A Visit From the Past

I have fought depression my whole life. I grew up in a home with two depressed parents who didn't seek help until they divorced and I was out of the house. I know depression from the perspective of a child trying to hold her parent together. As an adult, I realized that I, too, was suffering from depression. I sought medical help and was put on amazing medication that has made my life balanced, for the most part.

About six months ago, I had a second near-death asthma attack. My pulmonologist put me on a new medication for allergic asthma. It has been a miracle cure for my asthma, however, a side-effect is depression. And either that or the coronavirus stress has triggered several depressive episodes in the past couple of months.

I recognize that I spent most of my childhood fighting this disease. The anxiety to make any decisions, the fear of what someone with think/say, the constant gloom over my thoughts, especially about the future. The familiarity of these things is not a comfort. Almost all  of the past 20 years has been free from these and other depressed thoughts. I prefer that!

Whether it is my medication or our worldwide pandemic, I cannot escape the circumstances of my current depression. My medication is a life-or-death deal with my asthma. Covid-19 isn't something anyone can escape, at this point. So what do I do?

I could call my doctor and try a different anti-depressant. I already asked her to increase my dose of the current medication, and that has helped. I really don't want to increase it again or switch meds, but I certainly will if I don't get relief another way.

Another way.

What else is there? What can we do if we are facing depression or anxiety? Even if it's not of the clinical sort...

Eat well. Eat the right things. Avoid the sugar. Give your body good stuff to work with. Along with that: Exercise. Get moving. Multiple times per day if possible. Walk. Ride. Run. Climb. Swing. Spin. Stretch. If your body has the right building blocks for health, you will be healthier, including mentally.

Get outside. Get out in the sunshine. The shade. The mountains. The oceans. The yard. Under the tree with a book. On a chair, snoozing. Watch the birds. The squirrels.  Being outside is good for our bodies and brains.

Sing. Anything. With anyone. Online. In the shower. To your babies. To your cats or dogs. Even your turtles! Sing songs you love and sing songs you're learning.

Listen to music that makes your heart pound.

Draw, paint, write, or sculpt. It doesn't matter if you have a significant talent! Just the act of creating is positive and pleasant.

Write letters. Make phone calls. Text your friends. Message your family. Stay in contact. Being in communication with other humans will help your spirits.

Pray. Meditate. Do yoga. Or martial arts. Whatever lowers your heartbeat and calms your mind.

Read your Bible. Do devotions. Pray with your household. Or by yourself. Or with an online friend. Or on the phone with your parents. Seeking God and asking Him to intervene in our depressed states is productive.

Reach out to your medical provider. Telehealth is gaining in popularity. I didn't have to actually go to my doctor's office to increase my medication. But even if you have to go, medication can be a lifesaver. It has been for one of my parents and for myself. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

I'm praying for the whole world right now. Especially those without easy access to water, food, and other necessities. And especially for those struggling with mental health during this pandemic. If you are doing fine, will you join me in prayer?