What is a whole-person approach? To me that is to see that problems in one area affects how well one feels in other areas. I think that we have to take care of ourselves not as different pieces of cakes, but as a whole cake that fits together. Body (includes nutrition and physical activity among other), intellect, emotions and some spiritual input (meditation, concentrate on a wonderful view, and for those who have a religion to practice it). Work, studies or replacement for that is important in a whole-person-approach too, and so are living conditions and hobbies. To change these if we have problems in these areas might lower our depressions.

I think that we have to work on all these «pieces of the cake» to be able to live with our dispositions to be depressed. Sometimes we are working well on one part, e.g eating healthy, while we perhaps don't feel that we have energy to go for a walk or do some jogging.

I would like this thread to be a thread where people can come and say as an example: «I eat well, but am struggling with physical activity. I want to work with that part, but have problems with motivation». Then the rest of us can support that person (positive affirmations, suggestions for how to find motivation or other ...). I think that I will benefit from such a thread and hope others find the idea interesting as well. (May be we can see it as a give and get thread).

Of course we are all different and what works for one person doesn't have to work for another. As supporters that is what we have to be aware of.

To have a place where people ask how we are doing and were we show our interests for the long term work of others might be inspiring and helpful.

Let us respect each other as different, but valuable individuals on the journey toward healing (to be better equipped to cope with our tendencies to become depressed).

Come on let us draw our burdens together.

I'll present my case first.

For the time being I have problems with eating regular meals and to motivate myself to do my physical exercises. I want to start tomorrow with a try to improve those areas.

Hope for me!

[venusss]

Can I use this even if i am bipolar by diagnosis? It seems like a great idea for thread.... and must needed concept.

Personally lately I have been sorta bored with cooking an eating, so it's been bit weird on that front.

Been stressing over things, been dealing with an odd trauma issue.

But otherwise, highly functional and enjoying hanging out with friends.

Originally Posted by venusss

Can I use this even if i am bipolar by diagnosis? It seems like a great idea for thread.... and must needed concept.

Of course you can use it Venusss!!! I put the thread here because I thought that depression for some (many?) may be almost like a project that take different approaches to work on concurrently. It is not only the unipolar who are depressed, so are bipolar as well.

I want to invite all who work on their Emotional Disorder, that be depression, anxiety or other to use this thread to share, get support and give support to those using some sort of a whole-person-approach, even if they haven't found all the "parts" they have to work on yet, to be able to live well with their problems.
......................................
When it comes to me, I wasn't able to start my physical activity yesterday. I'm working on the "regular meal-thing".
......................................

All are welcome

[TishaBuv]

I am having issues from head to toe- whole person absolutely!

I tell every doctor everything that's happening with other areas and whatever meds I am taking. But, I feel like I want to get them all together to actually concentrate on figuring out what exactly is going on with me.

[Altered Moment]

I agree with your approach "whole" heartedely. For example mediation has done me a world of good over the years.

Right now I have been struggling with no energy or motivation which is my biggest symptom of depression. First thing that goes.

My Dad is dying of lung cancer right before my eyes as I am typing this. Hospice is in charge and no treatment. It seems like a slow process but it has only been 3 months since he was diagnosed. Probably 80% of the time since this started I have been totally there for my parents and been a good son. Up to the task of being a good patient advocate for my Dad. Lots of company over etc. etc.

Lately it is all catching up to me. I will hit four or five days of fairly severe depression. Of course it is a normal part of the grieving process but I am more vulnerable to dive into a long term depression. I also noticed I am more vulnerable to relapse on drugs and alcohol. I have been clean and sober for a long time and did relapse one night. It was a one time minor thing but it was scary as hell. Staying sober has been pretty easy for me but now my mind is going there a lot.

So to your point, emotional support is what I need to seek at the moment.

[Ocean Swimmer]

I'm working on living for the day and this day only. Like in Ekhart Tolle's book, "The Power of Now".

If you find an activity you love exercise is easier. I love to swim. I know I need more. When I return to the States I'm thinking about joining a gym with my best friend. That will make it easier to motivate myself. Meet ya at the gym. Then a little light shopping.

I need to eat less carbs and sugar. My night Meds Seraquel drive me insanely hungry.

[little turtle]

sounds good singer....this is positive....

Originally Posted by TishaBuv

I am having issues from head to toe- whole person absolutely!

I tell every doctor everything that's happening with other areas and whatever meds I am taking. But, I feel like I want to get them all together to actually concentrate on figuring out what exactly is going on with me.

We are whole persons, not one piece of depression, one piece of stomac trouble, one peace of headace, one peace of muscle pain and more ....

I had a really strong headace for months once. Since I am diagnosed as depressed, they thought it was a "psychological headace". When I thought I couldn't manage it more I was sent to a dentist. Problem solved. No more headace ...

Hope you will be taken seriously soon, TishaBuv.

[Altered Moment]

I think it is our responsibility to seek the resources we need in a holistic approach. I keep a mood log/ journal that my psychiatrist reads so he gets the whole picture. But it is unrealistic that he will be able to help me too much with everything. His job basically is to manage meds. The clinic in general does try to keep an eye on overall physical health.

If I need therapy, which I do because it helps, it is my job to initiate that, which I have. Practicing mediation is up to me. No one is going to force me to do it. Getting out and shoveling the snow off the sidewalk is up to me to get the exercise and because it needs to be done.

Knowing what resources we need at a particular time and how to utilize them is important.

If in a crisis then reach out to someone who can intervene and help you get to those resources.

Originally Posted by Altered Moment

I agree with your approach "whole" heartedely. For example mediation has done me a world of good over the years.

My Dad is dying of lung cancer right before my eyes as I am typing this. Hospice is in charge and no treatment. It seems like a slow process but it has only been 3 months since he was diagnosed. Probably 80% of the time since this started I have been totally there for my parents and been a good son. Up to the task of being a good patient advocate for my Dad. Lots of company over etc. etc.

Lately it is all catching up to me. (...)

So to your point, emotional support is what I need to seek at the moment.

I'm so sorry to hear this! I know how it is to lose somebody you love to cancer. I can completely relate.

Do you mind if I try to give some advice on the background of having been through a similar grieving process?

Your dad will not like to know that you fall into deep depression or lose track of your former alcohol problem. If I were you I would have scheduled a "take care of myself time", every day. May be 10 to 15 minutes a day is all that is needed to prevent relapse. There are books on that topic. May be you should go for a swim once or twice a week and enjoy a milkshake or something you personally appreciate afterward.

Are you comfortable with relaxation exercises?

Please find a way to take care of yourself!

Thinking on you!

Originally Posted by Ocean Swimmer

If you find an activity you love exercise is easier. I love to swim. I know I need more. (...)

I need to eat less carbs and sugar. My night Meds Seraquel drive me insanely hungry.

I like to walk or run in the woods. I did that before Christmas, but after that I've been stuck in the winter blues. My problem is a "how to get started" problem. I know what to do, but have a problem with pushing myself to do what I know I should do.

I'm with you about the carbs and sugar. Cipramil makes me hungry and a bit indifferent. It helps the depression. That's why I still use them, but at the same time they make some parts of my life more difficult.

Originally Posted by little turtle

sounds good singer....this is positive....

Thank you!

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by Singer47

I'm so sorry to hear this! I know how it is to lose somebody you love to cancer. I can completely relate.

Do you mind if I try to give some advice on the background of having been through a similar grieving process?

Your dad will not like to know that you fall into deep depression or lose track of your former alcohol problem. If I were you I would have scheduled a "take care of myself time", every day. May be 10 to 15 minutes a day is all that is needed to prevent relapse. There are books on that topic. May be you should go for a swim once or twice a week and enjoy a milkshake or something you personally appreciate afterward.

Are you comfortable with relaxation exercises?

Please find a way to take care of yourself!

Thinking on you!

Thanks. I don't mind advise at all. Especially from someone who has been through it. My Dad is very well aware of my depression problems over the course of my life but not aware of anything I am currently dealing with. He has a much tougher process to go through than me.

For me relapse with drugs and alcohol is very preventable and I have and use the resources available. Namely AA.

Depression is another matter. It has always been very cyclical without any situations that trigger it. Seasonal biological. Now a situation is causing me some difficulties.

I do get away every night in my car by myself. That is my "me" time. I find any excuse or no excuse to get in my car and go for an hour. This has worked for me for years. Plus I have meetings and I play cards with the boys once a week which is an escape. I have friends. What worries me is if the depression were to get real bad for an extended period. I am the only sibling that is in the same town as my parents and I need to be there for them.

I can hide it and go through the motions if it isn't very severe. I am sure that given this a situational thing there are things I can do to prevent it. Processing the emotions in the biggest. It has hit me in stages which is normal. I don't want hitting those walls to trigger a bad one.

[BudFox]

I think if one is looking for professional help along the lines of holistic treatment of depression, it's necessary to leave the mainstream medical system. People like Psychiatrists, Therapists, conventional Physicians, specialist MDs, are by definition NOT looking at whole-body health. I know some are, but probably a tiny minority.

I have found the most help from the likes of Herbalists, TCM docs, Naturopaths, and Functional Medicine MDs. They are not narrowly focused on certain organs or body systems, but rather the whole person.

I don't think depression can be confined conceptually to any part of the body or person. It is social, spiritual, environmental, biological, emotional, psychological, etc.

Anyway, enough pretentious rambling. I think the biggest driver for me is lack of healthy relationships and healthy human connection. And early life trauma. But I think there are physiological issues layered on top.

[barbella]

I guess I hit the jackpot with my therapist (she's also an MD). She definitely gets the holistic approach. She is comfortable writing referrals for acupuncture and massage. She has a colleague who recommends vitamins/supplements in addition to regular psychiatric meds (& he's a psychiatrist!) & she knows the power of aerobic exercise. She also referred me to an MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) program (& now i meditate daily) & to an MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive therapy) program.
I started eating meat again after decades of being veg & am not sure what else I should be doing. Any suggestions?

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by barbella

I guess I hit the jackpot with my therapist (she's also an MD). She definitely gets the holistic approach. She is comfortable writing referrals for acupuncture and massage. She has a colleague who recommends vitamins/supplements in addition to regular psychiatric meds (& he's a psychiatrist!) & she knows the power of aerobic exercise. She also referred me to an MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) program (& now i meditate daily) & to an MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive therapy) program.
I started eating meat again after decades of being veg & am not sure what else I should be doing. Any suggestions?

Wow that is awesome. You did hit the jackpot. She is structuring it for you so you don't have to seek it yourself. Maybe that is the issue is people need structure and guidance from a central source that coordinates it.

I am lucky in that I have become good at utilizing many things under my own guidance. I teach myself with guidance I seek. I can't always trust my own guidance but I will find out from those who know about something. Nutrition, mediation, whatever.

[little turtle]

Originally Posted by barbella

I guess I hit the jackpot with my therapist (she's also an MD). She definitely gets the holistic approach. She is comfortable writing referrals for acupuncture and massage. She has a colleague who recommends vitamins/supplements in addition to regular psychiatric meds (& he's a psychiatrist!) & she knows the power of aerobic exercise. She also referred me to an MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) program (& now i meditate daily) & to an MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive therapy) program.
I started eating meat again after decades of being veg & am not sure what else I should be doing. Any suggestions?

barbella----what are your levels for b-12 and vitamin-d and fasting blood glucose..

[little turtle]

dechandawa brought up an interesting point on another thread.....she said that a 15 minute walk after a meal was as good as a longer walk at some other time in preventing pre-diabetes...that is something I am going to try today....I will do 15 minute walks after bkfst and lunch...

Originally Posted by Altered Moment

For me relapse with drugs and alcohol is very preventable and I have and use the resources available. Namely AA.

Depression is another matter. It has always been very cyclical without any situations that trigger it. Seasonal biological. Now a situation is causing me some difficulties.

Oh, I think I understand; you have natural support for your addict problems in the AA. Your problem with depression seem to be that it perhaps no longer is predictable.

This must be very frustrating now when you have your father to think about. I hope that you will not slip further into depression. Send you good thoughts!

Originally Posted by Altered Moment

Maybe that is the issue is people need structure and guidance from a central source that coordinates it.

I am lucky in that I have become good at utilizing many things under my own guidance. I teach myself with guidance I seek. I can't always trust my own guidance but I will find out from those who know about something. Nutrition, mediation, whatever.

Me too. I had a good therapist once that took me seriously and gave me the time I needed to work through rough areas in my life. I'm very grateful for that! It was not a psychodymamic therapy, but it came very close to that. Other topics like structuring my time, stop old traumas to ruin my day (days), eating healthy and so on, I had to teach myself to be able to take care of by my self.

I feel that I know myself very well and how to cope with triggers, but for the time being I feel that it has become too much for me and I'm frightened ...

Originally Posted by BudFox

Anyway, enough pretentious rambling. I think the biggest driver for me is lack of healthy relationships and healthy human connection. And early life trauma. But I think there are physiological issues layered on top.

Can relate to that. I had worked through early life traumas with a therapist and had a really good time (work, socially, spare time ...) when a new big trauma hit and another after that and still more. When one has to use a lot of energy just to survive, it is very difficult to have the energy to build solid social relationships.

I have friends (a few) but feel that I have to walk on a thight line among them, so that my burdens don't become too heavy for them. Loneliness is part of what keeps the depression going ...

Originally Posted by barbella

I guess I hit the jackpot with my therapist (she's also an MD). She definitely gets the holistic approach. She is comfortable writing referrals for acupuncture and massage. She has a colleague who recommends vitamins/supplements in addition to regular psychiatric meds (& he's a psychiatrist!) & she knows the power of aerobic exercise. She also referred me to an MBSR (mindfulness based stress reduction) program (& now i meditate daily) & to an MBCT (mindfulness based cognitive therapy) program.
I started eating meat again after decades of being veg & am not sure what else I should be doing. Any suggestions?

WOW, it must feel good to hit a jackpot!

Originally Posted by little turtle

I will do 15 minute walks after bkfst and lunch...

Good luck with that, Turtle!!

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by Singer47

I feel that I know myself very well and how to cope with triggers, but for the time being I feel that it has become too much for me and I'm frightened ...

Yes you are right the depressions are more unpredictable now. My whole life I could tell you which month and for how long it would last. Like every spring the first week it gets hot I guarantee I will get a real bad one that lasts a month or so. Last May was exactly that. I almost checked myself inpatient.

I know myself well too but I am also scared. Scared of the unknown.

[barbella]

little turtle, I don't recall the exact numbers but they were all found to be in the 'normal' range.