Dealing Day by Day

Anyone who suffers from Depression and/or Anxiety knows that living a quality life or sometimes, even living at all is a daily struggle. How hard that struggle is on any given day depends largely on how sick you feel. For me, the healthy periods of my life consist of months, sometimes even years of living medication free with only mild depressive symptoms, but still with a high level of chronic anxiety. During these times life is much easier for me and I imagine somewhat closer to what unaffected people enjoy everyday. The sick periods of my life...well, no matter how long they last, it's too long and during those periods I consider it a good day when I've accomplished something,and by that I mean anything at all, whether it is taking a shower or fixing myself something to eat. So how are we to deal with these disorders day by day? For me and many others, the answer lies in the development and use of positive coping skills.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the nation's leading non-profit, patient-directed organization focusing on depression and bipolar disorders has published a list of twenty coping strategies for those affected with mood disorders. The author and President of DBSA, Sue Bergeson, makes suggestions that range, in part, from the importance of getting the correct amount of sleep and exercise, to the use of music, prayer, journaling and meditation as a means of focusing thoughts and elevating moods. The strategies listed are easy to do and after reading them, I know that I have used all twenty, in one form or another, throughout my life.

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=empower_20things

The number two strategy titled “Do One Thing,” especially struck a cord with me. It reads as follows:

Do One Thing: Depression and stress can leave us feeling paralyzed, powerless and helpless. Make a list of things you can do no matter how hard things seem to be. Then do at least one thing each day and check them off your list. Can you take a walk? Can you write a letter or make one phone call? Can you make sure you eat? Make a plan and do one thing to gain back some degree of control in your life.

This suggestion is important to me because it is the underlying strategy that allows me to function in my life. Due to my depression and anxiety issues, I'm very easily overwhelmed. Depending on how sick I'm feeling, even the simplest of things like getting out of bed, daily housework or running an errand can be overwhelming. So I create lists for everything that I have to do in my life, from household and family responsibilities, to school assignments and work requirements. Some of these lists are actually written out, while others are merely in my head. Next, from these lists, I pick out what really has to be done next and break it down into small parts which I then feel more capable of accomplishing. Step by step, I get each thing done. This strategy of listing things and then breaking them down, can be applied to most daily tasks that you will face. The important trick here, though, is not to get upset with yourself about the things left undone on your list at the end of each day. There is always tomorrow for non vital tasks such as housecleaning or errands.

If your having trouble keeping up with vital things such as caring for yourself or children, then seek help from your family or health care professional. If you need immediate help or feel suicidal, you can call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911.

More about DBSA: http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=dbsa_aboutdbsa