Depression in covid times

[Jolie]

How's is anyone dealing with depression and anxiety in these times? I have been awful.

What's going on with your mind? How you feel? ANd what are your concerning, either physical and mental?

Edited January 19 by Jolie

[Candy]

I realised last week that for nearly the entire year of 2020, I was in a dark hole - which I mostly dug myself hehe My situation changed tremendously when I began taking regular walks during the day. From there, I added a bit of stretching as soon as I get out of bed. I'm also trying to eat less sugar. Whereas before I could barely think straight, now I can sit focused on my work for hours at a time. My creativity has returned, and I'm even motivated to do short workouts every day. I don't spend entire days in bed or on the sofa with my phone anymore, making excuses. I don't feel awful; in fact, it's the opposite. It sounds ridiculous and simple, probably, but I'm literally in awe of the drastic changes in my mood and emotions. Just by taking a 10-minute walk after a meal, I already feel so much better. What I still struggle most with lately is the consistent "chattering" in my mind. It's become so bothersome that I now almost always walk with a podcast or music just so I don't THINK so much haha Anyway, I know everyone struggles with different levels or severities of depression and anxiety. I also know what works for one won't or might not work for another, but just those simple things have helped me so so much that I feel a bit silly for not realising it sooner. Acupuncture also helps, but I know that's not accessible for everyone right now. I hope you all find the things that work for you to make you feel well and better. But also remember, it's totally ok not to be ok. We just have to be kinder to ourselves and accept the bad days as openly and lovingly as the good days.

[Lizzie]

I can definitely second the daily walks ?  When I started going for a walk every day it lifted my mood a lot. I aim for being out walking for about an hour, and I always listen to a podcast while I'm out. I find that it makes it more enjoyable, and also makes me more motivated to go since I'm excited to listen to another episode haha 

I also think it's been a really challenging time for everyone, and that it's so important to be kind and gentle with ourselves ?  

[Bjoern]

Haha, that´s me, too! I go out for a walk everyday, to do my 10000 steps/day, beeing accompanied by some podcast mostly. Even if i don´t feel like, i just force myself to do that walk, as i know i always feel good afterwards. Last year has been crazy, this year starts the same. But it´s on us, how to confront all this and don´t get too depressive about it.
Luckily i personally don´t have to confront me with the situation having lost my job. That would make things much more difficult and that is the situtation of too much people.
I´m optimistic that we find ourselves in another situtation spring/summer but the only thing we can influence is how we live the life as it comes

[Felicidad]

Great topic! What makes me happy is always the same and of course much needed in this challenging times. I love to read, go on walks, enjoy the scenery, look up positive and Uplifting things, ??, and of course surrounding myself around positive people. I hope you find your happiness. Sit back and reflect. Self Care is often overlooked. Love yourself! 

[joesvetz]

Years ago I began to struggle with recurring depression. I read books, went to therapy, and tried many things to get myself out of it. Over time, I discovered that there were many things I could do to feel better, but I would often just forget (or not want to do them). So I made myself the "I don't feel good and want to feel better" checklist which I could refer to when I felt badly. I've never shared it before, but figure this might be a good place  (sorry it's super long - I was going to attach it as a pdf, but couldn't attach pdfs here)

 

The "I Don't Feel Good and Want to Feel Better" Checklist 
Oftentimes, when you don’t feel good, you have a hard time listening to the positive voice. As a result, you may be tempted to think that "something is wrong” - with your life, with your relationships, or maybe even with the world. 
Before jumping to the conclusion that you need to quit your job, abandon your partner, or go hide in a bunker, review this list to see if there’s something more internal that you can do first. 
* Have I had good posture recently? (TED talk Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are)
* Has the rest of my physiology been positive? (facial expressions, type and quantity of movement) 
* Have I done anything that gets me moving in an excited / animated way? (dancing, a sport I like, etc)
* If I’ve been doing anything that’s been negatively stressing myself, can I be a little kinder or more gentle to myself in some way? 
* Are there any things (responsibilities, etc) that I’ve been taking on myself that really aren’t mine (either because they’re unnecessary, impossible, or belong to someone else)?
* Have I gotten enough sleep? (quality and quantity) 
* Have I eaten mostly healthy food recently? (lots of vegetables and low sugar) 
* Have I had enough water to drink? (impacts mood, fatigue, etc)
* Have I exercised recently? (worked up a sweat, did some resistance training) 
* Do I have any physical pain or soreness that I need to handle? (foam rolling, other)
* Have I been meditating regularly? (or doing a meditative activity) 
* Have I regularly been doing an intentional gratitude practice? 
* Have I been outside in the sun and fresh air? 
* Do I remember Why I want to be positive and have I pondered that regularly? (Simon Sinek - Start with Why)
* Even if I am planning to leave or change my current situation, have I fully accepted the present moment exactly as it is? (Eckhart Tolle)
* Have I been doing breathing exercises regularly (Wim Hoff)?
* Have I chosen an exciting purpose or a goal that I’m moving toward?
* Can I just consciously make the choice to be positive? 
* Have I been having fun and enjoying things without being too serious? (Listen to music, eat good food, etc)
* Have I remembered that challenges are actually good in the long run, and therefore not allowed myself to get upset by things I perceive as making the world worse?
 

 

[Candy]

@joesvetz What a great list! Thank you for sharing it here. It had me contemplating on many of the points. At some point I was definitely considering quitting everything here and beginning a new life somewhere else, maybe even in a bunker ?But I feel much better lately, and I will use this list as a reference from now on.

[criswalk]

Sativa 

[leo]

hello

[Jolie]

On 1/24/2021 at 6:02 PM, joesvetz said:

that's lovely list! I'm doing some research about this as I am writing an article. If you have any ref to send me, it would be much appreciated! Thanks
 

 

 

[hugtomepotato]

hello ... very tough time ...covid -19. many people suffered a lot. but the fact is show must go on. we should keep our fighting spirit on .

[hugtomepotato]

On 6/9/2021 at 5:52 PM, hugtomepotato said:

hello ... very tough time ...covid -19. many people suffered a lot. but the fact is show must go on. we should keep our fighting spirit on .

expressive therapy for depression

[Sue29]

On 1/20/2021 at 9:20 PM, Lizzie said:

I can definitely second the daily walks ?  When I started going for a walk every day it lifted my mood a lot. I aim for being out walking for about an hour, and I always listen to a podcast while I'm out. I find that it makes it more enjoyable, and also makes me more motivated to go since I'm excited to listen to another episode haha 

I also think it's been a really challenging time for everyone, and that it's so important to be kind and gentle with ourselves ?  

Totally agree 👍