Depression Getaway with Wendy Love

What is this guy waiting for? My good friend Melda Clark has a 'three day rule' for depression. When she hits a depressive episode she doesn't react for three days. She doesn't run off to the doctor for three days. She doesn't impulsively change her medication.

Relapse is a dirty word for me. It is dreaded, negative, unwanted, undeserved, well, you get the picture. But just like death is part of life, relapse is part of depression recovery. Do you have the courage to read on?  Relapse. Relapse?   Relapse! Relapse is a dirty word, for me and probably for you too. Relapse is a word you don't want to even consider when working toward depression recovery. Relapse is a dirty word, right? But guess what? You absolutely must factor it in to your review.

As I write this I am once again 'hitting a brick wall' with depression. I would rather call it 'hitting a brick wall' than use the dreaded word 'relapse'. That's just too depressing! To me 'hitting a brick wall' implies that I have done everything I know to do even though I am once again depressed. I do realize that there is power in acceptance . I understand the benefits of 'rest and relaxation'. But there is something in me that finds it hard to just lay back and accept this as normal. Maybe it is part of my rebellious nature. Maybe it is just my way to want to research further and see what I can find. 

Somehow the words 'crashing' and 'gracefully' don't really go together but this woman is ready to 'crash' into the water and she is doing it gracefully. Now I don't think this little fellow landed quite so gracefully, do you?

I have the thrill of living across from our local firestation. The workers are all volunteer except for the chief. It's inspiring, even entertaining on practise night and gives me something extra to pray about every time they leave the station. They have practise on Wednesday night and as many volunteers as can make it come along and clean and repair equipment. It looks like they even have a little fun while they are doing it. I live in a small town and sometimes people stop by and chat. Children love to do that.

Today is not a good day. I have them more than I like to admit. I just hate saying those words...again...'I am depressed'. I usually stay home during those days if possible. About three days of rest and doing the quiet things I enjoy the most like writing, sewing, reading, and colouring or drawing are usually enough to refuel me for a bit more of 'regular living' . The test to whether I am feeling well again is to get out there and socialize, or shop, or visit. Anything that involves people, a lot of stimulation, driving or travelling usually depletes my limited resources.

"Dressing for Depression"? What could I possibly be referring to? Are there really clothes that will make a difference? Well no, although I do recommend always dressing comfortably and in colours that cheer you (just sayin...) In my Christian world, I cling to a bible verse (Ephesians 6:10-18) which advises me to 'put on the full armour of God so you can take your stand against the devil's schemes'.