I can totally relate to this. I’ve suffered from depression since high school, but it’s never been boo-hoo depression, just feeling “numb,” apathetic and disconnected from everything. People always suggest exercising or socializing, but when I get into a “mood” it is impossible for me to get out of bed, let alone go to the gym or hang out with friends. What I’ve found that works best is talking to a professional – someone who won’t judge me and suggests actual, helpful things for me to do.
The best piece of “self-care” advice I ever received from a therapist was to think of yourself as a baby – if you were an infant, what would you need right now to feel better? Sometimes you do need a nap, or nutritious food, or someone to hold you, or to have your diaper changed (or take a shower). It really helps me focus on not neglecting my basic needs when I’m feeling my lowest.
I’ve pretty much dealt with this since I was a teenager…probably explains my love angsty early 90s alt rock in junior high/high school back then too. :s I’m never entirely sure it isn’t health related at times with a disability. I can be hard to separate those two things and figure out if it is a cause for the depression or not. To add more confusion to the mix, I’m also the stereotypical visual artist. Manic-depressive. I go through phases of working on all kinds of projects and then all my inspiration vanishes with any sort of motivation. I’d like to say I have an answer on how to deal with it….but…yeah, I don’t. Typically I just focus on reading and trying to write during the down times and it can spur me into another manic phase by finding some inspiring idea amongst all the whiny drivel.
When I’m feeling depressed I usually play an episode of Totally Laime or Totally Married to lift my spirits. I’ll blast it while I light a candle and clean stuff and I’m usually distracted my mood. I’m not even making this up! Thank you for doing what you do and I love the Vlog! Another great thing to look forward to each week
Well I had a terrible day at work today. And like Rita, I turned on Totally Laime while doing a mountain of dishes. And hearing you, Elizabeth and Andy just really lightens my mood. I’m reminded that I’m a mere twenty-something and shit happens and the good thing is – it’ll pass and something way awesomer is on the way hopefully! Although, I am interested to know if you take medication for your depression. I have been on and off medication for a few years now (which I know isn’t the best – sometimes the medication works best after it’s been in your system for 6-12 months or something…). But I just recently weened myself off my low dose anti-anxiety medication. And maybe work DOES suck more, or maybe my brain needs a little chemical balancing, but I’m not as happy-go-lucky these last few months. This may also be because of the lack of sun (straight livin’ in the Midwest Winterdom)…but what do you think? I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to get back on the low does medication – but I always wonder what’s best for me. Thanks in advance for your advice
Aww, Elizabeth I love your new vlogs!!! It makes me happy to see your face while hearing your voice! So exciting! Anyways, I too suffer from depression and sometimes it sucks. I also get numb and sometimes can’t cry or feel anything while watching documentaries that would usually make me cry for hours. Listening to your podcasts really do help my mood! My drives to work on Monday, Wed, and Friday are good ones, every other day sucks! I have to settle for another podcast : ( Keep up the vlogs and the shows, you are awesome!! Andy’s not so bad either.
So sorry the fog is rolling in. I can totally relate to the feeling overwhelmed part. I tend to feel the fear rolling in vs. fog. I’m currently in counseling (which I love) and med free right now. I have good and not so good moments, but I’m trying to show myself some self-compassion and focus on my faith instead of my fear. I’m curious how you plan to treat your depression. I know you are trying to be med free right now because you’re trying to start your family. I’m in the same boat. Keep us posted.
I TOTALLY relate to your feelings of feeling down. I, too, also love a good documentary and just watched the movie called Vegucated. Have you seen it yet? It’s on Netflix now and it has made a huge impact on the way I feel right now. Watching how stressed, sad and not to mention how poorly our cows, chickens, pigs are handled makes soooo much sense with why we have so much depression, illness and anxiety in our lives. I mean… we are what we eat, right? Believe me, I loved eating meat but after watching this documentary, I will forgo the meat and turn to veggies, fruit, beans and legumes! I feel sooooo much better already with only a week under my belt…my mood feels lighter, my mind feels clearer and more focused on the things that are truly important to me.
I hope you’re feeling better Elizabeth! Thank you for providing such wonderful entertainment thru your podcasts and vlog! I always look forward to listening to you both during my runs. You are a natural entertainer! Love your new vlog!!
XO,
Shelly
as many of the other comments above have said i share many of your depressive symptoms and have as long as i can remember. my mom had issues with depression and i believe her mom did too. i had a counselor tell me she felt i had attention def. disorder brought on by depression. at nearly 50 i’m still dealing with many of the fears you talked about on the vlog and on ‘vlog problems’ episode of totally married. the ONLY thing that makes me feel better these days is doing those pain in the ass daily chores that give me a sense of accomplishment when they are done. doing dishes, laundry, paying bills at my business, backing up my computer, walking for excercise (while listening to podcasts like ‘totally laime’). i’ve also made some effort to do things with friends more which has been a bit difficult as it’s winter here in wisconsin we all kind of hibernate for a few months, plus my male buddies are all busy with their jobs and children that are much younger than my stepsons. perhaps your depression requires the proper meds to even it out-that never seemed to help me but everyone is different. i hope you get good news soon that lifts the clouds you were talking about.
No advice on depression, but you should watch this documentary, Marwencol. A crazy story about a guy who uses GI Joe and Barbie dolls to create a WWII village in his backyard. This guy has problems, he’e been through a very traumatic events, he has struggled with alcohol, but some how this village becomes therapeutic and his photography is legitimate art. The ending is perhaps, the best ending in the history of endings— let’s just say it come full circle. Netflix it with Andy and don’t worry it’s not a downer.
Love the pod. Love the vlog, it’s shame you’re killing it.
10 Comments!
I can totally relate to this. I’ve suffered from depression since high school, but it’s never been boo-hoo depression, just feeling “numb,” apathetic and disconnected from everything. People always suggest exercising or socializing, but when I get into a “mood” it is impossible for me to get out of bed, let alone go to the gym or hang out with friends. What I’ve found that works best is talking to a professional – someone who won’t judge me and suggests actual, helpful things for me to do.
The best piece of “self-care” advice I ever received from a therapist was to think of yourself as a baby – if you were an infant, what would you need right now to feel better? Sometimes you do need a nap, or nutritious food, or someone to hold you, or to have your diaper changed (or take a shower). It really helps me focus on not neglecting my basic needs when I’m feeling my lowest.
I’ve pretty much dealt with this since I was a teenager…probably explains my love angsty early 90s alt rock in junior high/high school back then too. :s I’m never entirely sure it isn’t health related at times with a disability. I can be hard to separate those two things and figure out if it is a cause for the depression or not. To add more confusion to the mix, I’m also the stereotypical visual artist. Manic-depressive. I go through phases of working on all kinds of projects and then all my inspiration vanishes with any sort of motivation. I’d like to say I have an answer on how to deal with it….but…yeah, I don’t. Typically I just focus on reading and trying to write during the down times and it can spur me into another manic phase by finding some inspiring idea amongst all the whiny drivel.
When I’m feeling depressed I usually play an episode of Totally Laime or Totally Married to lift my spirits. I’ll blast it while I light a candle and clean stuff and I’m usually distracted my mood. I’m not even making this up! Thank you for doing what you do and I love the Vlog! Another great thing to look forward to each week
Aww, Rita! Thank you so much
Made my day!
Well I had a terrible day at work today. And like Rita, I turned on Totally Laime while doing a mountain of dishes. And hearing you, Elizabeth and Andy just really lightens my mood. I’m reminded that I’m a mere twenty-something and shit happens and the good thing is – it’ll pass and something way awesomer is on the way hopefully! Although, I am interested to know if you take medication for your depression. I have been on and off medication for a few years now (which I know isn’t the best – sometimes the medication works best after it’s been in your system for 6-12 months or something…). But I just recently weened myself off my low dose anti-anxiety medication. And maybe work DOES suck more, or maybe my brain needs a little chemical balancing, but I’m not as happy-go-lucky these last few months. This may also be because of the lack of sun (straight livin’ in the Midwest Winterdom)…but what do you think? I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to get back on the low does medication – but I always wonder what’s best for me. Thanks in advance for your advice
Aww, Elizabeth I love your new vlogs!!! It makes me happy to see your face while hearing your voice! So exciting! Anyways, I too suffer from depression and sometimes it sucks. I also get numb and sometimes can’t cry or feel anything while watching documentaries that would usually make me cry for hours. Listening to your podcasts really do help my mood! My drives to work on Monday, Wed, and Friday are good ones, every other day sucks! I have to settle for another podcast : ( Keep up the vlogs and the shows, you are awesome!! Andy’s not so bad either.
So sorry the fog is rolling in. I can totally relate to the feeling overwhelmed part. I tend to feel the fear rolling in vs. fog. I’m currently in counseling (which I love) and med free right now. I have good and not so good moments, but I’m trying to show myself some self-compassion and focus on my faith instead of my fear. I’m curious how you plan to treat your depression. I know you are trying to be med free right now because you’re trying to start your family. I’m in the same boat. Keep us posted.
Dear Elizabeth,
I TOTALLY relate to your feelings of feeling down. I, too, also love a good documentary and just watched the movie called Vegucated. Have you seen it yet? It’s on Netflix now and it has made a huge impact on the way I feel right now. Watching how stressed, sad and not to mention how poorly our cows, chickens, pigs are handled makes soooo much sense with why we have so much depression, illness and anxiety in our lives. I mean… we are what we eat, right? Believe me, I loved eating meat but after watching this documentary, I will forgo the meat and turn to veggies, fruit, beans and legumes! I feel sooooo much better already with only a week under my belt…my mood feels lighter, my mind feels clearer and more focused on the things that are truly important to me.
I hope you’re feeling better Elizabeth! Thank you for providing such wonderful entertainment thru your podcasts and vlog! I always look forward to listening to you both during my runs. You are a natural entertainer! Love your new vlog!!
XO,
Shelly
as many of the other comments above have said i share many of your depressive symptoms and have as long as i can remember. my mom had issues with depression and i believe her mom did too. i had a counselor tell me she felt i had attention def. disorder brought on by depression. at nearly 50 i’m still dealing with many of the fears you talked about on the vlog and on ‘vlog problems’ episode of totally married. the ONLY thing that makes me feel better these days is doing those pain in the ass daily chores that give me a sense of accomplishment when they are done. doing dishes, laundry, paying bills at my business, backing up my computer, walking for excercise (while listening to podcasts like ‘totally laime’). i’ve also made some effort to do things with friends more which has been a bit difficult as it’s winter here in wisconsin we all kind of hibernate for a few months, plus my male buddies are all busy with their jobs and children that are much younger than my stepsons. perhaps your depression requires the proper meds to even it out-that never seemed to help me but everyone is different. i hope you get good news soon that lifts the clouds you were talking about.
No advice on depression, but you should watch this documentary, Marwencol. A crazy story about a guy who uses GI Joe and Barbie dolls to create a WWII village in his backyard. This guy has problems, he’e been through a very traumatic events, he has struggled with alcohol, but some how this village becomes therapeutic and his photography is legitimate art. The ending is perhaps, the best ending in the history of endings— let’s just say it come full circle. Netflix it with Andy and don’t worry it’s not a downer.
Love the pod. Love the vlog, it’s shame you’re killing it.
http://www.marwencol.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=pMWFhplFSEQ