Are you really sick? (This is my first Post :-)

I have recently returned to work after two months at home recovering from depression.

This wasn't my first meeting with 'the black dog' so I didn't need to remind myself that recovery from depression is bloody hard work. Even with modern meds and the care of qualified professionals it  requires  a dogged determination on the part of the patient to 'hang in there' until the 'dog' gradually releases it's hold.

Fortunately in most cases it eventually does.



When trapped in the downward spiral of depression  however, a depressed person often cannot be convinced that anything other than a bleak future is possible. This is when the support of family, friends, workmates, and the wider community is critical to lift them to a point where they can see an alternative  future and assist with their own recovery.

Having  learned from my past experience I was determined this time to employ as many strategies as I could muster to regain my health and hopefully discover more survival tips for the future.

Having put considerable effort into the task I thought it would be useful to share some of the survival tips that I explored during my two months off - the strategies, the initiatives, the therapies, how I spent my days, how I used conventional and alternative medicine, where I gained more knowledge about my condition, where I found valuable resources for ongoing support and self improvement, how I found the motivation to improve my social networks and maintain friendships.

I have also listed ordinary household activities and errands that took up considerable time in my daily schedule but offered some creative opportunities as a welcome distraction and helped create a healthy environment in which to recuperate.

Many of the initiatives have already borne fruit whilst others will no doubt mature in time.

So here are they are in no special order:

• Remedial massages for relaxation, stress relief and to invigorate the body's own defence mechanisms (I had three over about a six week period)

• I fitted more walking exercise into my day. (But not near enough!)
  

• I purchased a bike and even used it - (I intend to schedule regular rides into each week)

• I joined a book club to meet new friends and to establish a 'reading for pleasure' habit . Reading a book each month will be a challenge for me but I'll enjoy the social interaction and lively but friendly debate

• I began performing again as a piano/vocalist on a casual basis at a local 'open mike' night

• I have made a commitment to rediscover my former passion for playing the piano, an interest that has diminished since depression has temporarily taken over my life. I now keep the lid of my piano invitingly open and my sheet music nearby

• I followed up a long standing invitation from a fellow musician interested in forming a musical collaboration. We have since met twice to develop the idea further.

• I completed a community adult education course on expanding social networks, improving emotional resilience and social skills. I have formed new friendships within this group and we will be meeting regularly for coffee, outings etc

• I made a special effort to attend more movies, musical concerts and theatre performances (these lifted my mood and spirit - but be sure to avoid depressing themes)
  

• I joined a local Buddhist meditation group to learn how to deal with anxiety and stress and to meet new friends. I now regularly attend a weekly community meditation session after which we have a friendly chat over tea and bickies. I try to practice on a daily basis at home. I also completed a 6 week introductory course on Buddhist Meditation.
  

• I started my own 'events diary' to alert me to upcoming concerts, performances and events that I might wish to attend later

• I started accepting invitations to birthday parties, family celebrations, lunches and dinners without using illness as an excuse to opt out
  

• I organised birthday and Easter gifts to be sent Overseas to my son and daughter

• I invited one of my sisters to lunch and we a special time reminiscing about family history.
  

• I accepted an invitation to have a picnic lunch with my 'soon-to-be' daughter-in-law and surprised her by arriving on my new bike. We had a good laugh!

• I made an effort to attend an important sporting event in which my eldest son was participating in. Not being a sports fan I always found it hard to motivate myself to share in my son's sporting activities which are a big part of his life. I made a commitment to try and change this.
  

• I scheduled reminders in my diary to phone or email my family more often
  

• I contacted friends whom I have neglected in the past and invited them over for dinner or coffee

• I visited friends that I haven't seen for a while

• I made more efforts to visit nearby venues to enjoy music by local musicians. Always ended up talking and making friends.
  

• I borrowed, bought and read numerous books to to gain a better understanding of depression and mental health and mood disorders in general. I also read many books on Personal and Spiritual Development, Meditation etc

• I spent many hours researching on the internet, investigating extensively about recovery from depression and related health issues. I subscribed to numerous blogs and websites relating to health. You can find some links to these on this blogsite
  

• I tuned into numerous radio broadcasts and segments relating to my health issues as well as lots of other enjoyable and insightful programs of general interest (ABC Radio National became my best friend - See the links on my blogsite)
  

• I obtained details of a local support group related to my health issues
  

• I spent a Sunday afternoon reading and enjoying the winter sunshine in a local park (I will make an effort to do this more often)

• I freshened up my home environment, had, carpet and lounges professionally cleaned, bought some new furniture including wall hangings, some new lighting to brighten things up a bit, and a comfy sofa where I can relax in the winter sunshine
  

• I visited the local library borrowing lots of CD's, DVD's and books so I always had something on hand to relax or inspire me

• I browsed 2nd hand bookshops and bought some favourites

• I tentatively invited a group of friends to attend a ballet and to my surprise they all enthusiastically took up my offer! As the ballet is some months away I now have a future enjoyable occasion to look forward 
• I finally got around to writing that letter to my sponsored child in Africa
  

• I commenced this blog (which is my first) and another where I can publish my poetry
  

• I am planning to invest in a good digital SLR camera to hopefully revive my long neglected interest in photography

And then all of the medical commitments:

• I attended over 25 medical appointments as well as Blood tests over the past 5 months
• Made numerous visits to the pharmacist to fill prescriptions
• Visited Public and private health insurers to receive rebates on Medical bills

And then some long overdue tasks to simplify, organise and de-stress my life:

• Sorting out my banking, financial and Tax matters
• Sorting out property and storage rental matters such as Lease renewals, repairs
• Tidying up the garage, general maintenance

Depression still affected me every day, some more severely than others, making it difficult to stay motivated but I was determined to get as much done as I could. Some of the daily challenges were:

• Adjusting to the Side Effects of New Medications
• Mental and physical Fatigue
• Always tired, Need for frequent naps
• Mood swings and Irritability
• General malaise
• Lack of motivation
• General anxiety
• Depressive days
• Common Virus, Colds and Infections 

I am pleased that I have managed to collect so much information during my convalescence but it would difficult to imagine keeping up the pace with all the initiatives and commitments listed. If I can  now manage two or three nights out per week  making connections, nurturing friendships or pursuing an enjoyable activity it will be still be a big improvement in my ability to deal with future stresses and reduce the likelihood of further depressive episodes.