This time of year is often very challenging for some people, and Mr Chalk and I were witness to this yesterday when, coming home from London by train, we stopped at Colchester and were told to disembark as there had been a suicide near to Manningtree and the trains could obviously not proceed further. It’s a terrible tragedy when someone has got to this state of mind, when they feel the urge to commit such a desperate act and we really cannot know or judge what was going on here. However, I do feel for the rail staff and particularly the driver who will very probably experience some form of post traumatic stress after such an incident.
Depression is at epidemic proportions, and the NHS response to this – in the form of medication and perhaps down the line some cognitive behavioural therapy, maybe in person but often on the phone, or even (unbelievably) an online course does not seem to be working.
As someone who has been through depression and come out the other side, I now know the things that work and I am listing them here:
– medication such as antidepressants can work wonders, and it is really important to consult your GP about this, although it is then sometimes very difficult to come off them, and some people have to stay on them for life in order to feel well.
– over the years I have discovered that there are a range of natural supplements that keep me well, these include omega 3 fish oils, vitamin B complex and 5 HTP (a serotonin booster which acts in a similar way to some anti-depressants). I have not found St Johns Wort or evening primrose oil, or homeopathic remedies to be particularly affective but that’s just me. Try reading Patrick Holford for more information on natural remedies.
– eat healthily and moderately, lots of veg (less of the fruit because it can give you sugar high and lows). Particularly good mood food includes seeds, nuts, oats, porridge, lean protein such as chicken or fish. Oily fish is particularly good as it gives you the omega 3s. Avoiding the junk really does have a significant effect.
– doing an exercise that you enjoy is really vital, and doing it regularly. For me that’s walking, yoga and swimming, I don’t do enough of them, but I will try in 2015.
– find a hobby that’s really absorbing, where you completely lose track of time, preferably not something that involves a computer, lap-top, iPad, mobile phone or any other electronic device.
– sleep is really important, so make sure that you get enough of it, and consider hypnotherapy as this can have a profound effect on the quality of your sleep.
– get with others, and do stuff for them, I’m so lucky to have a job where I help people and see the direct results of this. Small acts of kindness work just as well though.
– notice those little moments in the day that are special, a lovely hug with someone you have not seen for a while, really bright winter sunlight, a nice meal. This really does work, it takes practice but over time you can re-pitch your default setting to positive, and not negative thoughts.
– try not to be superman or woman, you are a unique person with your own wonderful qualities.
Can I just say a big thank you to all the lovely people I have helped through 2014, and I look forward to meeting many new ones in 2015.
Warmest wishes,
Wendy x
