IN THIS ISSUE:
1. Notes from the Coach
2. Depression Antidote No. 2 - Do Something Crazy!
3. Alternative Approaches – Educate Yourself
4. Resources
5. Future Editions - Request

1. Notes from the Coach

Today was one of those beautiful, clear, autumnal days when a brisk walk is just what’s needed to lift the spirits. Since I’m one of those fortunate people who live by the sea, I took myself off for a stroll on the prom.

I was attracted by shouts and laughter coming from the beach and noticed a group of lads, with their trouser legs rolled up above their knees. They were daring each other to wade into the icy waves and test how long they could stay there. With much hilarity they ran, time and time again, back to the shore only to be taunted back in.

I watched from the prom, gloved hands thrust deep into my down jacket and thought "they must be mad". But what delight there was in their play!

I could not help but smile and laugh with them. Their joy was infectious.

When was the last time you did something crazy? When did you last behave spontaneously and do something silly?

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".

Affirmation: Today I give myself the gift of childlike enjoyment!

3. Alternative Approaches

You’re recovering/recovered from depression and have more energy, so now’s a great time to catch up on all the latest ideas about the illness. The more information you have, the more likely it is, that, should the symptoms begin to reappear, you will have the resources you need to avoid slipping back down.

This newsletter is a good place to start, as are the resources referred to each week but follow where you’re interest leads you. Learn as much as you can from resources that speak to you personally – resources you find stimulating, fun or intriguing. Don’t force yourself to plough through material that you think should be of interest, but really bores you. Don’t try things that you feel you should do but that you don’t enjoy and don’t take on too many new things at once. Be gentle with yourself.

This is the time to learn and enjoy!

4. Resources

**Depression – The Way out of your Prison by Dorothy Rowe**
Classic text presenting a psychological approach. It discusses how each of us contributes to our experience of depression and how we can choose to change and live our lives differently.

Andrew’s Depression Page
Shares a moving personal experience of depression, treatments, recoveries and relapses. The site is full of links to other relevant sites, stories, poetry and information.

5. Future Editions

In future editions of Depression Antidotes I would like to include a section where readers can share experiences, offer their own tips and recommend resources. If you have anything you’d like to contribute to a future edition, please email me at the address below.

Have a wonder-filled week

Nancy

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