Can’t Get Into the Holidays? Do You Know the Symptoms of Depression?

You must be wondering what happened to me!

It has been far too long since I plugged in and connected with you!

Let me assure you that you have been on my mind daily!

I am always thinking about things I want to share with you and information that is important for you to be aware of.

There is SO much going on in my life with running my business, single parenting my children, and the increased chaos from the holidays!  Overwhelm is down right depressing!

I’m not about to head to my doctor and see what kind of medication he can give me to mask my symptoms of depression.

Depression is my personal rival!

Overwhelm gets to the best of us, but when you begin to experience symptoms of depression, it’s time to nurture yourself and reach out to your support system.

Do you know the symptoms of depression?

• you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
• you can’t concentrate
• negative thoughts bombard your thinking
• loss or increase of your appetite
• you are more irritable and short-tempered than usual
• unexplained aches and pains
• feelings like life isn’t worth the struggle (get help immediately in this case!)

What can you do to combat depression?

The drug companies want you to believe that the treatment for depression STARTS with medication.  Since medication is NOT without risk, PLEASE explore alternatives BEFORE medicating your symptoms of depression, unless you feel that you are a danger to yourself or others.  If you choose to use medication, make sure you tell your family to be alert for suicidal behaviors and worsening of your depression.  Psychiatric meds tend to increase these feelings.

Do you know what you can do to help yourself?

• laugh! funny movies or joke books might do the trick
• help someone else by volunteering
• ask someone to check in with you regularly
• go for a walk, regular exercise in any form is VERY helpful
• spend time in nature
• soak in a hot tub
• confide in a close friend about your feelings
• meet new people by joining a club or taking a class
• schedule a weekly date with friends or one special person
• find out if you need to supplement vitamin D by having your level checked

I’ve been taking measures to address my symptoms of depression.  When I picked up the phone and called a friend, she said something that had such a profound effect on me that taking action to nurture myself has become MUCH easier.

Do you want to know what my friend said to me that helped so much?

I could say the same thing to you.

“Do you know that you are made of Gold?”

She’s right!  I am made of Gold, and so are YOU!

Nurture yourself this holiday season so that you can enjoy the festivities with your friends and family!

Many blessings,

Carrie

Heart Failure Solutions

PS– Remember everyday:

1. Relax and Release tension
2. Take deeep breaths
3. Be active in a way that adds joy to your life

Plus pure water ~whole foods~sunshine~and laughter