Vulnerable - but here goes

[bsmcneil]

I am in the worst flare of depression I think I've ever been. And I don't know what to do from here. Ideas welcomed (some I may have already tried) - but good thoughts and well wishes and prayers also welcomed.

 

[tetera]

Just an idea for in the moment- do you know about the 54321 grounding technique?

Observe:

5 Things you can see
4 Things you can feel
3 Things you can hear
2 Things you can smell or taste
1 Good thing about yourself

And this may sound silly but when things are really tough I often think about Frozen 2…and to just…”Do the next right thing….”

 

[Moonspinner]

It may sound too simple but watch Pollyanna. And take her advice.

Also coffee and exercise. Both are antidepressants. Cut back on sugar to almost zero. No alcohol. Both sugar and alcohol are depressants.

 

[kuhltiffany]

Reaching out for help is a great step! I’ll remind you to take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, try and eat well, go outside for some Vitamin D, fresh air and movement, take care of physical health and emotional needs too.

 

[DL1WDW2]

My sister went thru this very severely and we are too old to fly cross country anymore. She has not been out of her house in many years but her husband always buys her paper & coloring pencils or,markers and she started drawing Hearts to send to me every night on her phone and eventually started calling me at night to ask how my day was .
The different designs she has created over many years is amazing…I always let her know which one is my favorite every day .
I mentioned I thought I saw she had created a small Mickey Mouse hidden and now she always tries to trick me to see if I found the hidden design
Sometimes it is a cross and sometimes a star for example !
Anyway I have been stuck at home with some medical issues for about a month and she cheers me up as much as I cheer her up with my simple daily trip to grocery or whatever!
You just need one person to care and one person to need your love .

I will ask her to include you when she is drawing for me .
We also look out window to see the moon or the stars and rainstorms .
Her weather on West Coast in comparison to mine on the East Coast!

I hope you can tell I care about you now

 

[mommasita]

I messaged you @bsmcneil

 

[Dust2]

Reach out to friends and make an effort to see them.

Find somewhere to volunteer, helping someone else is the best form of self care.

Walk in the sunshine several times a week.

Go somewhere you’ve never been before, even if it’s in your own town.

Try to visit somewhere vast like an ocean, desert, or mountain. It helps you feel small which also helps your problems feel small.

Read a book, any book. The connection with the characters helps.

Know that you are loved, even if you can’t feel it right now. Never consider a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Counseling is available online these days. Talking with a professional really helps. They have excellent insight and advice. I know all of this from finding myself in a situation similar to yours. Don’t lose hope