By Michelle Nollsch
My Bout With Depression
You’re probably wondering where I’ve been the past couple of weeks. I felt like I was coming down with something. Body aches from head to toe invaded my body. My head was pounding, and I just wanted to go to bed. Typical signs of flu, right? It turned out to be depression which can mirror the same symptoms of the flu. Dealing with depression can be a challenge but not impossible.
I am currently going through menopause, and I know that it can trigger depression. It has been a while since I felt this low in energy. I tend to busy myself with work and muddle through it. Now that I work from home in a more relaxed state, I have to deal with it directly. Like drugs and alcohol, it is cunning, baffling, and powerful. Honestly, it took me a little bit to realize it was depression.
Our Thoughts Are Powerful
What was the key component that led me to believe I was depressed? My thoughts became less than positive, and a loss for day-to-day life blanketed me. I felt unsatisfied with everything. I felt blah! I have everything to be grateful for and then some. I was uninterested in anything. I just seemed to be sad all the time. I usually can turn myself around, but I was struggling this time.
I reached out to my husband and told him how I was feeling. He was very supportive and checked on me from time to time. He suffers from depression as well from time to time, so he knows all the tell-tale signs. It helps to have a support system in place. I’m so grateful for my husband.
My Top 10 Remedies For Depression
You probably have noticed in most of my blogs, I lean towards self-care techniques most of the time. As a recovered alcoholic/addict, it’s important to have a self-care list available for many reasons. Here are my top 10 remedies that may help while you ride the wave of depression:
- Talk to someone- let them know how you are feeling so they can help
- Take a walk even if it’s just around the block and back home-baby steps
- Take a long, hot bath- water can be very soothing and relieve body aches
- Listen to your favorite type of music – get you out of your own head!
- Try aromatherapy with essential oils or scented candles-this can help boost your mood.
- Journal what you are feeling-take back your power
- Increase the natural light in your house by opening blinds or curtains
- Spend time out in nature even if its just for a few minutes
- Play and spend time with a pet-my cats help me so much!
- Watch a funny movie or show
This list is a holistic approach, but if you were prescribed medication, you use it in addition to what you are already trying. Sometimes medicine is not enough, and this could help get you back on the path of wellness. Therapy is beneficial as well. Talking it out with someone else takes power away from the addiction, depression, trauma, etc.
Holidays can be a really rough time for many – be kind to others especially to yourself. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please seek help by contacting: https://988lifeline.org/