Positive Steps!

[Flea]

Not sure how many of you are aware, but I suffered a broken back towards the end of 2009.  I had a breakdown towards the end of 2008, so life has been pretty &$%+ for the last few years.  However, I have been improving and.......am going to run the BUPA Manchester 10km in May.

What positive steps have you taken to help beat your depression?  Even if it's the last thing in the world you want to do.

[bel]

Hi Flea,

I just had a quick scan over some of your old posts, as I didn't remember you - sorry! (I only joined last September so maybe that's my excuse  )

It's great to hear that you are getting better, and taking control. Running 10km - wow  %^& good for you. So good to hear positive stuff about people beating this sh***y thing.

Myself, I am not depressed any more, although I still have blah days and have to keep working at keeping it at bay. My positive steps were/are:
- a daily walk, which we have to do as my husband and I have 4 dogs;
- forcing myself to take up drawing again, this was quite hard as the old "you're not good enough" tapes start playing again, but now I'm getting more into it and try to do something every day;
- looking after my horses and working with them, this is an ongoing struggle as I lost all confidence in my horsemanship/riding ability;
- currently I am working through "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise Hay. This is not a book specifically for depression, more about learning to live the best life you can.

I'd love to hear more about your progress.

best wishes, bel

[account deleted]

My biggest step was recognising when it is not the world/everyone that is wrong, just my perception. And that's the depression talking.

Actively, I do lost of exercise. I always feel better - the fitter I am.
I also draw and paint, I'm not very good but I enjoy the process of starting from a blank sheet of paper and making something pretty.
I play the guitar too and I try to make time to do this.
These are ways I find peace within myself.
I find it hard to find the time to do all the above with our young family and I feel guilty for doing things just for me, but I recognise that it's important that I do.

Flea: That's an awesome comeback story!

[AliMcBeer]

Hey Flea,  so good to read your post, makes me remember there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Huge respect for taking part in that marathon,  thats def something i know i couldnt do. Youve made an amazing recovery and come through it with such positivity, good on you!!

I write some poetry, and i sometimes sing with my brothers band, i love doing that, not always easy fro me to get out on my own at the mo tho, so not doing that as much as id like, but it gives ma a confidence boost.
I walk my german shepherd puppy, whose not so puppy sized.
And i play mind numbing games on my ds which helps to somehow to numb my brain and i dont have to think for a while.

Your an inspiration Flea  %^&