A Little Breakie
Added 2025-05-08 16:48:34 +0000 UTCComments
Definitely know what this is like, in recent years I lean into it more than I used to. I take a few days off and just give myself the permission to do something I enjoy - it's much easier said than done. Giving yourself that permission is a hurdle you might not realize is there, if the depression is bad enough to keep you from doing anything at all. I pick something I know I want to do whether or not I'm too depressed to want to do it, firstly. Something like music or videogames. These are two things I haven't monetized at all, also. If I can do them, great, I do them as much as I want for a little while without any regret or telling myself I should be doing something else. I give myself that time. If I'm too depressed for that, then one has to back up a bit more. Definitely celebrate even small things, like getting up, not just doing things (even things you want to do, which you should also feel good about). Doing anything for yourself at all, like making food, or even just eating it. Praise yourself without feeling stupid about it. I call this, instead of lowering the bar, putting the bar on the ground. You step over it and you go, that still counts as a win. And you have to believe that it's a win without thinking 'boy, I'm bad at existing'. Just believe you did good. Make yourself do that thing you know you like even if you're not 'feeling it' (assuming you can get to that point). You'll probably be okay once you're in the middle of it. That takes practice, you can't just decide to believe all this all of a sudden one day, it's gradual. But I think the easier it is to be happy about your bar-on-the-ground wins, the easier it gets to do the things you want and the easier it gets to let yourself have that time more guilt-free. Then, when your restful times are more guilt-free and restful, you have that resiliency later to do - and keep doing - way harder things, like stuff you're supposed to do or have to do. Then, don't get excited and overwork the moment you feel better. Make sure you keep going back to those things and resting more than you think you should, especially at first. I had to be on medication to even get to a place where I could work this all out, so don't feel like being on medication should make you better on its own, nor that you can solve things without medication with willpower or a good technique. It's okay. Needing both is fine. And then don't stop your medication if everything is going well! I did that, sort of by accident (which I think might often be the case!) and got messed up. It's delicate, and that has to be okay for us.
Phasian Gallus
2025-05-10 20:21:06 +0000 UTCHugs and good thoughts!
Karen Cox
2025-05-09 15:28:41 +0000 UTCWe are here when you’re ready. Take care of yourself !
Awakening Wonk
2025-05-09 13:30:30 +0000 UTCThank you for letting us know. Take care of yourself, and we’ll catch up later!
Taru Tikkanen
2025-05-09 07:28:11 +0000 UTCHopefully you already feel better. Take your time and recover. Personally I find peace in a nice round of wargaming.
ZeroFox
2025-05-09 05:34:43 +0000 UTCSorry to hear that, Al - I know what it’s like. I tend to find at least 15 mins of cardio and a daytime shower helps a bit (Im by no means super fit). Do something good for your body. And take the time you need!
Trish R
2025-05-08 18:02:51 +0000 UTCVery much agree, so glad you are taking care of yourself. This podcast is a lot for one person who also has a job. We love ya & we'll be here when you feel better 💓
liminatalie
2025-05-08 17:12:53 +0000 UTCGlad to hear you are making your health a priority :) Take as long as you need and feel better soon :)
Ian from Iceland
2025-05-08 16:50:31 +0000 UTC
