tips for coping with depression

[vercetti]

hi
first of all i apologize for using a seperate account to my main cf account. there are people on cf who know me irl and for certain reasons i don't wish them to accidently come across this if they do a search all posts.


i have recently been diagnoed with depression trigered by divorce, loss of job and death of cousin in car accident all within one month. i have my first visit to a psychologist next week so am seeking profesional help.

however i was wondeing what strategies others may use and find helpful for coping especially when hit hard? i have friends i can call and many have said anytime day or night and ibelieve they r happy 4 me to do so but i jsut can't get omfortable with the idea of calling them in middle of night.

i realise diffrent things work for different ppl but still like some suggestions.
thanks in advance

 

[Winter]

1. Distraction. Distraction. Distraction.

Dwelling on depression magnifies and makes the hurt more profound. Taking your mind off of the depression helped me get through the days enormously. Its still there, but far away.

2. As cliche and cheesy as it sounds, the idea of "taking it one day at a time." It sounds like such a typical thing to say - but honestly this helped me. Thinking about tomorrow and all the things you lack and what you need to do - only compounds depression. Do what you can today. Live for the moment. Even Jesus tells us this. If an entire day is too rough, then take it by moment. One moment at a time. One breath at a time.

These two things helped me. They are simple but simplicity is what one needs during depression.

And of course there was Christ. Always there with me. I held on to Him always. You will get through this. Hang in there.

 

[miss-a]

Much as Winter said, for me it is important to keep my mind in check and the best way for me to do that is to keep it on God and His promises and goodness as much as possible by listening to Christian music and teachings that remind me of God's love for me.

Also, nutrition is super important, avoiding caffeine and sugar and processed foods because these steer our brain chemicals toward depression, and eating foods that help the body produce the proper brain balance: whole foods with lots of fiber, omega-3 supplements, good sources of protein like fish and poultry, and lots of veggies. Also moderate exercise, like taking walks in peaceful places in nature. And drinking lots of filtered water to keep hydrated.

Also, though this is a bit premature for you, if meds are needed for a time, please know that is okay. Many people need them in order to get to a place where they can begin to move through to healing.

And last but certainly not least, get lots of prayer, connect with a loving non-judgmental church where the Bible is believed and love of Jesus is preached.

Here are some music links: www.klove.com and Solution FM - Powered by ChristianNetcast.com&

Here are some teachings that will help also:

Videos | Gateway Church

And: Sermon Center | Gateway Church

And: Freedom From Depression - YouTube

Prayers for you in confidence that "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus,"

A

 

[vercetti]

thanks winter and miss-a. distraction is something i try and do. however sometimes at night i can't get to sleep and i'm uncomfortable calling friends that late even though they have said it is fine. perhaps i should try the phone counselling services in the middle of the night just for conversation.


people at my church have been really great and helpful. several of them understand that a hug really helps me. just the hug really lifts me.

i do need to make more of an effort with regard to diet. it isn'tthat I don't know what foods are good to eat but more that i have alot of trouble motivating myself to cook. perhaps if i switched to the same diet as my son then i could just cook the one meal. i always take good care of him but then often can't bother to care 4 myself.

i'm sure i will get thru this. i have no doubt about that actually but i really need to be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. later this week my ex will finally be collecting the rest of her stuff and will b stayin here overnight. that will create mixed feelings. when she leaves she will take son for weekend so will probably have trouble fri night. sat nite i'm heading out with some ppl to movies.

 

[RuthD]

Hi. Here is a thread that may help:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7654255/

 

[vercetti]

thanks ruth i will work my way thru that thread

 

[tangled]

Eat "happy foods!"

 

[Revived]

Great advice thus far ... especially the sermons and the uplifting music! Praying for you, brother!

 

[Krissy Cakes]

I'm praying for you!

 

[vercetti]

had first visit to psychologist today. Will be going back and developing plan and strategies for coping as well as trying to let my anger out! I tend not to show anger when others are around so not entirely confident their opinion there is totally accurate but have an open mind and willingness to give it a go.

 

[insurchoftruth]

Romans 15:13, Psalm 121:7, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 62:8, 68:19, 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, 4:16-18, 7:6, 12:8,9,10, Psalm 43:5, Psalm 119:50, Psalm 34, Psalm 42:5, Psalm 86, Isaiah 25:8, 30:18,19,20, 40:1, 41:10,13,14, Psalm 69, Psalm 13, Psalm 94:19, Lamentations 3:1-66, Psalm 54:7, Psalm 112:7, 116:3-9, Psalm 30, Psalm 31, Psalm 94:17-19, Psalm 25:16,17,18, Psalm 147:3, Psalm 22:24, Psalm 54:7, Psalm 108:12