[CantExplain]

Hi guys!

The last time I was seriously depressed, I made the following plan. Maybe some one will find it useful.
(In places it assumes my depression is seasonal, but parts may be relevant to non-seasonal depression too.)

1. Make a plan. That way I’m a contender, not a victim.
2. Take control of my environment. Tidy up and purge my bookshelves, clothes cupboards etc.
3. Install brighter light bulbs at home.
4. Buy a couple of double-spot standing lamps. That will give me 400 Watts of light to use wherever I need it.
5. Change my routine. Go to work a different way. Go for a walk in a different direction. Wear different clothes.
6. Take my exercise during the day, not in the evening. That way I will get some valuable sunshine.
7. Phone friends and family during the day. I’ve got a cell-phone, so I can do that on my walk.
8. Emphasize artistic pursuits that can be shared with others: music, games, image processing, and poetry.
9. Get involved in on-line games.
10. This is a “brain” sickness, not a “soul” sickness , so psychotherapy won’t help. Therefore, stop blaming my psychotherapist. And don’t take it out on friends and family, either.
11. But if my therapist can’t help, find someone who can. Replace half my psychotherapy sessions with massage therapy.
12. Go back on one Prozac a day.

[venusss]

Pretty good plan overall (though I disagree with the brain not soul part. For me (and I think few others) existential aspects have a lot to do with it. If psychotherapy doesn't help, it might be it is not "soulish" and existential enough, I think. Depends though. Most of my fear have to do with death and purpose and sense...).

I like the part about changing routine. There is something about rigidity that kills. Doing little new things helps to keep life interesting. You can look forward the little things. They can save you.

[Rohag]

Creative! I must especially consider:

• lighting
• massage therapy

[CantExplain]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

Pretty good plan overall (though I disagree with the brain not soul part. For me (and I think few others) existential aspects have a lot to do with it. If psychotherapy doesn't help, it might be it is not "soulish" and existential enough, I think. Depends though. Most of my fear have to do with death and purpose and sense...).

I like the part about changing routine. There is something about rigidity that kills. Doing little new things helps to keep life interesting. You can look forward the little things. They can save you.

Was brain sickness or soul sickness? I still don't know. Both, I suspect.

But the point is, I was stuck in a rut and needed to strike out in a new direction.

My habit in the past was to keep doing the same things but try harder. This plan shows that I was will to try new things and new ways of thinking.

The message is, don't just keep doing the same things because obviously that's not working. Choose change!