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Tag: Depression

  • Tender Mercies and Renewed Hope

    Tender Mercies and Renewed Hope

    It was Friday Morning. I had a list of a million things to do, especially since it was the kids last day of school before 2 weeks of winter break. A paper to write, a speech to record, a house and laundry to clean, plus a myriad of blogging backed up just waiting for pictures, editing and a good story to go with it. 

    But I didn’t want to do any of it. I wanted to curl up in a corner somewhere and cry. I don’t know why. Lots of reasons came to mind on why I could possibly be feeling this way during one of my favorite times of the year. Family that is struggling, but too far away for me to help; My family too far away to spend any portion of the holidays with; old homes and friends being missed in my heart; a husband who works incredibly hard, but we see for only short moments in the early morning and late evening. The feeling had been weighing me down for a good portion of the week. 

    Knock Knock Knock

    It was Mark’s day off, and we had been offered a night out without kids, something I wanted, but at the same time didn’t. How could I go out when the kids get even less time with their dad than I do? Why do I feel guilty when people offer to watch my kids? The downward spiral was coming on quicker than I wanted. 

    Knock Knock Knock

    It was someone at the door. I mistook the sound originally for Little Prince trying to tap play dough out of it’s container. It was my visiting teacher (a program in the LDS church to inspire friendships, and make sure no one is overlooked). We didn’t have a visit scheduled for today…did we? I thought to myself. No no. Just stopping by to say hi, and Merry Christmas. Here’s a bag of popcorn, a card, and a talk from Elder Holland. 

    I love Elder Holland! Thank you so much for stopping by I said. She was just what I needed in the midst of that downward spiral. She reminded me that I am loved, cared for, and thought of. That I am a good mother and wife. A date suddenly sounded great again, and the guilt left for what originally felt like me pawning the kids off. !

    Mark came out and found my crying on the doorstep. Worried something terrible had happened, he came out all concerned. What happened?

    My visiting teacher took over “Oh I just gave her a hug and reminded her she is loved. We woman need to hear that from each other sometimes.”

    Yup pretty much. But to me, in that moment it was more. It was a reminder that my Savior loves me too. He knows my heart. He knows my struggles. And in that moment He knew that I needed a friend, and reminder of that love. 

    Friends, it’s Christmas. The celebration of the birth of Christ. While we remember the simplicity of His birth, let us simplify our lives and hearts. When we simplify, we are more prone to hear the quiet promptings of the Spirit. Whether you know your effect on someone’s life or not, when you follow those promptings to visit a neighbor, or stop by a friends house just because – you may just be the angel they need in that moment. 

    Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season, from shopping and shipping, and wrapping presents, remember the best present of the season is one led by the Spirit of the Lord. Be a blessing to others this year by being a friend. I know that the Lord is aware of each and every one of us. He loves me and He loves you. He knows your struggles and heartaches.

     

    Have a very Merry and Blessed Christmas.  

     

  • Beating the Summer Blues

    Beating the Summer Blues

    #depression
    The days are filled with sunshine, everyone is outside playing
    and mingling, scents of watermelon and funnel cake linger in the air—and yet
    you’re sad. Summer is a happy time for most people, but it can be a difficult
    time as well. Sadness and challenges can be with you no matter what season, and
    summer has its particular set of difficulties. But, you can beat the summertime
    sadness with the help of these suggestions.
    Beating the Exhaustion
    Your kids are on their summer break from school and you have to
    find ways to entertain them all day. As much as you love to watch them run and
    play, it may leave you feeling exhausted both physically and mentally. It’s
    important especially in this season, as in all seasons, to make time for you.
    Allow yourself opportunities to take part in your favorite activities that lend
    to a peaceful atmosphere such as yoga, walking with friends, or even taking a
    nice bubble bath. Rather than feeling guilty for setting aside this time for
    yourself, recognize that recharging your own batteries will allow you to give
    your best time and efforts to those tasks and people who are most important in
    your life.


    Sleeping the Sad Away
    One of the great things about the summer months is that daytime
    hours are longer, giving you more time each day to work and play.
    Unfortunately, these longer days also mean shorter nights, which oftentimes
    result in you getting less sleep during the summertime. Not getting enough
    sleep can cause the body to release increased amounts of the stress hormone
    cortisol. Keep your cortisol in check by striving to get a full 7-8 hours of
    sleep each night, no matter how strongly the sun may be calling your name. If
    necessary, invest in some heavy curtains or an eye mask to create a nighttime
    atmosphere.
    Overcoming Depression
    There may come a point where you feel as though you are
    constantly living in a mental fog, so to speak. You can’t think clearly and
    your hobbies don’t interest you anymore. You withdraw from your friends and
    family and feel hopeless and even angry. Depression is a real issue and can
    affect you in any season. Depression can be due to a lot of different factors:
    stress, a traumatic event, your genetics, or even unbalanced hormone levels.
    More and more studies are showing that depression can be due to a hormone
    deficiency. Check out this article to learn more. A doctor can test you
    for hormone and chemical imbalances and get you on the right track with
    treatment. With the right blend of diet, lifestyle choices, and medical
    treatment, your depression will diminish and you will start feeling like
    yourself again. 
    Making Fun Inexpensive
    Summertime is vacation season for many people. Your friends
    might be going on exotic expeditions through the jungle, on fancy cruises to
    the Caribbean, or on a backpacking trip through Europe. You may feel left out
    if you can’t afford to go anywhere this year. But, you can still get a big bang
    for your buck doing simple things as a family. For example, you could go to the
    movies to escape the heat or have a family game night in your backyard. You
    could even take a day trip to a local place you’ve never been like hiking in
    the mountains. All you have to pay for on a day trip like this is gas and snacks.
    You can still have fun this summer without shelling out large amounts of money
    on expensive plane tickets.


    Dealing with Body Image    
    Summertime, also known as swimsuit season, can be hard for
    those who struggle with body image. You may feel uncomfortable and
    self-conscious at the beach and the pool and may want to avoid those places
    altogether. In order to build yourself up and create a positive body image,
    keep a list of the top 10 things you like about yourself and repeat them
    anytime a negative thought comes to mind. Also surround yourself with positive
    people like family and friends who love you unconditionally and make you feel
    like a million bucks. In your moments of weakness, find gratitude for the
    functions your body performs and appreciate all that your body does for you.
    Using these helpful tips, you should find yourself feeling confident in your
    own skin.

    Some summertime difficulties may seem hard to overcome. You may
    be overwhelmed physically, emotionally, and mentally. You may have depression,
    even in the midst of a schedule full of pool parties and summer night
    barbecues. It is possible to beat these summer blues by making time yourself,
    getting enough sleep, understanding the physical causes, doing fun activities
    with your family and loving your body. No matter how difficult things may seem
    at times, you can triumph over summertime sadness. 
    About the Author: Victoria Candland is a traveler, runner, and professional writer. She enjoys finding creative fixes to life’s everyday problems and sharing them whenever she can. She especially loves creating fun ways for families and friends to spend time together.