BS: Black room is getting me

Subject: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 01:33 PM

I could use a little help. I've been fighting off my black room of depression for a few days now, but my energy level for doing that is getting low. Good proper eating helps and so do my meds, but sometimes the 'world is too much with me' and I have a hard time. Encouraging words anyone?

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST,MMario
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 01:39 PM

been there...a total indulgence book (something read sheerly for pleasure) or a "no-brainer- entertainment only" movie will frequently give me enough of a mental "kick-start" to get me out of the black room.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Kim C
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 01:45 PM

I try to apply logic. For instance, if I start thinking "why do I bother" (which is where it always starts with me), then I engage my brain instead of my feelings and tell myself why I really do bother. If I start wondering who would miss me if I disappeared, then I logically answer that question as well.

I have to ask myself, is this justified despair, or just depression talking? If it is just depression talking (which it usually is), then I tell it to shut the hell up. Take a hot bath, watch a favorite movie, take a nap, just get my mind away from it. Sometimes it is a struggle. But I also have to remind myself, this too will pass.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Cluin
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 01:45 PM

Is it SAD-related? Get some sunlight when you can. Maybe a vacation.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 01:48 PM

I have to agree with Mario. "Bubble bath" books while indulging in a fragrant hot soak (full of bubbles) are one way I like to let the close out the world and let myself collect again. Treating myself to a total pamper ( especially when I don't feel I deserve it) can often let we reopen the door to the rest of the world.

Re-ordering a small cornor of this chaotic old house, which can truely overwhelm me at times, can help me get a sense or order and color back in the world as well. Small means small the top of the desk not the whole room. I may then move to another small cornor, but sometimes I just move on...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Metchosin
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 01:52 PM

get outside and do something, anything, physical. Sunshine Vitamin D is really necessary and you need some exercise to get those endorphens flowing. Even if it's just a bit of a speed walk.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:06 PM

Keep 'em coming folks. These suggestions are all very thoughtful and nice. I wish it were SAD related. I,unfortunately,have inherited the characteristic from my grandmother.

I am gratefull to all of you.

W.E.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Rapparee
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:09 PM

Laugh.

Try watching a silly movie -- I like "Cat Ballou" or "Robin Hood: Men in Tights" or "Young Frankenstein" or "MASH" or 'most anything along those lines. NOTHING with A Message -- "Blazing Saddles" would okay. Or the Marx Brothers. Or Red Skelton.

Read a funny book. Patrick McManus's stuff is good. Dana Stabenow's "Breakup" or the Nordstrom's/Party scene in "Blood Will Tell." Again, don't read anything with A Message.

Very little will survive laughter. And friends. Have a "Silly Movie" party, invite friends over, and laugh together. Make it a weekly event: everyone brings their favorite funny movie.

And get what exercise and sunlight you can, too, but don't deplete what energy you have doing so.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:18 PM

Sometimes yer the windshield
Sometimes yer the bug...

Good luck to ya WE!

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:20 PM

What has really worked for me is listening to good Bible teaching/preaching/messsages. The truth that shines out of them shines right through the gloom. There is a lot of good stuff online, too, that you can play on the puder.

Also, just collapsing into Jesus' lap and letting go can be very rewarding.

If you would like me to offer more on either of these ideas I will, but I don't want to push. I will, however, renew the message for the prayer chain, with your posts here as an update. OK?

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST,pdc
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:26 PM

I come from an entire family of people with depression. One of the hardest parts of depression is that although you have a thousand good ideas for overcoming it, getting started on one of those ideas is very difficult. Once you've started, it's easier to keep going, but the start itself is tough. I have a sister who fakes a smile -- she has found that the fake smile sometimes fools the brain into cheering up (and she says that if she keeps it up long enough, she feels so silly that she actually smiles).

Metchosin is right -- force yourself up from wherever you are and get some exercise, preferably outdoors. A simple walk helps, and if it's sunny out, even better. Dr. Hans Selye, an expert on depression and stress used to emphasize exercise. (Don't laugh here!): I used to clean my house, put things away, wash the floors, walls if necessary, because not only did the exercise involved in doing so help a lot, but when I was finished, and the depression had eased a bit, there I was with a nicer environment!

Good luck to you.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Kim C
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:35 PM

Yes - exercise really does help, even if you just take a walk around the yard.

I also keep a journal. I can yell and scream and holler in it without disturbing anyone.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:41 PM

Much of the movement patterns in old fashion hands on cleaning actally does help jump start the brain. The warm water and repetive motions of dish washing. Hands and knees cross motor patterning of floor scrubbing. It sounds strange, but they do help the brain move to a more meditative state.

Along with Rapaire's laughter... let some of your own silliest stories from the past float up and re-play. Our own stories can be the most powerful. My teenage self coming to grips with the fact my gradparents came to the Halloween party as Adam and Eve can usually get me to at least admit to a smile. If I then find stepping stones to another tale, and another.... Engagment of , like here at Mudcat, is always a good start.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: fat B****rd
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 02:42 PM

I wish I had something more helpful to say WE but I hope mine and all the above kind thoughts will help. All the best from the fB.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Helen
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 03:17 PM

Hi Walking Eagle,

I use a multi-B Vitamin supplement when I am feeling depressed or stressed. I often forget to take it but when I do remember it is there things often start to ease off. There is a supplement here called Executive B-Stress, Very good. Good old Oz has Vegemite on toast as a remedy from the pantry. I often crave Vegemite when I am not feeling the best emotionally, too.

My favourite funny movie for when I am down is Drop Dead Fred. It's funny, but it is about feeling low and being put-upon by the world, and it always makes me cry at the end, but in a good, uplifting way. I also love Rik Mayall's wacky brand of humour, and I can totally relate to the imaginary friend bit because I had a friend, called Betty, when I was a kid.

I especially love the scene in the psychiatrist's waiting room with all the imaginary friends carrying on with silly behaviour in the middle of the room, and their kid friends trying not to laugh and alert the parents to what the IF's are doing.

This thread is closed now,

Help: Lost my sense of humour

so you can't post to it, but I started it 4 years ago because I was going through an extremely painful and stressful experience which was - and still is - seriously affecting my physical health as well. There are lots of humour and joke threads on Mudcat but I'm particularly fond of this one.

I started it because one day, after almost a year of emotional trauma, I realised that I had lost my sense of humour, and that thread helped me to laugh again. A lot of people thought I was, as we say in Oz, "bunging it on", i.e. pretending to be traumatised/sick when I wasn't, but believe me, it was the worst time of my life and I am just coming back to some sense of normality.

Another thing which really seems to help me is listening to running water, either out in the wild, or even a fountain. Soemthing about that sound really calms me down and reminds me of the energy and creation of the Universe, and why we are here.

Music I listen to includes: Vivaldi - The Four Seasons, but especially a 5 CD set I have called the Complete Sacred Choral Works. Baroque music has been proven scientifically to have positive effects on the brain waves. See www.brain.com for more details, if you are interested.

Also I have a tape which has Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor (the one used in the film Death in Venice) followed by Pachelbel's Canon & Gigue in D Minor. The Albinoni is deep and mournful, but very spiritual, but leaves me feeling that we all die some day, and then slowly but surely the Pachelbel lifts me up and reminds me of how wonderful the world can be. It's a very powerfully uplifting, but cleverly surreptitious piece of music. It sneaks up on me every time.

I also have a copy of Mudcatter Musicman/Paul Evenden's CD called Farewell. It is sad but it lifts me up as well.

Look after yourself. Pamper yourself. I have my tv & stereo set up near the bathroom so I can lie in the bath watching movies, or listening to music. Very luxurious but also a life saver sometimes.

Helen

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 03:25 PM

As it says in the bible.. "And it came to pass." Or as the Stones said, "Time is on your side." Or as Nick Lowe said "Time wounds all heals."

Been through it Walking Eagle...

Keep you in prayer..

Jerry

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Amos
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 03:41 PM

WE:

Empty ONE ashtray or trashcan. Put away one thing left out. Complete ONE letter or other communication. Complete one incomplete task NO MATTER HOW MINOR.

Repeat as needed.

Eat well, breathe, sleep as long as you need to and keep seeking the light.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: CarolC
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 03:47 PM

Consider some of the way you've added beauty to the world. Re-reading some of your Mudcat posts might be a good way to refresh your memory if you're having trouble with this. If that's not enough, you could do more things that add beauty to the world. And then think about those.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: M.Ted
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 04:03 PM

It may sound a bit odd, but cold bottle of sparkling mineral water can often be a great help. Also, avoid snacking, particularly sweets,   but don't neglect your meals--I have found that a good bowl of chili or a trip to a good Thai restaurant for something seasoned with hot pepper beats any three psychiatrists--

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Jeri
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 04:39 PM

I watched an interview with Christopher Reeve last night. He talked about living in the moment and focusing 100% on whatever you were doing now. It makes a lot of sense to me. Animals do that - they don't wish for yesterday or dream about tomorrow or wonder whether things might have been different, if only...

Sometimes I can do that. Sometimes I find something that has to be done which requires focusing. If I look for something I want to do, I find too many reasons not to. I don't think that this is useful for getting out of a depression, but it sure helps in getting through one.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 05:05 PM

Take a bubble bath by candle light. Take yourself out to a nice dinner. Buy yourself a present. Call a friend and TALK! Pet the dog/cat. Smoke some weed. Meditate on a candle flame. Clean out a closet or attic. Clean something, even if it's just the kitchen sink. Go for a walk. Put lavender oil on your wrists.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 05:44 PM

I really, REALLY appreciate all of your concern and ideas. It looks as though the 'room' is going to get me. I wish I could do some of the things, but I can't.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Kim C
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 05:44 PM

Adding to what Jeri said, yoga is very useful for learning how to focus on the moment at hand. I am still a new practitioner but it has gone a long way towards helping me not to dwell on things in the past I can't change, and things in the future I don't have any control over. I know that personally, I have wasted a lot of time on that stuff. I don't want to waste it anymore.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peg
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 05:47 PM

Go for walks! Nice brisk, long ones, cuz endorphins are nature's Prozac...

Oh, and treat yourself well; set the table nicely, have a good meal, make sure at least a few things in your surroundings make you happy to look at them...Get a new   print for the wall or paint a   few walls. Shades of green, orange and rose are very uplifting colors. Sometimes just a bunch of fresh flowers livens up your home.

Citrus essential oils are uplifting and recommended for mild depression: they are also the most inexpensive ones! Try grapefruit, sweet orange, lemon, bergamot, mandarin, blood orange, etc. Put in a diffuser, the bath, or heat some water and add to the steam, to scent the air...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 05:56 PM

Just remember that the room has a way in, so it has a way out as well.

Sometimes you need to sit in the room and look for the door. Whilst you're in there, try reading something. My Dr wouldn't prescribe me more pills, he gave me a book list instead. One of them is called the 'Feeling Good handbook', which I would recommend.

Take care, and remember we are here.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:05 PM

"I wish it were SAD related. I,unfortunately,have inherited the characteristic from my grandmother.
"

That doesn't follow - could even have been SAD related with her, and you've inherited that. But whatever, getting into the sunshine and the fresh air is probably better than not doing that.

Which isn't to say, do that and it'll all sort itself out. Are you getting any face-to-face help and support from someone who you can tell more about yourself than you possibly can here?

People here can give all kinds of good suggestions that might really help, but it sounds to me as if you shouldn't just leave it at that.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Tinker
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:22 PM

Remember that even that black room can be lit by the tiniest of star light.... Find just one pin hole and the search for the next part of the constellation... The door way is still there, it may just be on the other side. If your meds usually help they may need to be adjusted and levels rechecked.   This is a stressfull time of year for everyone and you've had more than your share lately. In fact give yourself some credit for coming in here and checking back in with us.

Holding hands in the dark is a good thing too.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:24 PM

This time of year is somehow conducive to depression. I have gone for years without an episode but I have been slipping deeper and deeper into one over the past month.

Last night I dug through piles of dusty books to find my copy of "The Feeling Good Handbook". I hate the author. He is a smug self righteous egotist. I have even blackened out his teeth and crossed his eyes on the cover. But he does offer good, practical advice on how to reverse the process.

Play some music that you love. Sing out loud along with it. Do some simple exercise and tell yourself "I feel great!"

Keep in mind that you are not alone. Recognizing that you are depressed is the first step to getting out of it.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:25 PM

McG of H's parting thought is a good one, Walking Eagle. Depression--the diagnosed type of depression (not the "I'm havin' a bad day" stuff) is a cast iron SOB. If you have a therapist available, that can help, big time. You didn't mention what meds you're taking, but it is possible your dose has to be adjusted BY THE PRESCRIBER. Do you have people around you or with you? If they understand the nature of depression, they may be able to help. I guess, in reality, that we all face it alone, but having others with us can be a big help. Wish I could be more of a help.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: mg
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:29 PM

didn't you just go through a major health situation? If so, you are most likely depleted of just about everything..make sure to get as much protein and fat as your body needs..not sure what that is..good fats..lots of fish..coconut oil, butter, olive oil for starters...mg

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:36 PM

Oh, if only the people around me knew about depression - one of them, my other manager, knows nothing at all, and is very VERY unhelpful. I'm one of two in our office who have had problems with this in the past. Her idea to make us feel happy and wanted and valued was to move our desks around just because her little pet wanted to sit where the other girl sits and thinks I don't do any work because she can't see me.

Something guaranteed to send one or both of us back over the edge, changing our routines and environments.

Having people around who know what is happening is sometimes worth all the Prozac in Hollywood.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:42 PM

Hey, Walking Eagle, I thought you might enjoy some of these. They are remarks folks have made to various people who suffer from depression. I'm sure you've heard a few of them before. I know I have. Hope you get a kick outta them.

Pull your socks up
Just learn to smile more often
You don't LOOK depressed
Get over it!
It's not as bad as you think
Go to bed and you'll feel OK in the morning
But WHY do you feel down?
Why do you feel down? You have everything goin' for you
There are people worse off
You're taking things too seriously
Oh! You're in one of THOSE moods
I thought you were on medication. Why are you still acting this way?
So, what's the REASON for your depression?
You could change if you put your mind to it
It's just in your head. Snap out of it

I really wish I could help. I have some idea what you are going through, and the only gleam of light I can offer is this: You WILL start feeling better soon. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon. Please know that, from one who shares your pain. If you want to send a message to me just to talk, please do. I won't be back at the computer until early tomorrow--Alberta time--but I will get back to you, OK?

Bruce M

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: freda underhill
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:54 PM

hi Walking Eagle..
immersing the body in cold water (sea, preferably or shower), can give your metabolism a kick start, and "clear away" bad vibes & cobwebs. i know it sounds tough - people with chronic fatigue have used it as a form of metabolic "rebirthing"

certainly easier to do in hot weather.
but when you haven't got the energy to get there - try this thread: Sgt Kat & her howling commandos!

it's another great laugh.

one thing is clear - you're not alone.

good luck and best wishes,
freda

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 06:57 PM

Walking Eagle, PLEASE PM me...I have been there...and PLEASE promise me NOT to hut yourself today...tomorrow is another day, and you will have to promise again...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:03 PM

Ditto that.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:28 PM

Thanks again catter critters. Brucie, I've heard those things so many times I could repeat them in my sleep! Made me smile though!

I do have professional help, but things are sort of complicated and she can only come to see me once a week.

Sorcha, I sent you a PM.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Peace
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:32 PM

Hey, Walking Eagle,

Listen to Sorcha, OK? She knows where she's comin' from. And, she knows where you're comin' from, too. I am at the computer for a few hours. If you feel like writing, I sure feel like reading.

brucie

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Penny S.
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 07:33 PM

Walking Eagle - take up the artificial smile advice now! It has scientific backing. The muscles at the corner of your mouth that you use to smile give direct feedback to the brain. I have tested it - going around with a silly "I'm a member of a really happy braindead cult" look on my face makes me feel as if I do.

Seriously, I do know how it feels where you are, and I have a friend who gets in much deeper. I have written out timetables with short completable jobs (as Amos suggests) interspersed with little rewards like cups of tea, or listening to a good piece of music. Then I don't have to decide what to do until I've worked through, and I can't just sit and let the darkness overwhelm me, because I've got to get onto the next thing. If you can't get to do that, ask someone to help you make the list.

When I'm really down, I clean the oven.

Also, keep in mind how you came out of it last time. I've noticed that memory seems to loop up so that you can only access the dark times when you're in one, and it's really hard to remember that the last one passed, and so did the one before.

Visualise the doorway from the room, out into somewhere bright.

I was on another board where people were playing with the idea that lights were actually Dark Suckers - won't bother to explain why, but try visualising something sucking all the darkness out of there.

Go out and dig or shovel something - snow would be ideal - it's very bright, and the air is bracing, and the work feels good.

Remember that there are really positive aspects to being depressive - I can't remember what they are at the moment, but there are, or else there wouldn't be so many of us around. (Probably something to do with creativity, and the number of events in the brain.)

Read something trivial and funny. I use Geoffrey Willan's and Ronald Searle's Molesworth books - they are dip-in books so it's easy to read in short bursts. Also Anthony Buckeridge's Jenning books. (I don't know why I go for schoolboy humour.)

Read something meditative and positive. Julian of Norwich. Or, in between, Rabbi Lionel Blue's books of short pieces with jokes.

Find some sort of serious talk radio to play very quietly while you try to sleep (can you get BBC World Service, well known over here for its soporific effects?) so you get interested in it but have to strain to hear it properly. Or some sort of spoken language tape.

Go out to the shops and chat to people - start them off and listen to them. Fill up the day with contacts and busyness. Do an internal running commentary on what you see and hear outside - but keep the focus external to you.

And remember we are all rooting for you.

Penny

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Bobert
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 10:22 PM

Ahhh, smoke some pot, take a good long walk tomorrow, listen to some good music, write a song or poem about yer feelings, thank Gof fir all the good stuff that has happened in yer life, get a good night's sleep and repeat it again tomorrow...

Okay, maybe with out the pot...

And know, this will pass!!! It will pass!!!! It will pass!!!!!!!!!!!

Bobert

p.s. There ain't no where in the Bible (new Testament ot Old) that says ya can't occasionally (or more) smoke a little weed. Hey, God put it here, dangit!!! That's my story but, Walking Eagle...

... it *will* pass....

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: khandu
Date: 02 Jan 04 - 11:21 PM

Know that many who have not met you in the "real" world are caring, crying, hurting, encouraging & praying for you RIGHT NOW!!

I read this thread & shed tears for you, Walking Eagle. Then I got ANGRY!!!! I know that damned room & I hate it! I absolutely loathe it!

You are bigger than that damned room! And you are worth more than you are feeling at the moment. And you are definitely worth my prayers & the prayers of many others, which you are getting RIGHT NOW!!

One more thing, Walking Eagle,...I love you & so do many others here at Mudcat!

You are coming out of that damned room!

Ken

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 06:50 AM

Walking Eagle, I have nothing to add to the warm and wise advice you've received here. But know that you are being loved and held in the hearts of many, many folks here. We are thinking of you, holding you in the light, and waitig with you while the dark time lasts.

When my Byron died, just knowing how many people all over the world were holding me and caring for me kept me going.

Take care,

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 08:12 AM

Spike Milligan used to suffer from depression. He scripted the Goon Show - you can get tapes - probably CDs now too from the BBC - but not too sure how available they are int eh USA. They can be listened to for 40 years without losing their humour - especially if you keep them for those times.

If really bored you could visit

The Virtual Fooles Troupe

The Most Popular History On Show! (about 200 pages worth of assorted Tom Foolery - although Tom is no longer with them, having now gone on to bigger and better things...)
A witty, humorous romp through the Comedy of the Elizabethan and Medieval Theater


Robin Hayes
The Author...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: smallpiper
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:04 AM

WE read my pm do the exercise and let us know how you feel afterwards

the other thing you could do with the viualisation is to paint the black room in many different bright colours.

Remember what has already been said in the above posts there are many that know you and care for you there are even more who don't know you but still care for you.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: wysiwyg
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:39 AM

Julie.

You said you can't do any of these things.

How come?

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: freda underhill
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:41 AM

re visualisation
i had my bedroom at home painted purple - with shocking pink ceiling & doors. Curtains are various shades of pink, bedlinen various shades of pink & purple. through filmy violet netting over woindows, i see beautiful green leaves from my from garden.

it's a lovely relaxing place, like going in to another world..

nice room to blob out in..

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: harpgirl
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 10:59 AM

Light is very important to mood, Walking Eagle! I agree to get outdoors. Indoors, you don't really need a special full spectrum light for mood improvement, just about four florescent lights with a total of 10,000 lumins that will shine into your eyes, which is how the benefits are absorbed. Good luck, sweety!

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 12:09 PM

play yer musical instrument...

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 01:26 PM

Many thanks to all of you. I think I may have pin pointed part of the problem and I intend to talk to my doctor about it. Adjusting medication levels. When I'm a bit better, I intend to start meditating again. And my guitars and dulcimers are calling! Funny thing about depression, you give up the things that you love best first.

Again, many thanks 'catter critters.

W.E.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Ebbie
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 01:53 PM

Walking Eagle, as many things as you have gone through- and are inevitably affected by- you could write a book on how to manage. Give yourself a lot of credit- your spirit shines. It's not surprising that from time to time your energy flags.

I've never been diagnosed with clinical depression but the ordinary human contrariness that is common to our lot I call 'poisoning my own well'. And that is something I can control.

Subject: RE: BS: Black room is getting me
From: Tinker
Date: 03 Jan 04 - 02:29 PM

Wandering through threads can be a good path... I found this old thread while searching for a tales the other day. Perhaps while you're waiting for things to level out you might want to take a seat by the fire. In fact, I bet The Fair One would let you put your cold feet upon his chest while Mick tells another tale.....