Managing Mood for a Lifetime

"Managing Mood for a Lifetime" was the theme of last night's Enrichment (I don't know what else to call it) meeting. It was taught my a husband (psychiatrist) and wife (psychologist) who made a great teaching team. I guess a year ago they taught about depression and this night was a sequel. I learned that many of us our effected by depression and can be affected during various times of our lives. It can especially appear during prementrual dysphoric disorder (which is a dramatic form of PMS), postpartum and perimenapause. But it does effect many throughtout their lives.

• If one experiences postpartum depression, it can worsen after each child.
• It is critical to spend time with other women, especially with depression.
• Seek for spiritual sources of support (prayer, temple, love, service, forgiveness, atonement)
• It is critical to been seen by a doctor if their is any impairment in your ability to live (day to day things), love, or work (managing household, etc). I thought that was a very concise way of looking at it.

Here are some Ensign articles that they gave us that talk about this topic of depression. I have attached all the links for you! :-)

James E. Faust. Refined in Our Trials. Ensign, Feb 2006

Ezra Taft Benson. Do Not Despair. Ensign, oct. 1986

Kathleen H. Hughes. Blessed by Living Water. Ensign, May 2003

John H. Grobery. The Power of God's Love. Ensign, Nov 2004

Dennis E. Simmons. But If Not... Ensign, May 2004

Dallin H. Oaks. He Heals the Heavy Laden. Ensign, Nov 2006

Jeffrey R. Holland. For Times of Trouble. New Era, Oct 1980

Robert D. Hales. We Can't Do it Alone. Ensign, Nov 1975

David G. Weight. Why is My Wife (or Husband) Depressed? Ensign, Mar 1990

Sean E. Brotherson. When Your Child is Depressed. Ensign, Aug 2004

Steve Gilliland. Awake My Soul! Dealing Firmly with Depression. Ensign, Aug 1978

Alexander B. Morrison. Myths about Mental Illness. Ensign, Oct 2005

Mollie H. Sorenson. My Battle with Depression. Ensign, Feb 1984

I think it is important to share with each other so that we know we are not alone. Several years ago, I experienced clinical depression. It was confirmed to me after attending an Enrichment night where we learned about the signs of clinical depression and what to do. Even though I knew this was affecting my life in every way (in my ability to love, work and live) I struggled with going to talk to a specialist....I never went but I should have. I didn't want to spend the $85+ per counseling session, let alone the monthly medication expense (no insurance coverage for mental illness). Anyway, it took me a long time to climb out of that hole.

At the time I had two friends who totally understood depression and were struggling just like me- so I could talk with them and not worry about being judged. Since I know that this is something that I struggle with from time to time, I try not to let myself get very far down that road. I know what triggers this for me - it is having too much change at once (like moving!), too much on my plate (unrealistic expectations), too much worry and not taking time for myself. Exercising is my daily medication, it is what rejuvenates me and keeps me happy!

Flu Shots, Not a Good Idea on Fridays

Yesterday I approached Corbin and told him that we were going to get a flu shot at Rite Aid. Of course, he was not excited about the idea. But I went ahead and called the pharmacy and asked if we could come in (it's a good idea to call ahead so you don't go at their busiest time and to make sure they have someone available to give shots- this is much quicker than scheduling an appt. with your doctor. ). Corbin's response to my idea was "it's Friday and I have a party tonight". What? I don't get what that has to do with anything. I guess shots are not allowed on Fridays. I teased him a bit....hum, I wonder what other excuses there could have been.

We went and got the shot. Corbin wanted me to go first. During the shot, I yelled out "I'm dying" as a joke. We both survived. I'm waiting to get the rest of the kids done (they have to have a prescription from the doctor for the shot - or wait until the doctors office has a flu shot clinic). Paul will be getting his today after his league football game.