Monday, May 10, 2010

Personal Update - Getting Healthy Step by Step

Depression is like a bully knocking you down to the ground for no reason at all. Unfortunately, it doesn't take long to be knocked down. But it takes time to get up, and many, many, baby steps to learn how to walk again. I'm taking baby steps, and trying very hard with minimal results so far. But results will come with time. My buddy Meleah Rebeccah got it right with her series "Doing Things Differently". You have to change your bad habits and get new ones in order to change. Many of the changes are small, but will result in significant positive results over time. Small steps. I want to have a health, and normal life again. Small steps!

Good News! - It's been about 8 months since I've had an episode of depression! I'm cautiously optimistic. I'm working hard trying to keep depression at bay.

I've Changed My Eating Habits - About a year ago I was living on processed, starchy, high calorie, pantry food (donated). Since I got food-stamps, and a health scare, I've been eating good healthy food. Including lots of veggies, plus a daily vitamin. I'm trying to get healthy, or at least give my body what it needs to fight the disease that I have. (Whatever that is)

Walkies - I'm staring to go on short walks. Wow, am I out of shape! The walks are short now, but distance will increases in time.

Counseling - The guy is alright. I'm learning how to work with him. I've learned that he is unfocused, and tends to forget. So I need to stress what I need, and he comes up with helpful ideas.

Getting Out More - I'm getting out and about more. My counselor wants me to mingle with people more, and also do things that interest me. Admittedly, I have to work on this. More activity opportunities will come in summer. At least I'm getting out a little more.

May I Go Back To Work? - When I asked my counselor this question, he said that I wasn't ready. However, I think that if I got just the right type of job, he might change his mind. I'm going to work on this with him. I hope to go back to work soon. Otherwise, I'll have to get a lawyer and apply for disability with takes more than 6 months to kick in. Then the first 6 months are the lawyers fees. Ek! The system isn't set up to help people.

Why Are You Doing So Well Depression Wise? - My counselor asked this. I possibly could have a terrible disease, and my aunt died recently, but I'm doing good. I think that part of it is eating a much healthier diet, and taking vitamins. Also a part are YOUR prayers and good thoughts. Thanks a ton! Please keep sending them. Something is working. ~crossing fingers~

I Might Not Be On The Internet Quite As Much - As you can see, my plate is full. Right now I have to considerate on getting healthy, and that takes a lot of time, and work. I won't disappear, but you might not see me around quite as much.

8 comments:

meleah rebeccah said...

I am SO happy to hear all of this GREAT news. And I am so thrilled things are looking UP for you again. MUCH LOVE! xoxoxoxo

Rothase said...

Been there. I found that getting out of the house and taking walks, or watching my kids play at a park, outdoor festivals, any of that, really gave me some energy back. That made winter a little tough, but I got through it. I have a great shrink and I just started with a psychologist who seems pretty good, too. Lucky dog on the food stamps! We were on them, and WIC, when my husband lost his job, but then he got a new one and we lost eligiblity. I loved all that fresh fruit, lots of yummy cheese! But the disability is worth it. Apply on your own, they reject you, then you get the lawyer. The lawyer gets you a hearing and, in my case anyway, you get the disability. You also get a lump sum of the amount you would have already received had you been approved the first time. The lawyer usually takes her cut from that lump, and there is a limit on what percent they can take. It took me two years to get back to work and it is still really hard, but I'll muddle through!

Rebecca said...

Such. great. news!

Continued prayers coming your way!!!

Dr. Deb said...

Wow, those are great lifestyle changes.

Speedcat Hollydale said...

I cannot stress enough what vigorous excersize can do for well being. Glad you are walking!! Keep increasing activity and I promise the better you will feel.

GO AIR !!!! Yhaaa Hoooooo :-)

Sonnie-Dee said...

Good on you for doing what you needed to do to get yourself in a better place

meleah rebeccah said...

swinging by to give you some love and support! xoxoxoox

Awake In Rochester said...

Thanks everyone!!!