How I Attack My Depression

Hey Purple Butterflies! 
 
I have been going through a lot this month. Some of my medication is still helping me. Whereas there are others that aren’t doing the trick. I have been more nauseated over the past few weeks. I feel this is partly due to increased pain mixed with uneven  sugar levels. All of this has put me in a bit of a funky depression. I fight it with everything I have. Yet it seems to creep upon me when I am at my weakest, i.e., in pain. My new Rheumatologist didn’t work out the way I had hoped. She was extremely kind and caring. The issue I had with her was that it was so hard to get a hold of her, get my medication refilled and make an appointment. Even though I have been going through all of this, I still have high hopes for 2023! I have set a health plan of action for the next few days. My husband and I are going to investigate Medicaid to see if that will better assist us with our needs. I will return to my Neurologist, so I am able to at least get my medications refilled. She, too, is a busy doctor. It’s just the price I pay for going to one of the best Neurologists in Dallas. I have mentioned this several times, but I refuse to settle with just any doctor. The difference with my busy Neurologist is that she has an assistant of which I could easily make an appointment with her. 
 
 What is depression?
According to the CDC article, Mental Health Conditions: Depression and Anxiety “depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day. When a sad mood lasts for a long time and interferes with normal, everyday functioning, you may be depressed. Symptoms of depression include”:

• Feeling sad or anxious often or all the time
• Not wanting to do activities that used to be fun
• Feeling irritable‚ easily frustrated‚ or restless
• Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Waking up too early or sleeping too much
• Eating more or less than usual or having no appetite
• Experiencing aches, pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not improve with treatment
• Having trouble concentrating, remembering details, or making decisions
• Feeling tired‚ even after sleeping well
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Thinking about suicide or hurting yourself

Whether you realize it or not, we all go through depression at some point in our lives. It can be hard to pull yourself out of it. Here is how I pull myself out of my depression:

1. Having friends and family who take the time to listen, love and appreciate you no matter what. In addition to I have met some great Fibro friends at Fibro Connect. Don’t forget, there is always the option of a virtual hang out with friends! 
2. With the year ending, it’s the perfect excuse to do some pampering.  For example, recently I have found a nice nail spa that doesn’t break my budget. 
3. Listening to music: I love music. There are very few days I am not listening to some of my favorite tunes. For me, they help me forget my reality and put me in a better mood. Below I am including my favorite music playlists on Spotify for you to check out! 
4. Go for a drive: If you’re short on funds, and the four walls of your room are caving in, why not go for a drive? Even if it means to just grab coffee and head back home. 
5. Rewatch movies and shows: Just like music, I love rewatching movies and shows I grew up on. I am listing some of recommendations below. 

  Rachel’s Playlists on Spotify:

• Let's Do The Twist 
• Feeling Good

 
   Rachel’s Favorite Movies and TV Shows:
   (Movies)
 

• Disney’s Beauty and The Beast

• Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back
• Star Wars: Revenge of The Sith
• Indiana Jones (1-3)
• Disney’s The Little Mermaid
• Disney’s Tangled
• Disney’s Enchanted
• Disney’s Frozen
• The Proposal
• The Other Guys
• Ghostbusters (1)
• The Wedding Singer
• Wonder Woman 
• All About Eve
• Captain America: The First Avenger
• Ant Man
• Guardians Of the Galaxy
• Solo
• Back To the Future
• Batman (Michael Keaton)
• Grease
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• Mama Mia

 
    (TV Shows)

• I Love Lucy
• Friends
• The Good Doctor
• 911
• Home Improvement
• The Andy Griffith Show
• Mandalorian
• Kenobi
• Boy Meets World
• Family Matters
• Wonder Woman (TV show)

 
I hope that you’ll enjoy my playlists as well as TV and movie suggestions. I wish all of you a happy 2023! Thank you for reading my blog today. Are you following me on social media? For your convenience, simply click on the desired social media logo to be taken to my page. Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends! 
 
Till next time! Be well!
~ Rachel