Good day

[andrewducker]

Vast thanks to all the people that replied to the Ennui post a few days ago. I really needed the help/advice and it was cheering to see so many people offering useful tips/pointers.

It helped me a vast amount just to get all of that out - a combination of things that I've been thinking about for years, although the conclusions were ones I came to 3 or 4 years ago, it was still good to get it out of my head and down on paper.

Anyway, today is a good day. I feel happy, alive and together. There is a reason for this. The reason is that I have had a good night's sleep. Well, actually, no, I've had a better night's sleep than usual. I was asleep from 11-30 until Erin came to bed, then spent 15 minutes cheering her up before falling asleep again until 8. I haven't have enough sleep, but I've had sufficient that I don't feel drab and depressed.

Erin's new job offer came through this morning, and she'll be working 7-3 Monday - Thursday. This means that she'll be up at 5:30 I suspect, so she'll be going to bed by 10pm, latest. This means that I should be able to follow her to bed shortly thereafter and get a decent nights sleep.

I have, however, promised people that if I don't stop feeling depressed within the next couple of weeks, I'll go and see a doctor. I'm fairly sure that I don't fall into the depressed range, but it doesn't cost anything to make sure, and an independent opinion can't hurt.

Comments

[aberbotimue.livejournal.com]

I knew enough people that "fell into" as you call it, and the first thing they were offered was a nice wee pill.

Don't get me wrong with this next steatment, I do belive that they are helpful, but..

if you takle it that far at all, don't accept the pills, seek the talky route if at all posible.. I don't know if you got med cover with your job, but if they have recognised it enough to warent a persciption, it also warents a few appointments with a head doctor..

one on one is better in my opinion. epecially someione with your cognative thinking..

[allorin.livejournal.com]

I heartily agree. There *are* options open to Andrew at work - we have an Occupational Health department. They're OK, but a bit limited. Still, thet're not a bad port of call if he's feeling bad.

I think I'll keep one eye on Ducker-man while at work, just in case.

[andrewducker]

Well, I am thinking of going mad with an axe at 3pm.

Just for the hell of it.

Oh, and you still owe me a comment on the Ennui story...

[allorin.livejournal.com]

Cool - at 3pm I'll be in CalEx ;+)

I haven't forgotten the Ennui - honest. I only went on my PC long enough to set up downloads from poInt last night, and then long enough this morning to be blasted by him. :+{ I'll try and get round to it tonight. I'd do it in work, but it requires thought!

[allorin.livejournal.com]

It's difficult for me to empathise - I keep rattling on about how happy I am right now. But you've seen me down too.

Still, if there's anything I can do, you know I'm around, right? If this place is ever wearing you down, we can nip off and chat somewhere. Though it'll probably get to me first! ;+)

For what it's worth, you strike me as one of the most together, balanced people I've ever met.

[andrewducker]

That's the thing, I strike me as one of the most together, balanced people I know.

I just get occasional days of depression and don't have any long term goals.

Which is probably perfectly natural, but there ya go.

More sleep for me and I'm sure I'll be fine.

[kpollock.livejournal.com]

Kirsty's tried and tested* solutions to mild depression.

Stop drinking (but you don't really), in fact ditch all drugs including caffeine and sugar (which you have).

Get enough sleep. Try for 10 hours (just for a week or so) if you can stay asleep that long. Accept that this means that you won't see people in the evening, maybe not even your SO.

Eat enough real food. As unprocessed as possible.

Do stuff, even trivial crap stuff like housework. Just keep moving.

Exercise. Go for brisk walks every day or cycle or swim. I recommend weights (as always), but that's longer term and if you hate it then there's no way you'll do it.

Don't take work too seriously. It's not real life it's only work.

*On myself only! Cruelty-free.

heh

[josephgrossberg.livejournal.com]

Smoke some point. Go see a comedy show (dunno if stand-up is as big in the UK as it is in the US). I went to one (sober) with my gf when she was feeling deeply depressed and it was the first time I'd seen her laugh like that in months. I know it sounds sorta obvious, but give a try, for both of you.