In her recent article entitled: “First, Make the Bed: A Gentle Path through Depression,”* Michele Weiner-Davis LCSW discusses how she dealt with her own depression following a period of loss. I fully appreciate the title of her article, knowing that when depression hits, sometimes the only thing that can get you out of bed is a seemingly mindless task you’ve promised yourself you will do every day. The act of getting out of bed, can then springboard you onto the next task, and so on and so forth, as you combat the monumental energy drain of depression.
Other tools mentioned in Weiner-Davis’s article include daily exercise to release endorphins, talking with a mental health expert, accepting the love and care of others, mindfulness, and the importance of hope. If you are struggling with depression, as numerous folks are during these challenging times, I encourage you to read her article.
During my own bouts of situational depression, following the loss of loved ones, and facing life threatening health situations with my children, I found the same tools to be critically important. The task that got me out of bed each day was getting my children to school. Daily exercise came in the form of riding my bike up an extremely forbidding hill. I told myself, if I could get up that hill each day, I could do anything. Somedays summiting that hill was the only thing that kept me going. Slowly I began to let positive energy, no matter how seemingly insignificant, in. On my way up the hill, I would notice the sunset, or a coyote crossing through a meadow, an eagle soaring, or a friendly stranger who would cheer me on, or give me a thumbs up. Once my high schooler told me I was known on his bus as “Super Woman” because I rode up that hill everyday as the school bus passed. My mantra was, “Take it in,” allowing the positive to crowd out the negative. By the end of the ride, I felt enough energy to face the day, and a sense of renewed hope. Eventually it was time, love, gratitude, and patient healers that helped me through the dark. The journey wasn’t easy.
Depression, like quick sand, can pull you down despite your struggle with it. You have to grab for that tree branch, and use every ounce of strength to pull yourself out. If someone is there to give you a hand, take it and be grateful.
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If you are experiencing any thoughts of self-harm, and or suicidal ideation, contact a mental health care provider immediately, or call your local HELP-Line for assistance.
Disclaimer:
Neither the publisher nor the author are engaged in rendering advice or services to the individual reader. The ideas, procedures, and suggestions continued in this blog are not intended as a substitute for consulting with a licensed mental health and or child development advisor. All matters regarding the health and development of your child require professional supervision. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage allegedly arising from any information or suggestions in this blog.
*Weiner-David, Michele. "First, Make the Bed: A Gentle Path through Depression". Psychotherapy Networker, Sept-Oct 2021. https://psychotherapynetworker.org