My Support Network

vandanfc

Lucy1982 wrote: »

How does this sounds as a nice gentle start:

One of the shops in town has 3 for 2 on all it's christmas gifts and some of them are make and do's. One is a paint your own piggybank (i'm thinking I could use it as a 'fun' pig) and I'm sure that there was stuff like calligraphy etc. None of it is expensive and I thought that it would occupy me over the evenings.

I thought gentle would be a good place to start, then I can build up as I feel a bit more confident.

Lucy have you got a Poundland anywhere nearby ? My local one has a paint your own piggy bank, calligraphy pen sets, foil scratch pictures, etc, well worth checking out.

joeblack066

HI Lucy, I think the creative things sound like a good idea, and I would couple it with 1 physical activity, as the effect of the endorphins as mentioned is fantastic! Humans were designed to be active, and it helps a lot to do spmething that leaves you exhilerated! Good luck!

bathgatebuyer

I've been quite lucky in that the depression is largely a thing of the past for me. ABout 6 or 7 yrs ago it was devastating for me to have to even get up in the morning nevermind have a single positive thought during the day at all. My focus to get out of that negative hole was exercise. I really threw myself into it, and the positive vibes flowing through me after each and every session at the gym was a natural mood enhancer. I'm a few more years down the line and I'm actually at peace with myself and being on my own.

A large part of what made me depressed was feeling like the ugly kid - the one who wasn't wanted, who didn't fit in. Now, my focus is on me. It may sound selfish, but in the past I've tried too hard for other people who haven't appreciated it and who have hurt me, that I now focus my energies on me. If that means that I spend a lot of time on my own, then I'm pretty cool about that. I don't have the strength of character to keep being rejected by people, so if that means that it's easier to spend time on my own but stay contented than be driven to absolute despair and tears when people stick the boot in, then fine. I'm happy with that.

southernscouser

Lucy1982 wrote: »

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?

Hand to gland combat!

Nah seriously, walking is apparently really good for you as it releases natural happy chemicals into your body or something. Are there any National Trust routes/areas near you that you can access?

And maybe take a camera. Take some nice pictures or something! I always like looking at scenic pics I've taken!

tealady

SS Trust you! Lucy I would start with cheap things or anything that doesn't need a big commitment. Then if its not really you it wont have cost a fortune in time and money. Either that or try something so out of your comfort zone.
However i would agree with SS re walking. I "borrow" a dog occasionally and seeing how much the enjoy playing fetch makes me happy too.

Lucy1982_2

That's Guys.

That's given me loads of idea.

SS - I have just homed an old SLR camera from work so I might have to get some batteries and take a walk up the downs me thinks!

Saw my Dr again this morning and he is happy for me not to take medication at the moment and wants me to go back in the New Year.