Depression is beastly, but you can start to manage it a bit if it has a grip on you. I think of it as the “do-nothing disease.” It takes a toll in many ways, from causing you to withdraw to postponing making decisions because of a sort of paralysis that sets in. It has physical ramifications as well: too much sleep, too much food (or not enough), too little exercise, too much TV or screen time. In short, self care goes into the toilet.

How About Some Depression Tips & Tools?

I love this handout. It is a printable PDF of questions to ask before giving up. It has just a few strategies to put to work–nothing radical. Depression is a beast, a very persistent one, so here are a few more things you can do to keep from sinking further.

The holidays can be tough to survive with family baggage in tow, sad memories, breakups, or just too damn much to do, buy attend, and eat. My hope for you is that you get through it if this is a tough time of year for you. By starting with just a few of the strategies in the handouts linked, you will see that you do have a choice, and a way up and out of the beast.

It is important to be a little more forgiving of yourself, and a little lighter on your self criticism. Try being more compassionate with yourself and others who may not enjoy the season, but just need to get through it. And if you decide that 2017 is a good year to start out with a little help, I am here and in your neighborhood, and will figure out a way through this with you. The big secret is that it doesn’t really matter what kind of therapy is used, as long as it fits and feels right to you.

Peace, Until 2017!

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