Aug 25 2008
The most important strategy for overcoming depression
Please see this You Tube clip on the most important thing you can do to overcome depression. Sorry that we sound a little like Darth Vader - I’m still learning to drive this technology.
Graeme,
Thanks for your site and the Darth Vader you tube video. I have found the beyondblue site too generalised, or perhaps you need to dig too deeply to find tools to help overcome depression. After seeing health professionals whose first step is drugs (to help establish a state of mind to enable further help) and then CBT I have still been strugling to move forward. Your audio on the black dog webiste brought me here.
I currently am finding I no longer trust my normal ability to judge a situation at work or home and had reacted defensively and agressively to some situations. Increased medication has helped minimise the strong reactions but does not help the ability to focus, reduce procrastination etc. Depression is still coming in waves when deadlines, workload and emotion increaeses.
I will take your advice on an exercise program, taking time out to think and seek out friends. I still worry about my ability to function properly at work in the short term. As it is something you have been through do you have any suggestions that can help here?
regards Ian
Hi Ian,
It can be very difficult to go to work when you are struggling with depression yet ironically it can also be a godsend to escape your dark thoghts when you isolate from others.
When I was struggling to keep up at work, I felt that I did not have time to exercise. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I am now convinced that 30 minutes brisk walk (or swim, cycle, paddle, dance, jog, etc) 6 days a week is non negotiable. The perpective and better feeling that come with exercise are repaid many times for the time put into it.
I think the other important thing to do is to only live in one week increments. Looking too far ahead can be…well… depressing. One week is manageable. Set physical fitness and relaxation goals for each week. Once you have set these goals make sure you schedule into your week when you will do them. This will help with procrastination also.
And finally I would encourage you to keep regular contact with family and close friends. Never is it more important to have their support when you are struggling.
Hang in there.
Kind Regards
Graeme