Staying Afloat With Depression

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

*  Globally, 322 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

*  Depression represents the main cause of disability throughout the world.

*  Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.

According to the National Institute for Health (NIH):

* The risk of coronary artery disease is 64% higher among adults with depressive disorder.

*Women are twice as likely to be affected by depression, as opposed to men.

So this leads me into the discussion of a depressed mom. We either are one, or we know one. It can be a recipe for disaster if left unchecked. How do I know this? Because I am one. I will say, when I am happy, my life and my emotions are completely organized. When I am down, I am the opposite. So over the years, knowing this, I have set up fail-safes to catch me. I make sure when I’m “up” that EVERYTHING gets done. The bills are set up for payment in advance, the vacuuming gets done, laundry get cleaned and put away, I exercise, and all of the other errands are promptly completed. 

It’s not often, but there have been times, where I just don’t want to get out of bed. Living in the remote working world, it’s even easier to give in to this. Embarrassing as it is to admit, in the middle of Covid-19 shutdowns there were days I woke, barely ate, and just mashed away on my laptop computer from the safety of my bed. 

I used to run 60+ miles/week when I was marathon training. Having pulled away from that has decreased the endorphins that I am aware are helpful. I’m lucky to have family and close friends that know when I’m down. Some give me the space to get my crap together and others will try to knock the door down to smack me into a better mood. I do appreciate both tactics, even though I tend to rebel against my “tough love” friends. They know that I am bullheaded. 

I also appreciate my work colleagues. I have found some bright lights with positive attitudes in my career path. I recently switched departments in my current role for a personal growth opportunity.  Someone once said to me, “People don’t leave good jobs. They leave bad managers”. That couldn’t be more true. Someone also recently told me the grass may not be as green on the other side. I’m pleased to say it is. In fact, it’s so green, I think I may have landed in Ireland. I wake up smiling and my daughter has even noticed my new found happiness. My takeaway from all of this is: if you are lucky enough to work with good people, don’t let it go unnoticed, because positivity feeds greater positivity. And if you are someone that struggles with depression, START EXERCISING if you can, realize the importance of a good nights sleep, eat healthier, and please talk about it with someone, whether it is your family, your supportive best friend, or a licensed healthcare professional. I have just tried to surround myself with positive and happy people, my family, and my dog Max. Max is the best therapist you could ask for. 

      

Here are a few of the online/virtual support vehicles I have found that have been described and rated by Healthline Magazine:

*Best app-based service: Talkspace

*Best for flexible scheduling: MDLIVE

*Best for collaborative care: Amwell

*Best to choose your psychiatrist: Doctor on Demand

*Best for à la carte appointments: LiveHealth Online

*Best for local care: Teladoc

*Best affordable option: Rethink My Healthcare

*Best for medication delivery: Brightside

So in the dawn of increased telemedicine evaluations and Zoom meetings, these sessions can be held in the comfort, privacy, and convenience of your home, and many will accept insurance.

If this blog just helps one person, then it has served its purpose… so happy Monday to all….

Love, Lisa (and Max too!)