Pardon me while I cop right the hell out and resort to giving away a CD in an effort to distract you from the fact that I have so far been unable to carve out the time and/or muster the energy to write that explanatory post about that previously mentioned holistic treatment that Zan and I recently underwent. I promise, I’m going to do so imminently … just not tonight.
But, hey, as my brain frantically flails about in search of equilibrium while adjusting to the cessation of several years of twice-daily doses of Wellbutrin, as well as to the supposed mental reorganization taking place as a result of the aforementioned, yet-to-be-explained treatment (and I’m sure the suspense is positively killing you, but hang in there), it only seems fitting that I offer up a free copy of “I Dreamed a Dream,” the debut album from “Britain’s Got Talent” winner Susan Boyle (because I’m sure as hell never going to listen to it), whose backstory is a sort of antidepressant in and of itself (and, yes, I know everyone on the planet has seen this by now, but I could still use a little pick-me-up, so fer crissakes, humor me, wouldja?):
Alrighty then, let’s get to the giving-away part, shall we? Leave a comment below in which you describe what you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling blue. I will leave comments open for, like, the next day or so. And then I will close them. And then one of you will receive a brand-new, shrink-wrapped CD … just as soon as I summon the energy to drag my ass down to the post office (which, if you care to check in with previous contest-winner Deanna, you’ll learn could take a bit longer than one would like … but I’ll try to do better this time).
And I swear, kids, it is going to get all kinds of fun and interesting and entertaining around here again real soon. Even if I have to, like, rob a bank wearing a cow suit or something. Whatever it takes to create high quality blog content for my adoring fans. (And please keep in mind my devotion to you all when I publish the post-bank-robbery “I need bail money and legal representation” entry.)
COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. Winner will be named in the next post. Thanks!
56 Comments
Sleep…….and find a few minutes for myself
I’m pretty sure I have undiagnosed ADD, and I’m DAMN sure I have serious depression issues, so I can at least somewhat understand how you feel! Hope it gets better!
There are several things that I try to do to cheer myself up. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. That’s why it’s good to have several things to try!
Exercise is a big one, but in these frigid Illinois temperatures, I can barely motivate myself to get out from under the covers!
Another one that works well is planning for something in the future, be it a trip or a major life change. This helps for a couple of reasons. First, it gives me something to look forward to during times in which I feel like my life is empty. Second, it helps me to feel like I’m taking control of something.
Singing. I suck. I have a horrible voice. But MAN does it bring my mood up. That might be why I’ve been watching “Rent” over and over again lately . . . because singing along with it cheers me up!
I spend time with my one of my best friends and her 15 month old. They mean so much to me, and that child lights up my life.
I also like to write. Sometimes writing lets me pour my emotions out, and I get more upset at first, but afterwards, I usually feel a lot better.
There are probably others, but those are the main ones that come to mind right now!
Happy New Year!
.-= Corry´s last blog ..BLOCKED! =-.
I drink a coke. Cause it’s the right thing to do.
When I get down, I think how much better my life will be when I retire in the next couple of years and can spend more time at my cabin on the lake. I start planning the improvements I’ll make and how I’ll do them and that takes up all my thought process and there just isn’t any room left for depression. Sounds simplistic, but it works for me!
Plan a vacation to a tropical island and read your blog!
There’s nothing like a good long drive for me to put things back in perspective. It gives me alone time, time to think without distraction. Which is funny because I am usually blasting, and signing along with, a strange conglomeration of music as I traverse the highways and byways (Peter Gabriel, Eminem, Linkin Park, Dan Fogelberg, Ultra Weekend Dance mixes, David Cook, and Jason Mraz). I could really use the Susan Boyle CD to liven things up! That’s for short term mood correction.
Long term, I’d have to agree with the trip planning thing. Unfortunately, when the trip is over, I usually need another one of those drives as I fall back into the regular paces of life again.
.-= ToadMama´s last blog ..I Got to Hold TWO Puppies =-.
I take a short ride down to the shore. Being near the ocean and receiving all the positive ions from the salt air brings me some clarity. Works every time.
For the past 2 years I’ve incorporated talk therapy into my life, it works pretty well. I haven’t been on meds in 6 years, it hasn’t been an easy road but has been worthwhile. My current cycle of depression is quite mild compared to what most other bipolars experience so I must be doing something right lol!
When I’m feeling down or frazzled(seems to be the case for me lately) I set my 4 kids up in the living room, move all the furniture, & pull out the ol’ trusty Cha Cha Slide. Watching my children dance is hilarious then of course I join in, making me laugh even harder. It’s quite therapeautic
)
I think of something for the hubs and boy to go out of town for for a couple of days (oh, and it has to seem like it was his idea
. As soon as they back out of the driveway, I am dancing through the house singing like I have been set free from a death sentence…well, maybe not that harsh, but it sure feels good (until they come back!)
I usually lose myself and my troubles in a good book. Work therapy I guess since I’m a librarian by trade.
crank up the stereo with some dance music with heavy bass…
Hope you get through the rough patch unscathed !
re-arrange your furniture, seriously, it works.
I go to Wal Mart…seriously – have you seen the people who shop there? That always makes me feel better about myself!
–>I create a den of slack and snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie and try not to think about things I should be doing instead (laundry, dusting, pulling weeds, etc.) Wish I was there now actually…
.-= WebSavvyMom´s last blog ..Boys + Four Wheeler + Mud = Fun =-.
Sleep, watch movies, eat…whoops, that last one…is that why I LOOK like Susan Boyle?!
I have a two-pronged approach for stretches like this:
1. Go to the beach as often as I can. I know you live close enough to get there daily as I do. Just sit in your car, crank up the music you like best and allow yourself to feel very, very small in the grand scheme. If it’s not too cold, roll down the windows and smell the salt air. Breathe very deeply, find the calm that comes with just being alone.
2. Plan something for the not-too-distant future. A getaway, a fun day, just something that is unrelated to the daily tasks of work/school, etc. It could be a big vacation or just a day in the City. Just plan something really fun. And then sit back and look forward to it.
I’ve been struggling with anxiety and depression most of my life. It’s an awful existence when not in check. I highly recommend the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmond J Bourne. There are many, many coping mechanisms in that book that work very well for me.
Good luck with this rough patch. You will get a handle on it, I’m sure!
Hugs from the South Shore!
I get my daughter in the living room and set up Rock Bank and rock out on the Wii…..we have several versions…..Aerosmith (well…..that’s guitar hero…..), RB 1 & 2, and RB Country (we are from Texas…..so we love our country music too!!)…..
It makes both of us laugh…..she’s 9…..so she laughs REALLY hard at me….. I can really sing…..but when we are rockin out…..I get a little off tune just to get her and the dog going…..LMAO
I cook. It’s so comforting to know that you can feed the people you love. And while it simmers or bakes or whatever, I play with the baby (my daughter’s 5-month old). Nothing like sucking on some serious baby cheeks…
I hope you feel better soon, DS.
xoxo
That one gives me chills every time!
When I’m a little punky I think of my momma always telling me “all you need to worry about is what color shirt you are going to wear tomorrow!” And I remember, she’s right. As usual.
Sometimes life is hard, but I can’t control the world, only my reactions to it. I try really hard to be “up.” Especially since having a little girl. I don’t want her to grow up with a grumpy mommy!
.-= Teal´s last blog ..Holiday Spirit =-.
I tend to cook if I’m feeling down. It’s fun for me, but not so good for my waistline.
Hope you get to feeling back to normal soon. Love your blog – your writing always makes me giggle.
.-= Wendy´s last blog ..Black Beans and Cilantro Rice =-.
New socks does it for me. I love new socks.
Dancing in the living room.
Reading your blog.
I tend to go shopping when I’m feeling down. Or should I say window shop since I’m broke:(
I find a good laugh really helps so I like to watch an episode or two of The Golden Girls or The Nanny!
I have a drink, crank up the tunes and paint. OR, I think of someone who I can help or brighten their day. Just taking my attention off ME and putting on painting or another person really makes it better.
.-= Mere´s last blog ..Publicity, Practice Management, and More =-.
If I am only a little bit “gone” I know enough to drag my self outdoors to walk and breathe in lots of fresh air, and tune my senses to really focus on the minute I am in and all its beauty (yeah, I know it sounds way too simplistic). If I’ve past ’round the bend, I sleep, cruise my favorite blogs or distract myself anyway I can.
I rely on talk therapy but am not always really honest with her and that is something I need to do soon.
One of my favorite tactics is to have a trip planned so I always have something to dream about happening.
You’ve done a great thing with your honesty here. Thank you!
Oh my gosh!!! We were in Africa when Susan Boyle became a household word around the rest of the world. This is the FIRST time I saw her performance or heard her sing. I am in awe. Thank you for pointing the way to this clip.
When I feel low, I usually call someone who doesn’t know me well enough to sense my mood. Encouraging other people, particularly stressed out moms always brightens my own life. I also focus on all that I have to be thankful for.
Lest you think I am nothing more than a “goody-two-shoes” (whatever that means), I also shop online when feeling down or frustrated which is far from a healthy way to deal with discouragement or depression.
.-= BeckieS´s last blog ..Mushili–One Year Celebration =-.
I read a book, or watch a funny movie to try and get my mind off things. And sometimes, I call one of my sisters so that I can vent and talk things over with her.
A pint of Blue Bell mint chocolate chip ice cream and The Princess Bride.
I usually go shopping, but being on a budget now, I can’t be doing that too much! So, last night I was in a real funk and my lovely husband made Chocolate Chip Walnut cookies. He gave me some with a large glass of milk and a hug, which made me feel quite a bit better. If I’m by myself, I go and find a blanket and some tea or coffee and read a book in my favorite chair.
First? CHOCOLATE and lots of it…. what do you mean the large bag is TOO much?
Second? LIFETIME Movies… they usually make you feel better about yourself! Of if it’s a good one.. you can imagine you are in the movie…..
If all else fails? a SOAP OPERA episode!! Just one hour will DEFINITELY make you feel better about yourself or your situation!! LOL… a lot of bad shit can happen to someone in a one hour episode!
But no matter what else I do? … snuggling w/ my furbabies.. and they are always willing.
Usually, I wallow in it. Just kidding of course, I think.
Other than that – I try to do something really productive and immediately gratifying like cleaning off my desk or finishing a really dreaded to-do task.
Or I listen to music and SING at the top of my lungs
I try to remind myself that somehow things always have a way of working themselves out and also to remind myself of everything that is good in my life. …….and if none of that works, A New Haircut!! Seriously, a new haircut always makes me feel good.
I read this blog – you are hilarious! I just finished reading all of your entries and am now looking at all of the photos of the day. Keep up the good work because I may get fired for doing nothing but read your blog and then I’d really be sad and will really need some cheering up from you!
Please do not go to the post office anymore! You can do everything but smell the sweaty person in front of you in line from the comfort of your own home! Order supplies (free) like boxes and envelopes which your mailman will bring to your HOME. Then print postage online and tape to your package and leave it in your mailbox (I do put an Outgoing Mail note just in case) and the mailman will MAIL it for YOU.
This does require you to be able to find some tape, I recommend hiding some in the freezer if you have a tape-happy child like mine.
P.S. Please do not enter me for the contest, not my cuppa tea. (Get it? ’cause she’s British?)
And when I’m depressed? I read too many blogs and hand out unwanted advice.
.-= Lee´s last blog ..End of the Line =-.
Okay, so I’m obviously not your most fun follower. For me, the best way to relax is to actually do the stuff that has me most stressed, be it a work deadline or cleaning the bathroom or facing dreadful paperwork.
I’m a good time at parties. You can tell that, right?
.-= Kate at And Then I Was a Mom´s last blog ..I’m going to need a really strong padlock. =-.
Well, I know for a fact I’m ADHD, so I can relate there…I’ve had battles with depression since 15 years old….What I typically do is dig out the camera & start snapping photos. It makes me feel so much better! I also do photomanipulations with photoshop…(I take a bunch of photos & make one individual scene.) Oh & Music….music is my everything! I jam out to Nightwish or something when I’m mad/frustrated/or just feeling dark & morbid. Music is good all the time any time.
I take a long bath and then if that does not work I look at pictures of my grandchildren. If that does not work I remind myself over and over that it will pass. I have gone through 2 major depressions and lots of minor ones over the years. Had to be on medication for the big ones. The others were dealt with in therapy.
Most the time I have to just ‘Get on with it” And before I know it I am too busy raising and entertaining the kids that I feel happier.
But If Not a serious hot shot of esspresso and chocolate,whilst watching some chick flick once i have the kids all bundled off to bed and snoaring away!
I eat. Which explains the need for th drastic “no snacks ever again!” new Year’s resolution which is, on day two, kicking MY ass. *sigh* Alternate therapies including baking (refer to eating problem) and listening to LOUD punk music. That only works if DH and children aren’t around because they’re, well, scared of punk mommy. Ah, well. Thank goodness for iPods and vacuum cleaners. That explains, also, why if I win the CD it will be promptly gifted to aforementioned husband who is weirdly stuck in late-70s-rockish-ballad music land and who would, in fact, appreciate the Susan Boyle CD. I’ll just turn on the ‘pod and go with it.
Have you heard of Fireball Whiskey? Just kidding…but just to be on the safe side… actually if I just get a few minutes by myself then I usually can get back on track.
When I’m having a ‘personal pity party’, and that’s not so often I just have to look at my husband and remember that 9 months ago, some unknown family gave him the ultimate gift of life with two new lungs. My cowboy, the man of my dreams, was diagnosed with idopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2006 even having never smoked a day in his life and started to go downhill until he could not breath on his own and was doomed for death until he got listed on the UNOS organ donation list and he received the lungs 4 days later. Now after 40 years of marriage, we have many more to look forward too, and will soon become grandparents. It also helps to have a very close relationship with our two sons. They can always make their mom laugh and they pick on me constantly. I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have always tried to live on the bright side and I would love this CD. I know you will be okay. I really enjoy your site and your great humor. thanks….
Since i’m broke as a joke, things like planning trips and shopping are out of the question! To cheer up, honestly, I play with my 9 month old girl, or I watch her sleep. She’s my sunshine girl and she can put a smile on my face when all I want to do is stomp my feet and throw a fit!
Living in *very* northern New England, I am in the WRONG place to loathe winter, but I do, so this time of year is brutal. I hate anything that involves the possibility of getting cold so to cheer up this time of year, I like to cook good meals, crochet, or read. Anything to keep my mind off of the temperature and lack of daylight.
I attempt to love on my cat. But she’s a cat, which means cuddle-time is based on her schedule, not mine. So I have to wait until she’s done staring out the window at god-knows-what, or running wide open from nothing. Then she might just grace me with her presence.
To cheer myself up, I like to light some smell-good candles, put on a poppy CD, and scrapbook. It’s something I’m good at, and it feels like a real accomplishment because I am leaving a relic for my descendants to cherish.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Lego Harry Potter =-.
When I’m feeling blue…a drink brightens me right up! Damn…quit drinking! I guess when I’m feeling blue…I just stay blue! Not sure Susan Doyle’s CD would chipper me up…or even pull me out of a coma!
.-= Calamity Anne´s last blog ..Football Illiterate =-.
A pedicure. Yep.. a pedicure. Dont give me no lip bout “manly men dont need no steenkin’ pedicures!” EVERYONE needs a pedicure! And while yer there, splurge on the sea salt massage. And make sure they have SHIATSU CHAIRS!
really.
now go do the right thing.
Serious question, serious answer. The biggest meltdown of my 85 years came five months after putting my husband in an assisted living home when his Alzheimer’s became far worse than I could handle. I won’t go into what happened that stopped the slide into the abyss because the word “miracle” is over-used, even those of a non-religious type.
Since then, life has been far more fulfilling, rewarding, and adventuresome than I could ever have imagined. If I feel the blues coming on, I tell myself I won’t go there, and I don’t. The mind is a powerful healer. You’re turning forty? Kiddo, it gets better after 65, and I am almost as excited about nearing 70 as I was about 21. A friend tells me it’s even better after 70.
So, the answer is mindset. Any moment is the best moment of your life–IF you allow it to be. And, my friend, I was once diagnosed with being manic/depressive, but that was before anyone knew about PMS.
PS: I already have that CD. The woman has talent, and is living her dream despite her challenges.
.-= Gullible´s last blog ..Stillpoint Still Point =-.
Ooops! That was supposed to be 68 years, not 85. Wow! Wonder if I’ll make it to 85? In the meantime, I’m going to visit Tibet this year.
.-= Gullible´s last blog ..Stillpoint Still Point =-.
Depression creeps over me at times and I use the following pick-me-ups:
1. Make sure I took my Prozac.
2. Convince myself that my 100 pound lab must take a walk and then take him on one – even if it is only around the block.
3. Blast 80′s rock in my car and sing quite loudly and badly.
4. When I can barely drag my butt out of bed, I use the time to pray for other people. Everyone has problems and it helps if I focus on others and turn my thoughts away from myself.
5. Go to church.
I’d like to add a Susan Doyle CD to the list!
.-= Kathleen´s last blog ..I am the queen of procrastination - =-.
When I need a little cheering up, I have a nice cup of coffee (best shared with a friend) or a fine piece of chocolate. Though this is not a good idea in the evening. Then I switch to vodka….
Eat. Drink. Snuggle with my dog.
I know this is lame but I call my mom and she makes me laugh and I feel better soon after that
invite all 18 grandkids over! who has time to be depressed with all that sweet noise.
I eat everything in sight, spend money impulsively, and consider doing drugs again. Then I remember that just makes things worse, and I do some yoga. Trying to talk myself into a daily walk too, but so far no luck.
.-= bornfamous´s last blog ..Planting seeds with WordPress MU =-.
I bought my Mum that CD for Christmas. She reckons its cracking! Mind you, she likes Manilow and Neil Diamond, too. Oh… and musicals. And The Eagles. Damn… the flaw in my argument over my Mum’s lack of taste in music…!
.-= Dudge OH´s last blog ..Undeck The Halls =-.
When I am feeling down (which thank g-d has not been in a while, yay for prozac) I take out my little photo album that my friend bought me. On the cover is this 40′s model in a pretty red bathing suit, laying on the beach with nice vintage looking houses and the ocean waves crashing behind her. On top in ripped out magazine letters, it reads, ” I live in fantasy land and I have oceanfront property!” Inside is empty.
It always makes me smile. Especially because when she first bought it for me, I didn’t get it. Now, I get it.