When I started this blog I knew nothing about blogging so I looked for resources to help. One of the best I found was the ProBlogger Podcast by Darren Rowse- and it is free.
(This post uses several affiliate links to Darren’s website and other affiliates-these are ways for you to support this blog at no cost to you. )
Darren Rowse is the founder and editor of ProBlogger and Digital Photography School.
I loved listening to his Australian accent (which I rarely hear living in Oklahoma), appreciated his easy to understand instructions, and connected with his genuinely friendly attitude.
First, mid-life crisis
In 2018 Darren extended his influence through a Facebook group called Find Your Spark, which is for
people who have the common goal of finding their spark in life.
Darren Rowse
That year Darren wrote an article for Medium explaining how he was experiencing a mid-life crisis. The Facebook group started as a place for people who read Darren’s ‘sparks article’ and wanted to take part in the resulting 30-day challenge. Now anyone is invited to join the group.
Then, depression
Early in 2019, Darren shared in the group that he had been dealing with depression several months before. By that time he was doing better, and after receiving much positive feedback in the group he wrote another article for Medium explaining what had helped him manage the depression.
I appreciate the first thing he said was “I am not a doctor so I am not giving advice.” But he thought what helped him might help others, and since I am a doctor and I agree that these things are helpful, I am going to share them with you and add my thoughts on each. Of course, if you want to go straight to Darren’s article, that’s fine too. Here is the link-
11 Things That Have Helped Me With Depression
1. Talking to my Doctor
Not everyone with depression needs to see a psychiatrist; there may not even be one near where you live. Family physicians receive extensive training in depressed mood, as well as the physical problems that can precipitate or result from depression, like sleep problems, weight gain or loss, chronic pain, and fatigue.
2. Medication
Not everyone needs antidepressant medication, but when they do, it can make a dramatic difference. Medication needs adequate time and dosage to be effective, and once that is reached should be continued long enough for the depression to stay in remission.
3. Exercise.
I routinely recommend that depressed persons exercise; actually, I recommend it to everyone. Done properly, it almost never causes a problem, and is known to improve depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain.
Here’s a post that offers you some motivation to move more with confidence and purpose.
Winning Attitudes: Inspiration from Team USA
Team USA, managed by the US Olympic Committee, is a federally chartered nonprofit corporation without federal financial support. The world-class Olympic Training facility in Colorado Springs houses both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. The tour highlights the importance of physical activity, provides guidelines for optimal health, and shares winning attitudes. The facility is open for visits.
Keep reading4. Getting a dog
Probably any type of animal contact helps lift one’s mood. I found this true myself this summer when my husband was recuperating from an ankle fracture. Since he was non-weight bearing in a cast, he was confined to home except trips to the doctor so I stayed home with him other than work. During this time, we took care of a friend’s cat while he was out of town. We had not had an animal in our home in a long time but we quickly bonded with the kitty and found her entertaining and calming. Her presence took our minds off the pain and uncertainty about my husband’s injury.
In this post I explained how animals can help people heal .
People whisperers- how animals help us heal
Guide Dogs have been used to help visually impaired persons for hundreds of years, but now they and other animals assist people with other types of disabilities, as well as provide companionship and comfort.
Keep reading5. Telling friends and family
I agree with this as long as those friends and family are supportive. I would start with those closest, who probably already realize something is wrong. You do not need people who will blame you for your depression, tell you to “just snap out of it”, or advise unsound treatments.
6.Improving my diet
Like exercise, this one is universal. Even people who aren’t depressed can benefit from eating more plant based whole foods, like the ones I discussed in this previous post.
Surprising health benefits of plant based eating
The post introduces two influential books and associated websites advocating for whole plant-based unprocessed foods. “The China Study” demonstrates the link between nutrition and major diseases, while “How Not to Die” proposes dietary changes to prevent and reverse diseases. These resources recommend whole foods, plant-based diets and provide evidence-based guides and recipes for healthy eating.
7. Journalling
Whether you call it a diary, journal, or blog, expressing ourselves in writing can be therapeutic. Or for some people it may be another form of writing, like poetry, essays, short stories. Other forms of expression like singing, dancing, performing arts, photography, crafting, sewing, and needlework can be soothing, calming, and satisfying.
8. Reading
Obviously, you’re a reader, although you may not be doing it to treat depression. I think this can help 2 ways.
First, by reading books and other media specifically about depression to learn more about its causes and treatment.
Second, by providing an outlet for fun, humor, reflection, learning, thinking, growing- all of which can deflect depressive thoughts and attitudes.
9. Creating new projects
Much of this I alluded to in #7, but consider taking on new work projects, community activities, and family events. People with depression often feel overwhelmed, so don’t rush this one, so as not to aggravate those feelings.
10. Volunteering
Depressed people often feel isolated and lonely and may avoid other people. Volunteering can make it easier to connect-unlike social events, volunteering usually has a set agenda so you know what you’re going to do and even say. That can take the pressure off trying to make small talk and be sociable when you don’t yet feel so. Sharing with others who need our help makes our own problems seem less intense.
Your community likely offers numerous opportunities to volunteer. Also check out this list for other opportunities to get involved in helping others.
Sharing the HEART of health
11. Prayer/meditation
How many times do you hear “sending thoughts and prayers” when there is a death or other tragedy? But I think if we say that, we should mean it. Sometimes it can be hard to pray for oneself or to ask others for prayer, it may seem selfish or weak.
But prayer is an integral part of most faith traditions that I know of; Christians are encouraged to “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Thinking and meditating on scripture and other words of “faith, hope, and love” can counteract the negative thinking that usually drives depression.
You’re not alone.
Darren and I want to assure you there is hope for depression and you do not have to suffer alone. Start with your doctor and check out any other resources in your community and on-line. As Darren said at the end of his article,
if you know someone with depression who needs to read this — please pass it on.
Dealing with suicidal thoughts
Depression sometimes leads to suicidal thoughts, which may progress to plans, attempts, and loss of life. Read more now in this article by psychiatrist Dr. Melissa Welby
Suicidal thoughts and suicide prevention
988lifeline.org
SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE. CALL.TEXT.CHAT
In another post, learn about a woman singer and author who also confronted depression and won.
More ways to win over depression
More ways to win over depression
Sheila Walsh an accomplished singer when she became co-host of The 700 Club. She seemed to be at the peak of her career publicly but privately she was careening downward. One evening she left the studio on the verge of suicide and checked into a mental hospital .
Keep reading
watercress words by Dr Aletha 