Depression Support List, Part 2

In last weeks blog post, I wrote about the importance of mental health.  I emphasized the ways in which I can personally support myself through challenging mentally dark days.  In this weeks post, I have included a list for others who can also add support to these times of despair. 

When my mental health is struggling and I reach out to someone close to me, I may not need advice.  I may not need someone to discuss my mental status with me.  And I may not need a collaborative conversation regarding how I am doing.  While sometimes this is very helpful, other times I feel it is important to have a friend or family member who will just simply be present with you. 

For example, I may need you to listen with nonjudgemental unconditional love.  I may need a shoulder to cry on and someone to hold and comfort me.  And maybe I just need someone who will listen to me during my darkest tears and believe in me even when I do not believe in myself.  

As we embark upon this journey of a new year, my hope is that you will remember the importance of taking care of your mental health.  Maybe you can use last week's list to create your own checklist of items that you can do to support yourself through tough times.  And I also hope you can use this weeks list (below) to help support others who need you the most during their darkest hours.  

And finally, please remember to wear your special shoes, even when maybe you feel alone.  Because I hope that high heels will remind you of your inner most power, grace and healing.  I have bipolar disorder and I wear my high heels.  I hope you will also wear them.  Not only for yourself but for those who struggle with mental health, too.  

Depression Support List, Collaborating With Others

Communication

· Before leaving the house, check in on me and make sure I’m safe to be left alone
· Listen without giving suggestions on how to make it better
· Give me positive validation for completed tasks, big and small
· Ask “Do you want me to help you find a solution or would you like me to just listen.”

Comfort

· Hold me while I cry
· Scratch my head or play with my hair
· Make me a cup of tea or coffee
· Bring me my favorite fountain drink
· Offer to rub my back 

Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.

Depression Support List, Part 1

A week ago, I read an article about various ways to celebrate your mental health in the new year.  The author explained the immense importance of surrounding our brains with wellness throughout the year.  He leaned into the importance of finding psychological balance.  

Since this has been heavy on my heart, I wanted to share an important list with you.  It was sent to me by one of my very best friends and is called a "Depression Support List For Me".  The first part of the list, as explained in this blog post, refers to how I can support myself through dark mental health moments.  And the second half of the list will be posted next week and is regarding how others can support me as I navigate these hard times.  

The importance of this list goes beyond words.  Its meaning includes every action that I take when I am not okay.  I know that when I am not mentally stable, I struggle to do the simple tasks in life.  And a list to remind me of what to do is a helpful tool.  
 

I believe that this serves as a guide to help both myself and others during times when we struggle the most with our mental health.  It is simple yet important to remember every small task during these troublesome times.  And to remember that we need to support our brains when they struggle to support themselves.  

I know when this was sent to me it was extremely informative and a good reminder to take one moment at a time when I am not well.  And I hope it is helpful for my readers, too.  May you breathe through each moment knowing that this is simply a chapter in your life, not your whole story. 


Depression Support List For Me

Hygiene
· Wash and brush my hair
· Put toothpaste on my toothbrush and brush my teeth
· Draw a bath or get a shower
· Wash and change sheets and bedding

Home Tasks
· Water the plants
· Make a list of home projects that need attention and ask for help to complete them
· Take a short walk outside or go to a park to breathe fresh air

Physical Health
· Go to bed at a decent hour
· Eat multiple small meals throughout the day for nutrition
· Take my medications and/or vitamins

Care Tasks
· Text or call a friend or family member just to say “hi”
· Have a cup of coffee or tea in the morning to start the day
· Plan something to do outside of the house
· Watch a silly television show or funny movie for light humor
· Learn breathing and relaxation techniques
· Know that it is okay to rest

Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.

Seeds of Growth Through Change

 

In 2023, I cried because illness flipped my reality upside down.  The tears watered all the seeds that were planted in the ground in front of me.  In 2024, I wrapped my arms around my health and continued to heal from mental and physical struggles.  I sat quietly while I watched my little seeds start to grow.  And as I look forward to 2025, I have unending hope for the new year ahead.  I will take one day at a time knowing that my little seeds from the past 2 years have the possibility to grow into a beautiful plant.


As I look at the image at the top of this post, I am reminded that every tear I cried has watered a seed that will grow into something beautiful.  Life has been a rollercoaster of emotions for myself and my family over the last 2 years.  It has brought struggles of illness and yet many glimpses of hope.  And every single moment has prepared me for the next stage in life.  

I recently read an article that explained, "maybe your path feels harder because your calling is higher than you could ever imagine".  Sometimes when I look back on the past, I feel like my path has been very challenging.  But when I look towards the future, I always remain encouraged that I have a purpose beyond what I could ever believe imaginable.  For example, I feel strongly that through written words, we can be united in the journey of life.  This is why I feel so strongly about writing my blog and sharing my story with others.  

My hope for you is that each day you are finding your own path through this world.  I know the deepest feeling of dark tears as they fall out of your eyes and roll onto your face.  And I also feel strongly that each tear can water a seed to one day grow a meadow of flowers more beautiful than any of us could ever imagine.  I remain encouraged through tough times knowing that light is on the other side.  And my hope is that you will know peace within the confines of the present moment looking forward to a brilliantly bright future.  

 Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.

Manifesting Greatness In the New Year

"Mommy, my friend told me I need a New Years resolution! What is yours?"


As I step away from 2024 and plant my feet into 2025, I am reminded that a new year has begun.  For many people, this means making a resolution to commit to a full year of doing one thing that is important to them. And to do that one thing all year long, 365 days of making sure their "new years resolution" is fulfilled.  At the end of the year, they can reflect on how successful they were at pursing this journey. 

When my daughter asked about my new years resolution, I told her quite frankly that I do not have one.  I used to make a resolution every year, but then when the year was over, I would be gravely disappointed if I did not hold myself fully accountable for successfully completing my resolution.  Instead of pride, I would always have feelings of regret, remorse and disappointment.  

"Mommy, I don't want to have a resolution.  But I do want to try and make a change this year.  I want to not be so quick to speak and listen more to other people."  My nine-year-old is well beyond her years in maturity.  I told her this was a beautiful commitment to being mindful of her interactions with others.  And it is a tribute to who she is and the young lady she wants to become.  

Instead of making a resolution, I choose to lean into gratefulness in the new year.  My desire to grow as an individual one moment at a time is important to me.  Resolutions overwhelm me but processing a new vision, makes my heart happy and my mind calm.  I create a safe space to let go of 2024 negativity and put gratitude and a renewed excitement for all that life has to offer out into the Universe for 2025.  

Whether you choose to make a resolution or look forward to a new version of your current reality, I hope you will walk with me in greatness.  Let us take one day at a time knowing that we are in this world together to create a space of love, joy and hope.  And as always, wear your high heels knowing full well that this year starts with you confidently ready to conquer all that life has to offer no matter the circumstances that present themselves.  

 Love Note: With all my heart, I genuinely request that due to the content written, please seek the guidance of professional help should you feel you need it.