Having some low days

[IheartDogs]

I've been quite busy so I apologize for being a bit absent this week. I've been feeling a lot better for over a week but since last Thursday, I feel like some of the depression is seeping back in. I'm trying to understand how it comes and goes, it's confusing. Is it depression or stress or down days or all 3? I hope this week brings me back up. Hope everyone is doing OK here. Luv u guys💕

[MariaLove123]

The ups and downs are definitely not fun at all. Maybe something is triggering you when you have these bad times. Try writing a paragraph about how you’re feeling and possibly “why” every time you feel low. After a while you might take notice of something you’re writing that stands out. Also medication can be doing that to your moods. Obviously that’s not good. Talk to your doctor and therapist. I just added an extra medication to my antidepressant and it’s really helping. And during the low times, try some of these:

1. Writing letters. Sending love to others somehow makes me send love to myself. It's also a great distraction from these thoughts.

2. Texting or calling a loved one. Tell them how you're feeling. Most of the time I'm met with a lot of love and reminders of why I should believe otherwise.

3. Reading. I know a lot of people hate reading, but I think we just have to find the type of books we like. It can be hard to start, but once you're in, reading often helps me escape into a book rather than focus on what's in my head.

4. Taking photos of something good I want to remember about each day. I've been on the "one photo a day" train - taking pictures of bugs or flowers I see, or the lunch I'm having with a friend. Use these as reminders of why life is worth living.

5. Collect quotes. Make a quote jar or notebook or just write them on sticky notes and hang them everywhere. Sometimes the words of others are more believable than trying to convince our brains of our contradictions to negative thoughts

Keep us posted on how you’re doing. We love you ❤️

[IheartDogs in reply to MariaLove123]

I truly appreciate your very thoughtful response, marialove!😘 All of those ideas sound fantastic and I think you're right, tracking my mood is a great way to understand it better. I do have a very big career change going on so that's a huge factor as well. I'm not on any medication and I'm doing everything to avoid it but if I have to at some point I will seriously consider it. I hope you're having a peaceful night💕

[MariaLove123 in reply to IheartDogs]

Thanks! How are you doing lately? That’s great if you don’t need medication yet. I’m glad you liked my post. I hope it helps 🤗

[IheartDogs in reply to MariaLove123]

I had a very tough day but I pulled through somehow. Thanks for asking💕 And how was your day?

[MariaLove123 in reply to IheartDogs]

I’m glad you pulled through. My day yesterday was ok. Today is a little rough. It’s storming out and I can’t drive to TMS so I couldn’t go. She might take me later if it clears up. It’s like a hurricane here and I’ll freak out driving 😥

[IheartDogs in reply to MariaLove123]

Glad you had an OK day yesterday. Maybe you can use today as a rest day due to the weather. Take some time for you.💗

[melbrown in reply to MariaLove123]

Love these ideas Maria. They are so great especially photos & texts- most of us always have our cells, these things are at our finger tips. My smiling niece's & nephew's faces help their Auntie Mel know how much she is loved.💛

[JRCoahran in reply to MariaLove123]

Those are great suggestions!

[JRCoahran]

I had the exact same experience! I was fine and then all the sudden for about three or four days I just cried all the time, and had no motivation. But I feel like I’m feeling better finally.