[SeekerOfLife]

I have been quite depressed for the last few weeks. My therapist called me this afternoon to check on me. (Love her for that). We talked about what I could do to make going home feel like something special. Suggestions were a special meal, music I like, burning a candle, soaking in the tub, putting on comfy clothes. I said to her that it sounded like a date with myself. We both laughed at that. But, hey, I am thinking about this idea. I kind of like it. Better than hiding in a paper bag.

[Elektra_]

thats a cool one go for it!

[winter4me]

It is a great idea.
I know that once in a while, I do something like that. I put down/out the lights, burn candles with a simple meal, take a bath in candlelight, with music, dance about the room...use a lovely lotion, have a glass of wine, cheese and crackers...read all curled up with an oil lamp...

[Little Lulu]

Over the years I have learned that 1) almost anything reasonable is worth trying when I am down, anxious, lonely, whatever ... 2) I am frequently surprised by what ends up being helpful and 3) just when I feel like I am at the end of my rope and can't take myself anymore, something comes along that I did not expect and I feel better. I would put that call from your therapist in 'something unexpected' category. It might be her job to check on people, but I bet you are in her 'special' client category.

[SeekerOfLife]

Originally Posted by winter4me

It is a great idea.
I know that once in a while, I do something like that. I put down/out the lights, burn candles with a simple meal, take a bath in candlelight, with music, dance about the room...use a lovely lotion, have a glass of wine, cheese and crackers...read all curled up with an oil lamp...

I think I will add your ideas to mine.

[SeekerOfLife]

Originally Posted by Little Lulu

Over the years I have learned that 1) almost anything reasonable is worth trying when I am down, anxious, lonely, whatever ... 2) I am frequently surprised by what ends up being helpful and 3) just when I feel like I am at the end of my rope and can't take myself anymore, something comes along that I did not expect and I feel better. I would put that call from your therapist in 'something unexpected' category. It might be her job to check on people, but I bet you are in her 'special' client category.

Lulu, what do you mean by "I bet you are in her special client catagory"?
Sorry to sound silly, but I take it you either mean 1) special just like you said, or 2) troublesome.

[Little Lulu]

Not silly for asking - I just mean that I imagine she likes who you are ... that is all.

[winter4me]

Weather permitting, I find camping out very soothing. Primitive, to the stream for water, the campfire, a cup of hot chocolate, the stars overhead, and when warm, floating in water...listening to water...the birds, roasting the perfect marshmallow, drawing pictures with a stick in the dirt...
Also, when walking through town, night or day, I no longer hesitate to hop on a swing in a playground and fly (& I am 61yrs old)---or, in the dark, flip over a bar, climb a monkey bar set (when I am with my grandson, of course I can do anything he does.. )

[Frankbtl]

Yes, sounds like a good idea, makes going home more of a positive experience (and gradually something to look forward to?). When you go shopping maybe get some "special" things for the next time you come in e.g. scented candles, some aromatherapy oils to burn, chocolate or ice cream (??), bubble bath.
And when you go out make sure you find time before you go to route out some things you feel content/comfortable/familiar with to leave right there for when you come in e.g. a favorite D.V.D, C.D's, book. Or photo's special to you which you can frame if you haven't already??
Maybe preplan/line up things you want to do, so as less "nothing" time.
Is there anything you could treat yourself to as well e.g. something comforting like a new dressing gown, bedding or something really "you" you could buy for your place. Something that really makes "home" feel like home.
And just another thought, if you're used to leaving some jobs/tasks around the home until you come in e.g. ironing/cleaning then maybe just that extra effort to do them before you go out?? That way it's not going to be as much thinking as you get in "I've really got to....". You can just relax and some quality "me time"??
Alison

I get inspiration from taking photos of the creek and open space. Art projects, crafts and taking time with my cat.

Twyla tharpe talks about making a "ritual". Like a nightly practice of aromatherapy would be the ritual that sets you mind into a relaxed mood. What you do during that time could be different each time but the ritual of it becomes automatic or habit forming. It's important that light the candle is the ritual. Not reading or yoga which you might do while the candle is lit. It's like a trigger but in a positive way. For chronic depression this is very helpful. I think of it of merging the best of mindlessness and mindfulness.

[winter4me]

This is good. I got many new ideas from these posts Now, to try some out!