Depression Doesn’t Care
I often think of the things I say in my books. I have to use the ideas myself
when I get sick. It’s not as though I have become super human in managing this
illness. (I wish.) One thing I often write about is how depression could care
less about the reality of your life. You may have loving friends, a loving
family, a great partner, kids you adore, a job you find fascinating and all of
the money in the world – and yet depression will still make you feel that you
have nothing. It will tell you that you have nothing and then it will make you
act as if you have nothing. Nothing tastes good, feels good or will ever be good
again.
When this happens to me, I have a few things I say to myself:
- It’s an illness Julie. You know these thoughts are not real. Focus on what is
real. You have people who love you. Call them and see them. You do enjoy writing,
so get out your computer and write. You have two legs, go walk. Stop listening to
what your brain is saying. Do what you need to do. You will be okay Julie. It
always ends. It will be okay.
I actually talk to myself like a military sergeant when I get depressed.
Sometimes I talk to myself like a loving mother. I do what is needed. If I’m
depressed in the morning, I always have the goal of being better at night. It
takes work, but it’s better than sitting and watching DVDs all day. The Health
Cards remind me what to do which helps. My mother often gets them out and does
what the third column tells her will work. When I get sick, I tell people. They
know how to help me because I've taught them what works.
I just sat down and wrote this (because writing makes me feel better and the act
of getting things done helps me feel better) and now I am going for a walk –
depression doesn’t want me to take a walk, but I do.
Are you depressed today? What do you need to do to end the depression?
Julie A. Fast, along with Dr. John Preston is the author of the bestselling book, Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner. For more information on Julie’s treatment plan to prevent bipolar disorder mood swings, please visit her website www.bipolarhappens.com.
Author's Bio
Julie Fast is a best selling author and a leading voice for people with bipolar disorder and depression. Her comprehensive treatment plans and down to earth first hand experience have helped thousands of people on and off medications find new ways to successfully manage the illnesses. She is a sought after speaker and expert guest who hosts two online web sites for people with mood disorders at www.bipolarhappens.com and www.depressionhappens.com Her work has helped and people all over the world.
Her books include:
-Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner (New Harbinger, 2004)
-Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder (Time/Warner, 2006)
Website only books:
-Bipolar Happens!
-The Health Cards for Bipolar Disorder
-Tips for Talking with Health Care Professionals
Julie is also a columnist and regular contributor to BP Magazine.
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