My Support Network

Lucy1982_2

Hi Guys

I hope no one minds me posting this.

As some of you will know from my diary I have been diagnosed with Stress and Depression (I don't do things by halves you know) and I feel like you are all part of my support network (thank you SO much)

But I am after some tips. The counsellor I saw on Tuesday said that I need to introduce some more 'pleasure time' (Her words) and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

I'm not really into sports although I do a dance class once a week. I'm looking for something that I can do in the evenings and at weekends that doesn't cost much (obviously) I was wondering what everyone else does to keep themselve sane.

I see you all as an important part of my life and I take your suggests seriously and I am willing to give anything a try. I really want to get better so that I can enjoy my life again.

Thanks x

Red1708

Hi Lucy

Having been there myself I would suggest that you think about things you used to enjoy doing when you weren't depressed.

When I was poorly what I used to do was shut myself away in my bedroom for a few hours and either read for a while or put some music on (something that would normally get you dancing) and just lie on the bed and try to get 'lost in the music'. I found both these things helped to distract my mind and even now if I've had a bad day at work I go home, put the music on and have half an hour to myself.

Hope you find something that will work for you.

Shineyhappy

I escaped into fantasy worlds, either reading or by, as my OH calls it, dressing up and hitting stuff with plastic swords.

That really helped me and it know it sounds odd and geeky, but the dr gave me a prescription for anti depressants and I felt like I needed to get away andmy brother was going to a role play event so I skived off my part time job and went and had so much fun and it just gave me a break from being me.

That probably doesnt make much sense!

Lucy1982_2

I does. I have a friend into medieval reinactment. He loves it. Only his aren't plastic swords... he uses the real thing!!

I know I needs to find the things I enjoyed before the depression, but I also feel like I need a new start, so would like to try and find some new interest.

SortingIt_2

Hi Lucy,

I too went through a horrible period of stress, depression and panick attacks. It truely was the worst time of my life but I got through it with the help of family and friends and you will too.

During my sessions I was told to make more time for me and what I want. I was always doing things to please other so make sure you sit down and take the time to have a good old think. Also I would say don't pressure yourself to do too much as sometimes this can have the opposite affect and stress yourself even more.

I found that swimming helped me a lot, it was something suggested as therapy as not only is it exercise but it is relaxing and also apparently the water is theraputic. It did wonders for me and a great way to tone up the whole body in the process (something that also got me down!). I also tried to make plans with friends at least once a week, even if to just pop to a friends house for a cuppa.

I would say although it is great to get yourself hobbies it is also important to not to do too much at the same time. I guess I am saying find a healthy balance between life, fun, gereral living and then the debt. If you can get this you are well on your way.

Good luck and I will def be keeping tabs on your thread. I wish you much happiness.

Karen xx

Lucy1982_2

SortingIt wrote: »

Hi Lucy,

I too went through a horrible period of stress, depression and panick attacks. It truely was the worst time of my life but I got through it with the help of family and friends and you will too.

During my sessions I was told to make more time for me and what I want. I was always doing things to please other so make sure you sit down and take the time to have a good old think. Also I would say don't pressure yourself to do too much as sometimes this can have the opposite affect and stress yourself even more.

I found that swimming helped me a lot, it was something suggested as therapy as not only is it exercise but it is relaxing and also apparently the water is theraputic. It did wonders for me and a great way to tone up the whole body in the process (something that also got me down!). I also tried to make plans with friends at least once a week, even if to just pop to a friends house for a cuppa.

I would say although it is great to get yourself hobbies it is also important to not to do too much at the same time. I guess I am saying find a healthy balance between life, fun, gereral living and then the debt. If you can get this you are well on your way.

Good luck and I will def be keeping tabs on your thread. I wish you much happiness.

Karen xx

Thanks.

This sounds exactly like the conversation I had on Tuesday! At the moment I have no balance, it's all about work and other people. The only thing I really do for myself is my dance class.

I tried swimming and it did make me feel better, but I managed to her my back bad swimming technique. I need to some goggles as I am really short sight (wear contacts) and trying to see cause me to put pressure on my back. So I will try and find some cheap ones and give it another go!

At the moment I feel like there is very little fun going on.

Thanks x

Shineyhappy

Lucy1982 wrote: »

I does. I have a friend into medieval reinactment. He loves it. Only his aren't plastic swords... he uses the real thing!!

I know I needs to find the things I enjoyed before the depression, but I also feel like I need a new start, so would like to try and find some new interest.

Thats way too dangerous for my liking! I wouldnt trust me with a real sword!

Lucy1982_2

His suit of armor is great though. He has taken it into Mum's school to show the kids! His wife and children go to, the kids love it, his wife suffers it!

cazziebo

anything energetic is good - must be something to do with the endorphins lifting your mood. Having never played netball in my life I got involved in playing with a local club - most of us were in our late thirties/forties and it was more social than anything else (although we played in the over 17s league ) Once a week practice and maybe a game on a Sunday afternoon - really looked forward to it and a lot of these kinds of clubs are desperate for more adult members.

What about having a look through a prospectus of a local college or uni? Study something you have an interest in. they tend to do 10 week evening courses and I've met some really nice people who have stayed friends after that. I've always wanted to study shiatsu or NLP .... I did do a reiki course that was fun.

I also used to book myself facials or pedicures - not very MSE but it was before my MSE days - only once every three or four months but just looking forward to it cheered me up.

Good luck with it Lucy. Many of us have been through it and come out the other side!

xx

Lucy1982_2

I would love to study Egyptology and I have found a home study diploma which costs about £200 + and I would love doing it. I might have a think in the New Year and perhaps book myself on one.

I love doing home facials etc and haven't done that in ages, might be worth a try.

Shineyhappy

Lucy1982 wrote: »

His suit of armor is great though. He has taken it into Mum's school to show the kids! His wife and children go to, the kids love it, his wife suffers it!

I have an assortment of weapons, swords, daggers, maces but none of them are real.

A lot of the blokes there wear metail ring mail but its way too heavy for me to want to lug around!

I like the studying idea I think you would probably get a lot out of it.