Managing Depression during the Holidays

When managing depression, remember to “take charge" with what we at the Peer Support Program  call; 

"Intervene with routine"When we have a headache...we take medicine to make us feel BETTER.
So, We believe  that  when you are feeling a little  down, you , the wellness manager  have  to go to work!
We mean, work at doing things that may actually make you feel better!
Don't give in to no motivation! Make a schedule to include "feel better activities" and help your meds help you!
May we suggest: getting up at a reasonable hour, getting out of bed and recite your positive affirmations!!
Get a shower, eat healthy food, and exercise, call a friend, clean your room, watch a comedy, journal, and smile, make a gratitude list,
help a friend, walk, window shop, do a puzzle, clean a closet.
Whatever you do, do it to feel good and have a sense of accomplishment.

Additional Tips from the MAYO Clinic

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others is also a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.

Remember: Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. --John Wooden

Let's Get Physical

Hello.

Welcome to the new phase of mental health care. This paradigm shift of mental healthcare being integrated with one’s physical healthcare will change the way you look at recovery for the rest of your life. Look around you; does it not seem that physical health does not directly correlate with your mental health and vice versa? Well it does more than you think and there are some very simple things you can do to stay physically healthy while staying mentally health at the same time! Although healthy eating, physical activity, and other healthy practices can be done; there is one simple thing you can do to practice prevention health: Start by making  sure you Get an Annual Physical. This is the starting  point  to know what condition your health is in and what you can do to add to your whole health recovery program. Statistically, it has been found that consumers who live with mental illnesses die on average 25 years earlier than the general population. This is largely due  to un managed, untreated or unknown health conditions.  We know  that unmanaged health conditions also  impair mental health. In other words, they died because of risk factors that could have been prevented if they were checking regularly with their primary care physician and managed these risk factors such as high blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes early on so the symptoms weren’t exacerbated. Bottom-line: Get a physical.

The Circle is going something about it! Specifically in the Peer program we have challenged all peers to get a physical annually by Dec. 31st. in hopes of taking positive  steps  towards  'changing " the  statistics.. Check out  the  P.E.E.R. Pledge In this newsletter found on page 6. Take the time to read the pledge and sign up for the challenge.  (See the Did you know article for more info on getting a physical and enter our 'Test your  Knowledge Quiz))

Thank You,
 Louise and The Peer Support Team