Does it help to journal feelings when depressed?

Pamelab · Post by **Pamelab** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 5:34 am

Hey Charlie Brown: I have a hard time with memorization. One thing that I have tried and it really works. Make flash cards after you have reviewed some material. I go through them 3 times in a row and or whenever I get a chance. My brain starts to retain the information. I'm a very visual person. I found that if you write it down, say it outloud, and see it written down, I get better retention of the information. It might work for you. Everybody has their own style of learning. Just a suggestion. Pam

Charlie Brown · Post by **Charlie Brown** » Sat Dec 20, 2008 6:19 am

Pamela,

Thanks so much for the wonderful suggestion!

I will try it.

Charlie Brown · Post by **Charlie Brown** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 5:13 am

I have been experiencing the usual "suspects": mild depression, worry/awfulizing, nervousness, restlessness, frustration, anxiety, and feeling I have a weight on my shoulders. I also feel ecky because I feel all these negativities.

Thankfully I rediscovered in my apartment a book by Dr. Albert Ellis called How to Stubbornly Refuse to Make Yourself Miserable About Anything Yes Anything. I began reading it and already have felt some comfort.

I recently recognized that, for myself, much of my depression results from negative thinking, and when things occur contrary to personal view or opinion. An example of the displeasure with my job position in getting more and more responsibilities. My current round of depression stems from job-related issues. I feel this book will be major help.

I have also gone back on Lexapro 20 mg/day.

I am also starting to be more compassionate to myself. I can be compassionate with someone else but me, ...

I have also been praying. Of course, I want the depression lifted yesterday, but I also pray for strength, and increased self-compassion.

formyboys · Post by **formyboys** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 9:18 am

Charlie Brown...I have not been on this post for awhile. I started the program back in August and have been doing much better. The one book that has helped me greatly besides the ones the others have suggested is "The Power of Positive Thinking". I have found this book to be very instrumental in my walk towards greater mental health. There are also exercises at the end of each chapter that have helped greatly,,,especially if you are a negative thinker. I am also a very negative thinker and have found this to be one of the leading reasons for my depression and anxiety. As others have said, be gentle with yourself. It starts there. Have a great day.

Charlie Brown · Post by **Charlie Brown** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 12:13 pm

formyboys,

Wow! That's a classic--by Norman Vincent Peale. I know I have that one. I have to search for it. My wife and I had planned to move, packed stuff away, the move was called off and we are just "unpacking."

Charlie Brown · Post by **Charlie Brown** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 12:20 pm

One of the other "usual suspects" I forgot to mention was no interest in things you enjoy. I have an online project that I had a whole lotta of time to spend on this weekend but I didn't. I realize this is part and parcel of the depression.

I want so bad to be an online entrepreneur. One of the things that holds me back is the job situation: being unhappy with one, leaving/getting fired, looking for a new one, and then something there (like my present gig with the asthma episode and the tons of info to learn) that upsets "the applecart" and my mind is sidetracked to the job.

Just journaling (and venting.)

MC Grace · Post by **MC Grace** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 2:15 pm

great discussion. charlie brown, do you have the program @home? if not, i would recommend it.

you may be interested in this thread in the triumph forum (link here: <A HREF="http://bbs.stresscenter.com/eve/forums/ ... 014526/p/1" TARGET=_blank>Journals for success</A>). congrats on taking the positive steps, such as journaling and "keeping busy" around the house. . .

ladie · Post by **ladie** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:22 pm

I keep a journal with me alot i have good times bad times, and it's all in there. it's exspecially good when you don't have anyone to talk to. I have a cat and sometimes i think he gets overwhelmed with me so i write. and I am on session 13 now and i go through my journals and I've learned so much, I am doing wonderful I am so focused on now and not would of's I go whereever I am a photographer and I'm taking pictures again and through all of my adventures i still write in my journal, some days a little some days pages, don't worry charlie, through my worst times, i always remeber my mother telling me god helps those who help themselves, and when i would get anxious and hard to breath, i would say this to shall pass, take care,

Charlie Brown · Post by **Charlie Brown** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:46 pm

Depression is gone for now. My Giants won in OT!

MC Grace, I do not have the program. My friend lent his to me. His are a cassettes from 2001 but my cassette player is shot.

ladie,

don't worry charlie, through my worst times, i always remeber my mother telling me god helps those who help themselves, and when i would get anxious and hard to breath, i would say this to shall pass, take care,

Your mom was a wise lady. Joyce Meyer, another wise lady, also speaks of, "this to shall pass."

Everyone have a good night. Me and Snoopy (my wife?

) are going to bed.

MC Grace · Post by **MC Grace** » Mon Dec 22, 2008 4:16 pm

My Giants won in OT!

did you hear my family hootin' and hollerin'? that comeback was awesome--though, i was tryin' to sleep--i got up to see the replay

Charlie, ya gotta get the program. or a cassette player--i get it if expense is an issue. in that case, i recommend focusing on how you can save for it. sales are offered on occasion. and i believe they offer a payment plan. it's worth "a million bucks". . . .

or i guess you can watch the game again