27 October 2010

Prioritizing for optimim mental health.

Life gets really busy with work, keeping a home, looking after children and pets. Not to mention, maintaining good relations with people at work, family and friends. Life can be quite a juggle of emotions if we let it. Very often, those of us who are trying to keep our heads above the depression line, find dealing with people in our lives very draining and could potentially sink below the line. It is at times like this that prioritizing is really important.
1. First what you need to realize, is that NO-ONE is more important that YOU.... .. NO-ONE. There is only one of you and if you don't take care of that one beautiful person, others around you will ultimately suffer.
2. Once you've got that in your head, it could help you to prioritize. It is not selfish to schedule alone time, or doing something that you love. That is all part of taking care of yourself and keeping yourself in a great state of mind. If you are happy, then the people around you are happy, if you are angry or resentful, then the people around you pick up on that and may be that way to.

3. Schedule at least one activity each week just for you. If you can do more, that is ultimately better, but, if you're a little time poor, one will do. You don't have to include anyone else in the activity, as long as you do it. It's very important to realize in your head, that you deserve this, do not feel guilty or allow anyone else to make you feel that way. If someone else is making you feel guilty, that is their problem, not yours!!! I think that's a whole nother blog post !

So, this week, take some time to look at your week and fit in something/s that you would like to do that would make you feel relaxed and happy. Schedule them in your diary/calendar of events so that you don't double book yourself. You're much more likely to remove your indulgence for work than not!! Think of the indulgence as being essential for your mental health and follow through without guilt.
Take care this week and enjoy.
                      Deb

20 October 2010

Depression and parenthood- how to cope...

When you're in the throws of depression, the last thing you feel like doing is responding to one of your children. It doesn't sound nice to say it, but it's true. Often this is one of the hardest hurdles because we don't want to admit to anyone, that we really don't want to see the child for a while and need time alone! It could be misinterpreted as not caring. That is not it at all. We care for our children, but when you're not coping, you don't think rationally at all. Here's some tips to help you when you next feel this way:
1. Explain to your child that you're feeling a little sad right now, and need to spend some time alone in your room.  Set a timer, if your child is a little young, for maybe 5 minutes, because that will feel long to them. Each time you do it, set it for a little longer so they get used to giving you some alone time.
2. If your child is young and still having sleeps, DO NOT use every sleep time to tidy or do washing etc. Set aside some time for yourself. Do something you really enjoy so you can recharge. You are VERY important- if you're not well, the whole family suffers.
3. If your children are older, an explanation about depression can also work to educate and allow them to understand you. Do not go into too much detail, but explain about how chemicals in your brain are unbalanced and you need to do certain things to try to restore the balance. They will become more understanding if you let them in.

This is just a snippet of information on putting some strategies in place within your family.
I hope it helps you this week.
                                Take care
                                          Deb  9N8VGVZQ3U5D

13 October 2010

The Evils of multi tasking !!

Multi tasking is something that everyone prides themselves in doing. Many people think that you are just not efficient unless you can multi task. Whilst I think there is an element of truth to this, there is also the danger of OVER multi tasking!! So, for instance, if you answer the phone and feed the cat whilst talking to your friend, that is not too bad; however; if you chat to your friend whilst typing an email and organizing your diary- well, you've gone too far! For a person suffering with depression, multi tasking is a real evil to be avoided!
Think about this, when you're depressed, your mind is often feeling very full, you feel over whelmed easily. Now, how can you possibly function if you're now trying to perform several duties at once?
Here's some useful advice I received from a friend: when you are needing to do something, like cooking, focus only on doing that. Don't cook and type on the computer. Just focus on cooking. When you are talking to a friend, focus on the friend. Don't answer the phone (unless you are expecting a call ), try to not be distracted by anyone else and see how much more of a connection is made.
I do get though, those of you with younger children are saying, how on earth can I focus on one thing at a time when I have to fix Buzz lightyear, sweep the floor and answer the phone? Well, children in general are not noted for being patient, but an important lesson for them to learn if they are able, is how to wait. When the phone rings, try to stop what you are doing and give it your attention. When your child wants you, when you are able, try to focus on what your child needs/wants. When you are doing something for yourself, like sewing or crafting, focus on only that.
This , if you're able to do it, will help you to relax and realize that you don't need to multi task, simply work through your day going from one task to another, still achieving but doing so in a sane way.
                        Give it a go, you will probably find a calmer, more focused you in the end!
                                                        Take care till next time.
                                                                       Deb

06 October 2010

Depression and Art- a great link!

It is a fact that a large portion of people who suffer with depression are creatively or artistically inclined. This is due to the fact that the people who love to create are usually emotional, passionate creatures. Even if you don't fall into this category, you can benefit from it.
Art can come in many forms. Cooking, sewing, card making, scrap booking, canvas work, sculpture, drama, interior design and the list goes on.....  you might really love to cook - notice how you feel when you're cooking (replace it with what is relevant for you). You will feel relaxed, happy and content. Those are the feelings you want more of especially if you've felt pulled down of late.
This week, make some time to focus on a creative activity that makes you feel happy. What is it you love? If you have forgotten what you're passionate about, a good way to remember is to think about this:  you overhear a conversation and you have a burning desire to participate in that conversation, what are they discussing?
The other thing you need to now do is put some time aside to create. It needs to involve focusing only on what you are doing- not multi tasking!! More on the evils of multi tasking next time.
                            I hope your week is happy and healthy.
                                                              Take care
                                                                       Deb