My husband and I have fostered kittens for about 16 years. It's our primary volunteer activity, especially now that my physical body doesn't allow me to do much work in the shelter itself anymore. It's a rewarding experience, although I do sometimes cry when I have to take certain kittens back. It was a lot… Continue reading Pain and Depression Coping Mechanisms: Kittens
So I am entering week three of a major back flare up. This one is unlike any I've had before. It makes it near impossible to sit for long periods of time. At one point, I thought I was getting better, as I could sit longer with a heating pad, but it appears to have… Continue reading Pain and Depression and Meds and Hanging On
Ambitious title, huh? You'll probably be disappointed, but maybe not. I hope you'll keep reading anyway. I had a major back flare up last week. I could barely walk or sit up for two and a half days. I'm still on muscle relaxers and it still hurts to sit up, but not so excruciatingly that… Continue reading Suicide, Shit, #itgetsbetter, What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger, Zen, and Platitudes
I also think we don't talk enough about how physical pain influences suicidal tendencies. Chronic pain is a major risk factor for suicide and goes hand in hand with depression.
Kate Spade. Anthony Bourdain. Two gut-punching suicides that have people asking “Why them? They had it all!” Sure, Bourdain lived a hard life, but Kate Spade, the queen of whimsy? She was wealthy, adored and…
Depressed.
We need better words. One of the biggest disservices to the field of mental health is to call the diagnosis of “depression” by the name “depression.” Everyone “gets depressed.” It’s a commonplace word: “I’m so depressed the meeting I planned fell through.” “The ending of that show was too depressing.” “He’s too depressing to be around.”
None of these examples has anything to do with the psychological definition of Depression.
People who live with depression are wired differently. Our brains perceive life differently than those who do not have depression. Let me put it another way.
Suppose you were born left-handed in this predominantly right-handed world. Suppose that was considered OK from time to…
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I love the new debut album by Middle Kids. Lots of poignant lyrics, powerful female vocals, and moving music that ranges from playful to gut-wrenching. All the things that draw me to my fave alternative bands. The album has been on frequent rotation, along with the new albums by CHVRCHES and Courtney Barnett. Recently, I… Continue reading Is That New Middle Kids Song an Homage to the “Deep Throat” Theme?
I've been doing a good deal of learning lately. Right now, I am slowly working my way through Pema Chödrön's No Time to Lose. It struck me that I have a habit of escaping into my fantasy life when I am having bad pain days. For sure, this is a coping method to try to… Continue reading Fantasy Life
My husband and I have a tradition of touring most of the HPBs around our city when they do special sales. We hit four over this long weekend and found lots of goodies. Pictured is my haul.
Not a bad list. I would add meditate. You van also connect with animals or other nature.
Step right up, folks! Step right up!
Come feast your eyes on this marvelous tonic; right here, right now. What you may think is a simple bottle is actually the most secret of formulas from the Jungles of the East; from the hand of Marvelodijiling, the famed Healer and only man to live past 200 years of age without a health problem of any sort.
This is The Cure for Depression.
It is, indeed. You may shake your head at me, madame. You may wonder at the authenticity, young sir. I assure ALL that this product is exactly as it says. One simple dose each day will GUA-RAN-TEE to rid you of the woes of Depression.
…And if that sales pitch convinced you, then you and I need to have a long talk.
Actually, we can have a really short talk: Depression doesn’t work like that. For one, it isn’t “cured.”…
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Here's the thing about depression and anxiety: sometimes you just can't seem to get anything done. Depression leaves you apathetic, although so can anxiety. Anxiety leads to distraction and difficulty concentrating. Depression drains motivation like a sieve until you're only left with the lump of your body stuck in bed or on the couch or… Continue reading Motivation, Distraction and Apathy
Suicidal Tulip 