Depression

Depression is a bugger.

We read that following on from being flooded, the next killer is depression. This is different to the last war when being attacked (by the Germans) brought us all together and a people close to us came to the rescue. Now we've come to rely on the wrong sources of help - sometimes incompetent and unable to cope - local government and even our neighbours can be evil ( I read of people stealing other people's sand bags - how low can you get. Are we suffering from a Thatcher dog eat dog society?)

When you could be doing something about what depresses you, you don't. Instead the natural reaction is to keep your head under the bed covers when you wake up in the morning and stay there for the day. This is a good thing to do as it helps your psyche to regroup and heal.

I know, I've done it. Fortunately those around me left me to it. It's part of a healing process : our whole being needs a break - life at the time seems unbearable - we are right to switch off. It's what happens next that is crucial. What happens next will depend on how you've dealt with similar situations before.

In my case after three days of depression I woke up with a roar. Enough is enough I felt. I have very good friends whose favourite expression is "Soldiering on" or something similar.

I concluded "Let's Get the Hell out of Here". 

I have.

My recommendations are: face-to-face real people. Preferably your neighbours or any different groups nearby, if possible help others who are good friends. Going through hard times can strengthen friendship bonds. Give others who know you slightly, something to show that you're not the hostile rat they think ! Talking to others who are suffering from depression also helps if the topics discussed leads to sharing ideas of hope to cope.

Secondly doing activities on your own -woodwork, knitting, crafts, walking, photography, cooking for the freezer, learning something new - a language, a musical instrument - (allotment works wonders specially in this weather!) Anything that raises self esteem.

Lastly No Tele- it gives you nothing other than passing the time. No Facebook the contact is so second rate and it's addictive ( and I guess no blogs). Works wonders!

All your observations are most appreciated. 

This is not a simple topic: I suspect the way we can cope now depends on the way we have coped in the past. In my case the knowledge that I'll be out of here in a few days is a great help when I'm down - but what if when you've been really depressed before you've been there for months. That I imagine must feel like Hell. Perhaps reflecting on how you got out of the last depression will help the next time on is hit.

For me the up side of depression is that this proves to yourself that you're an emotional person and that ones emotions are strong and powerful. Thus one learns to take great care of one's emotions and follow whatever way of living that avoids our emotions getting down. I've learnt that bad times can lead to a great deal of learning which makes me aware that I've had some tough lessons to learn. Once learnt I feel good!