Hi I thought we would try something new and have weekly communication with each other. I also thought it would help and encourage one another. Any one can reply to the topic of the week.
Our 1st topic I thought would be:
"How do you cope with your depression besides with counseling and medication?"
When I am in the depths of depression, I can barely do anything. But I do try to keep praying and reading devotions and my Bible. I do something I absolutely love doing that I don't get to do often because of my busy schedule of life. Although when in depths of depression schedule of life is alter, so I am able to read some good Christian fiction books. Since I don't work outside of my home, I try to get out of the house every other day. My husband is very good in helping me in this area. I can stay home for days when deeply depressed.
I am still in a valley shadow of death, that is what I call when I fall down in depression. I read 3 good books. I would like to read more, but controlling myself and making myself do some duties that really need to be done. Like not filing for 3 months. I actually sent out birthday and anniversary cards yesterday. Yippee!!
I am walking slowly out of the valley; I am trying to take short walks hopefully they may turn them into longer walks of exercise. I enjoy God's Creation.
These are a few of my coping techniques. I cannot hear wait to hear from others.
Thanks Sarita, for heading up the weekly conversation topic! I'm eager to participate, and hear what others have to say about the topics.
When I am in the deepest depths of depression, I find it hard to do most things such as: cooking, eating, grocery shopping, socializing, work/studying, sleeping, showering, reading, and listening to music, radio, etc. At this lowest point, what helps most is:
- reciting scripture that I've memorized aloud or in my mind (when reading is difficult).
When the depression lifts a bit, some things I do are:
- listening to music or scripture on CD
- reading: Today's Christian Woman, Today's Christian, books by CS Lewis, Karen Kingsbury, Ted Dekker (selected books from him), and the Bible.
- cleaning the house (simple chores such as vacuuming or laundry)
- mending clothes
- watercolour painting
- ballet
- gardening
- talking on the phone with my mom
- reading from/writing encouragements for this site
When the depression lifts even more, some things I do are:
- simple meal preparation and grocery shopping
- socializing in my home (preferably) or in someone else's home, with one other person or just a few people
- going for walks
- going to the movies or to rent/borrow a movie from the library with my husband
- going out for supper
When the depression lifts even more, I'm ready to:
- start attending church regularly again
- take bigger risks even if I'm not 100% sure and not feeling 100% well: going back to work/school, applying for that new job, starting that new job, starting that new course, etc.