My friends, I’m feeling BLUE. Not light and airy like a clear blue sky, but heavy and dark.
I’m not feeling this way for any particular reason, I’m just prone to the blues. I’ve been fighting the azures for a few days now and today they won. I find myself prone to tears, far too sensitive, and a little achy. Achy in my heart.
Not to worry, I know this will pass. I know one morning I will wake up and the skies will be clear again, my steps will be lighter, and laughter will come more frequently than tears.
Also, know that I take care of my mental health. I take medication, I’m under the care of a doctor, I have an understanding and supportive husband, the whole shebang. I tell you all this because there was a time I would have felt ashamed of my mental health issues, but no more. I also tell you in hopes that anyone who is still feeling stigmatized or ashamed of their mental health issues will let go of the stigma, let go of the shame. It does no good, what does do good is acknowledging your issues and getting help.
I know we are all prone to the blues at one time or another. We’re all in this together, right?
What do you do to get yourself out of a funk? I’m open to suggestions of what you find helpful when you’re not feeling cheery.
I am sorry that you are feeling blue and I am glad that you are able to share that with hte bloggers. I understand how hard it can be to always be up and happy. I too have suffered from depression and thanks to a wonderful husband and family I am able to feel better. I also am working with http://www.sashbear.org to help remove the stygma of mental health.
Yes we are al in this together…I’m sorry you are feeling the blues…but happy you have the support of a loving husband and help of a doctor and medicine. I have had my ups and downs with the blues….now i feel like I float into between. Connecting with friends helped mostly my blues are because of loneliness…..sometimes just sleep and a fresh day helped….and a stiff drink! ((hugs)) to a brighter day!
I find that getting out with a friend, not to have fun or paint the town, but just sit together in a coffee shop and read, or wander through a thrift store together. In Maryland I had an awesome jetted tub so I would sit in a warm bubble bath with a movie or music going on while hubby managed the herd. I just find that getting removed from my normal routine is very helpful when I feel blue. I hope it passes soon, Mami!!
I have plans to meet up with a friend tonight and go see a play. Even though I really just want to stay home and hide, I know this will be good for me. Thank you for your insight and kind words.
I suffer with depression. I’m battling with the dark clouds now. I keep busy otherwise I wallow in self pity too. I try to be kind to myself and do something I enjoy. Like buying a new cap. 😀
I really want to buy myself a treat, but funds are low. Maybe I’ll just buy myself a magazine or something cheap.
Either a really good cry-out session (I’ve never done it but heard it helps). I suffer with really bad mental illnesses and take meds too myself. My sister just started me on Magnesium supplements and they seem to be working. She also started me on B-12 and D3, and I am feeling a lot lighter and clearer, more focused and motivated. I am not sure which one of those is doing the trick, but it helps belly fat too and migraines. I’m giving it a shot!
Thanks, you reminded me that I keep meaning to look into B12.
I just try to remember how many good things I have in my life and how many other people have it far worse than I do.
You are so brave….After years of struggling with anxiety, I finally discovered that I had a hormonal imbalance. As a therapist, I just assumed that my problems were strictly a mental health issue but now I understand how hormones affect your brain and mood. It’s been a long road of hormone replacement therapy and I am slowly working things out but recently I discovered acupuncture and have had incredible results. Hope things are looking up for you soon.
Hugs,
Tina
I hope you find the right mix of all the things that help you through the blues. There should be no stigma….just lots of love and support to help you and others who are dealing with these issues.
Watch a favorite funny movie…Babysit for someone I love (probably not a helpful suggestion for you.haha) Get a massage. Eat frozen yogurt from that fun place out your way. What’s the name of it again???
I usually go for a walk – getting outside can clear the mind. Although I do also agree with Mrs444 about frozen yogurt too (my blog is now located at http://carmasez.blogspot.com)
Sending you virtual hugs. I tend to try to find some me-time so I can listen to music, make some tea or coffee, get some ice cream, head to the book store, anything that gives me a minute or ten to shake it off – ya know? Thinking of you and if you need an ear, I’m here!
Hugs, Claudya. I know all the shades. I get over it by spring cleaning, playing with kids, physical activity, listening to uplifting music, cooking something from scratch or just going for a walk and noticing every little thing with my camera. I wonder about the others, as it takes my mind off me. And of course -the supreme thing is to connect with friends. I also write a list of what am thankful for, with a timer. Or a list of three memorable situations that will always make me laugh. Or three people I couldn’t live without.
By the way, remember Vishnu Vardhan (the kid I wrote about – tennis pro) – he has been selected for the London Olympics to represent India.
Love and hugs, Vidya
Shoe shopping or eating french fries helps me, and even though I hate that it does but exercise – a long walk or bike ride makes me feel energized. 🙂 Hang in there!
Sometimes I just need to go with it have an all out cry session. I usually watch a movie that is guaranteed to make me cry (like the Color Purple, it gets me every time). Other times, I try to shift to something lighter, time out with friends, laughter. In the end, I try to remember that it will pass, as it always does… Hugs to you, hope this isn’t too long. Oh, and I saw this and thought you might think it was funny. (Sorry in advance if the language is offensive)
Thank you that made me chuckle.
I cry, a lot!!! And when it gets worse, I go out for a walk and keep crying. The hood of the jacket over my head helps to hide my sad face. My little ones do provide their arms and shoulders when I need to sob, cause they know that living in a foreign land makes mommy sad sometimes. I also try to read quotes, which uplift me and help channel my negative thoughts away. And one more thing, Everybody loves Raymond…it works wonders to me. I have purchased all the series even though they cost me a tiny bomb, just so that I can watch them whenever I feel blue.
Sending you lots of hugs…
Thank you. You made me remember that I love Flight of the Conchords and it always manages to make me smile.
I am going to write a oost someday about my struggles. I like the fact that you are willing to admit that you have depression. I am glad you are not Unknown Mami anymore. We know you more and more through this wonderful forum. It’s important for me that I do not isolate myself. I tend to be introspective at times, which can be bad for me. Good relationships are a key to overcoming temporary blues. I take meds too. Keep up the good work, amiga!
I hope you shake off your low period of blues soon.
Hi Mami,
My mother suffered from depression and hit a point where she had to be hospitalized. Thank goodness for the whole extended family support because she is managing her mental health issues well. Her experience (and being open about it) taught our Mexican family that there is no shame in this. We all learned a lot because of her courage.
I applaud you for being open too. I’m glad you are taking care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon!
Thank you.
I’m so sorry and boy do I know the feeling! I’ve had anxiety issues since I was a small child before I even knew what it meant! For several years now I’ve been going to a psychiatrist and it has been the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. Of course, like you for a long time, I was ashamed that I couldn’t control it myself. But now, I don’t care who knows. I think many more people should invest in a good psychiatrist! 🙂
I agree with you. My biggest issues are anxiety disorder and PTSD. I’m not ashamed to tell people anymore. Too many people live in shame.
((HUGS)) No reason to ever hide it and sharing it is very thoughtful of you. I have been there several times. Praying your clear sky days are coming.
Me, too.
Thankful for the internet, so I never feel like I have to live with a shameful secret of lifelong depression.
I’ve always had depression, it’s why I count on my humor blogs that I follow.
I beginmy day with my favorites…and with a smile and laugh, a good hard laugh, I feel so much better.
I love motherhoodinnyc, annsrants, lifejustkeepsgettingweirder, gonnakillhim, Aiming Low of course!, theflyingchalupa, wendiaarons, thesuniverse, dustyearthmom, sellabitmum, taminginsanity, funnyorsnot, sarcasmgoddess, kablooey, jillsmo.
So many more: I just love them. They save me daily.
I can so relate to you C. I’m very inspired by your honesty. I haven’t come up with any solution for my perpetual depression but I hope to soon.