Not Out Of The Woods Yet But....

 I have been doing a lot better over the last few days as we had my wife’s parents come and visit over the weekend and I will be visiting my family in a couple of weeks. I haven’t had the chance to do so since this COVID-19 pandemic hit.

I felt good this morning but I am going onto midnight shift which effects my sleep patterns. I find that a big part of this is my irregular sleep patterns as I tend to get more anxious in this time period.

I have been getting more exercise as I have been going out on walks and getting on the treadmill. I also am looking for more activities to occupy my time and keep my mind focused elsewhere. I also need to find ways to keep my mind off this pandemic.

Work has been going better and with it my anxiety. This “black dog” has not completely disappeared but is showing signs of going away.It will take a little more time and I will still have to walk through this valley.

But I have to say I am not out of the woods yet but I am doing a lot better.

How To Combat A Black Dog

 When you are down in the dumps I have a new ideas how to combat it and get a little bounce in your step.These are just few things I have over the years.

1.Talk To Someone

When you are feeling down is to not bottle it up inside but rather talk about it with somebody close. It could be a spouse, friend or family member and more often than not it is could to get it out in the open. Plus people closest to you will sometimes know there is something wrong even when you feel like you are hiding it. They also may offer some helpful advice.

2.Go Outside

I find the worst thing to do is to stay home as a change of scenery may just what you need. It could be something simple as a walk around the block or a quick trip to the store. It is easy to want to stay in bed all day but some sunshine and exercise can better you’re mood. It also can get you out of the lethargic feeling.

3.Have A Good Laugh

Sometimes a good laugh can be a big help in combatting this. You can watch some old sitcoms on Netflix or check out some old comedy sketches on YouTube. I personally like to check out old SCTV skits and especially like John Candy as Mr.Science and the Half-Wits game show. Even going through a joke book can bring you a chuckle or two.

4.Therapy 

If things don’t improve over time you have to see a doctor and/or therapist to get help. They may prescribe  you some meds to combat depression and refer you to a therapist to get you some counselling. These can both help you get over some dark periods in life and the counselling may help you get to the root of your problem.

5.Seek Support

There are many forums and blogs you can check out online. Facebook as quite a few support groups you can also join. Even reading other people’s blogs can be a source of support. Not to mention there are various chat rooms you can login into.

These are just some ways to combat the blues and gain some insight.

Return Of the Black Dog

 My “black dog” has returned just as things were getting better. I can’t pinpoint why it has returned but I believe it may be due to the weather as It has been cold and grey out the last couple of days.

Things are ok at in spite of my wife struggling with her health and I have been keeping relatively busy. I have been on Kindle reading another book F*k Depression by Robert Duff and have been more active in prayer as I am going through The Book of Common Prayer as well. I also have gone out both days and have used the treadmill so I have been active.

I head back to work tomorrow which may either help or hinder me as things have been slow lately. But it just may give me some purpose if nothing else. I will be working 3 12 hour days in a row which may tire me out and keep me occupied. It may help me get my strength back up.

I know if it’s been caused by my strange sleep patterns as I have been going to bed at different times and have been sleep a lot of hours. Or it may be because of SAD(Seasonal affective disorder) which while not diagnosed I seem to struggle with this about every fall. I look to get to the bottom of this and make this “dog” go away. 

Finding A Center

 One of the things I find very important in battling this is finding a center or something to hold on to. In my case it is my relationship with the Lord as I seek him daily As I look to get through my days as my GAD can get the better of me. Also,I find that it keeps me from going off the deep end and gives me a source of comfort even through troubled times. A relationship with God is very helpful when combating anxiety.

You say that you don’t believe in a deity there are other centres you make have. These may be a spouse,  a friend, a child or even a pet. Sometimes it may be a matter of finding it through mindfulness and/or mediation. It may be a method over a thing that keeps you grounded.

At work I wear a small necklace with a cross and another with emblem of St.Christopher even though I am not catholic. These are worn as a remainder I am not alone but that have help from above. They kind of act as positive charms to help me get through the day.

While very important I also have a strong support network such as my lovely wife, my mom who I talk to on a regular basis, people at my church and even other blogs on anxiety are things I look to to help me in this journey. Having a strong support network is also a good center to have when you are struggling with anxiety and it’s cousin depression.

What I am saying is we need a centre to help us in this struggle and we don’t need to go at it alone. It is best that we don’t have go at this alone and getting help is much needed.

More Tips To Deal With Anxiety

 These are just ways I have been battling anxiety lately and these seem to be working as my anxiety as been a lot better these days.

1. No television

I mentioned this in a previous post but it bears repeating here. We cut the cable recently and are spending more time reading, talking and going out. Let’s face it most of what is on TV is rather unpleasant as there are a lot of shows with pointless violence, mostly unlikeable characters and filled with unpleasant situations. Not to mention you are hit with numerous commercials mostly advertising junk you don’t need at all. I feel that my anxiety has gotten better especially at night without TV.

2.More Reading

Also mentioned in my last post I have been doing a lot more reading. I have One-year Bible NKJV and read it daily. I also just got Kindle Unlimited which allows you read some books for free. Right now I am reading 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin. I probably should look for some books on paperback in order reign in my electronic use. I have been reading quite a few self-help books and they have given me some tips for this journey.

3.Enjoying Nature

I haven’t had to go very far to do this either as there are more nice walking trails in my area to enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes, I just have to go in my backyard as we have a big tree and are near a forest which attracts squirrels and chipmunks. We even get the odd raccoon, groundhog or even a neighbour’s cat and it is fun and relaxing to watch them in action. All from the comfort of my home.

4.Music

I got a record player for Christmas (yes they still exist) and have been getting quite a record collection. Also, I have an enormous I-Tunes collection with everybody from Alice Cooper to Mozart. I will retreat to my room and sit back and play some tunes. It helps forgot about my troubles and takes me elsewhere mentally. It helps that I have wide range of genres of music.

These are just some ways I have been copping and hope they can be a help to others.