IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Notes from the Coach - "The 5 Chapters of Life"
2.  Depression Antidote No. 2 - Do Something Crazy
3.  Alternative Approach - Exercise
4. Resources
5. Just for Fun - Quotes from Insurance Claim Forms

1. Notes from the Coach

I am pulling myself out of the pit. Following a disappointing and exhausting trip to Paris and a couple of weeks suffering from a virus. What a contrast to how I felt after writing the last Antidotes when I was energised, excited, full of life!

I shifted from a place of fun and lightness to a corner of serious endeavours and responsibility. But such is the nature of depression - a roller-coaster ride of recovery.

I've always felt the following "poem" below is very descriptive of the process of dealing with depression. Today I'm at Chapter 3 although I am not able to "get out immediately". Soon though, soon!

"The 5 Chapters of Life"

Chapter 1
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in.
I am lost.... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.

Chapter 2
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in this same place.
But it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it there.
I still fall in. It's a habit...but,
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It's my fault.
I get out immediately.

Chapter 4
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

Chapter 5
I walk down another street.
(Source Unknown).

Which chapter do you spend most of your time in? Where are you currently? What will it take to move you to the next "verse"?

2. Depression Antidote No. 2

Child-like enjoyment is one of the most nurturing gifts we can give ourselves. It is too easy to push down our creative, childlike, joyful impulses, in deference to controlled, "adult" behaviour. Take the time to do something crazy today – jump in a puddle; buy yourself some jellybabies and eat them like you did when you were a child (head or "naughty" bits first, whatever); talk with your mouth full and your elbows on the table; go out in the rain without a coat; buy some children’s bubbles and blow them out the window. As a wise friend of mine says "Frolic!!! and SCREAM for joy if you desire---because joyful silliness is one of the highest forms of self-care".

3. Alternative Approach

I know, I know, it's the last thing you want to do when you're feeling depressed so try and get into a routine whilst you're in recovery.

Choose something you enjoy. Don't set yourself up to fail. Start gently and increase your activity. If you're kind to yourself and don't make it a should you might find you actually enjoy it!

Exercise increases the levels of oxygen in the blood and oxygen invigorates the body and mind. Brisk walking, jogging, or any other form of aerobic exercise can lift depression by stimulating the release of norepinephrine. Exercise not only improves circulation and oxygenation in the body, but also causes the brain to release endorphins, creating a sense of euphoria. For those with lung weakness or chronic fatigue, stabilised oxygen drops can help to energise, increase mental alertness and elevate mood. Oxygen can also be harnessed to access and release the emotional issues of fear, anger and disempowerment.

People who exercise on a regular basis (compared to those who don't) live an average of six years longer, are 36% more likely to "feel energetic" during their lifetime, require 64 minutes less sleep per night, have four fewer "sick days" per year, are 42% less likely to be diagnosed with depression and in general have a more positive outlook on life.

4. Resources

** http://www.thehungersite.com/index.html **
Several corporations sponsor this wonderful web site. Every time you click on the "Donate Free Food" button, a corporation will make a donation to feed a starving person for one day. Make a difference and surf over there!

Thanks to Brad and Aboodi for bringing this one to my attention.

** http://www.ehow.com **
"The fast and easy way to find out how to do just about
anything...and get the stuff to do it." Topics include careers and education, family and tradition, health and safety, hobbies and games, travel etc.

5. Just for Fun

Below are actual insurance claim form gaffes. These are the collection made by Norwich Union (in England) for their annual Christmas magazine.

"I started to slow down but the traffic was more stationary than I thought."

"I pulled into a lay-by with smoke coming from under the bonnet.
I realised the car was on fire so took my dog and smothered it with a blanket."

Q: Could either driver have done anything to avoid the accident?
A: Travelled by bus?

A Norwich Union customer collided with a cow. The questions and answers on the claim form were:
Q - What warning was given by you?
A - Horn
Q - What warning was given by the other party?
A - Moo

"On the M6 I moved from the centre lane to the fast lane but the other car didn't give way."

"Three men approached me from the minibus. I thought they were coming to apologise. Two of the men grabbed hold of me by the arms, and the first slapped me several times across the face. I Knee'd the man in the groin, but didn't connect properly, so I kicked him in the shin."

"I was going at about 70 or 80 mph when my girlfriend on the pillion reached over and grabbed my testicles so I lost control."

"I didn't think the speed limit applied after midnight"

"First car stopped suddenly, second car hit first car and a haggis ran into the rear of second car."

"Windscreen broken. Cause unknown. Probably Voodoo."

"The car in front hit the pedestrian but he got up so I hit him again"

"I had been driving for 40 years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident."

Have a wonder-filled week

Nancy

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