forcing myself up out of lethargy into activity is a wonderful strategy. It's hard but gets easier quickly with practice.
d) It's particularly helpful to make myself do chores. When they seem overwhelming, I start with an easy one. Tidying the kitchen or doing laundry is almost never overwhelming, so I often start with those. Then I can usually move through some harder ones.
e) Indulge mental obsessions. Really. It's far better to be reading or studying some pointless topic or telling some hapless listener all about it than stewing in misery. I'm never so depressed that I don't feel like reading or surfing the web.For agitated depression/hypomania
f) Don't feed anger/agitation thought trains. They are just the energized versions of fear/worry/misery thought trains. Watch out for righteous indignation-- it feel real but it's junk
g) Force a reasonable bedtime when over-energized. This is the inverse of forcing myself into action out of lethargy.
h) Work! It channels the energy and feels quasi-pleasant. It counts as a mood-lifter.
i) Indulge mental obsessions (but not past bedtime). This one works equally for depression and agitation.
Posted by roscopeeco on February 2, 2011, at 5:02:32
In reply to Mood disorder coping strategies, posted by Tabitha on February 2, 2011, at 2:56:00
To be honest. That is the best advice anyone, including Phd's, could give. You are obviously a smart woman. I started doing what you prescribed 2 months ago and it has helped. My depression is a lingering background noise that gets a shade better each week. I think now all I need is a beach, sun, and vodka tonic with a splash of xanax and I will be set.
Posted by Phillipa on February 2, 2011, at 11:24:32
In reply to Re: Mood disorder coping strategies, posted by roscopeeco on February 2, 2011, at 5:02:32
I feel it belongs here, psychology and maybe even social. Great advise. Phillipa
Posted by bodhisattva_guy on February 8, 2011, at 3:16:21
In reply to Re: Mood disorder coping strategies » roscopeeco, posted by Phillipa on February 2, 2011, at 11:24:32
I hope that was a joke - vodka and xanax will not solve your problems.
you might not be in touch with your body - but i've observed this in everybody around me - even small amount of alcohol causes psychological/psychiatric reaction - person becomes more depressed, angry, irritable.read about mindfulness. (opposite of running away from the problems)
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