"HOUSEKEEPING"
Read this! My book is little and every word counts.
My main aim is to help people cope with clinical depression.
This book is not a substitute for professional help. Those
who occasionally experience the blues will also find help in
these pages.
Each chapter is a block in the patchwork of
what makes us well. Some of the pieces may not make sense until
you see the whole. Please don't give up on the book. Read it all.
Feel free to tailor what has worked for me into a comforter that
suits your needs and tastes. This book is my comforter, my
pattern of values and coping skills. I pray that it inspires
you to take an active role in seeking good mental health.
I do stress the importance of medications and
professional help. If your mind is not running on all fours, the greatest
advice in the world won't help. When I finally sought the help of a psychiatrist,
friends and therapists had already taught me many healthy coping skills. The drugs
made the difference between text book knowledge and practical application.
I remember as a child I was coached and coached on how to
swing a baseball bat. Although I understood the directions, it was a while
before the bat connected with the ball. Much practice occurred between
understanding and accomplishment. Throughout life I understood so much about
how to live well, how to think constructively. I could even do it to some
extent. The medication allowed me to think clearly and do what I already
understood.
If possible we should seek help while we are young.
Teens often are helped by talk therapy alone. Untreated depression causes
peculiar coping strategies that may be difficult to unlearn when the
depression is under control. Untreated depression can lead to self-medication
with alcohol and illegal, addictive drugs. These habits can seriously hinder
progress towards a happy, productive life.
I am personally cautious about herbal remedies and nutritional supplements.
I use them a great deal for pain management and over all health. A diet low in fat featuring fruits,
vegetables and whole grains coupled with moderate exercise does wonders for the disposition without
conflicting with medications. If you are on prescriptions, make sure you consult with your doctor or
pharmacist about specific herbal remedies. Keep your family aware of any changes in your regimen.
When depression is out of control, judgment becomes impaired. Once judgment is impaired it can be a
short treacherous slide to despair and suicide.
God, professional care and supportive friends are important to the comforter we make
of our lives. Training or disciplining your mind not to dwell on negative thoughts is also valuable.
Medication will only do so much. Disciplining your mind can make the difference between being functional
and really enjoying life.
The Bible is the sturdy thread that holds my comforter together. I will paraphrase
passages in my own words for ease of reading. I will provide references for those who want to read it
in context. I highly recommend doing that.
Keep this in mind: You can't have a very good comforter without all the pieces. God can
fill in the gaps while you collect the bits and fobs and stitch away. It takes years to get it together.
Enjoy the process. It is called growing up. As long as you draw breath you are not too old to start.
A secondary purpose of this book is to help your loved ones understand what you are going
through and what might be helpful to you. While understanding our experience is important, constant coddling
is crippling. Like everyone else on this planet we need to keep growing in order to stay healthy.
Our lives can become fluffy, durable comforters benefiting others as well as ourselves.
God is eager to help us become happy and useful. Even in our darkest moments, He is working for our good.
Linda Brawner
See another sample of "THRIVING WITH
DEPRESSION" by clicking links below
"Hope"
See Comments about the book on the
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