What Is Best For Depression And PTSD?

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I received a question from one of my Forward Steps readers and felt compelled to respond because of the gravity of the subject matter, namely depression and ptsd.

For my response to be of help to more than only one person, I published it here for you to share with anyone you believe it might help.

Forward Steps Personal Development Collection ImageAnything that might identify the person who asked me the original question, is removed.

This is a copy of my reply to, “What’s the best thing for depression and ptsd?”

Thank you for your question. You will first need to understand that I am not medically qualified and am not a trained psychiatrist.

I can give you some personal opinion if you like.

Check for all physically related health issues first

For example, test (ad) levels of Vitamin D, the B group vitamins and sugar, in the body. If female, I’d also check for hormone levels.

If you have any addictions like coffee, food/sugar or smoking, reduce those or work on completely “releasing your need” for them.

I’d recommend getting the body as well as it can be, as first port of call. For example, walking 30 mins. 3x per week, drinking 1.5 litres of water daily, good sleep patterns, a 30 min. guided meditation routine each morning.

Your surroundings have a lot to answer for, too!

Depression And PTSD - Forward Steps image_2Do what you can to eliminate environmental sources, this includes people.

For example, if it is due to a particular line of work, look for other options even if that means living on less money, health is worth more that status or money.

See fewer “friends” who perpetuate the “depression conversation” and see more friends who make you feel great.

If you need to get more organized because clutter in your life makes you feel out of control, start a 15 min. daily clean up and purge all unnecessary items that have been hoarded.

Set up little “systems” that serve you better e.g. a bowl at the front door for keys, a filing cabinet for all documents, an in-tray with oldest item at top for daily attention, etc.

Whatever you focus on WILL expand! Share on X

Put that quote, above, on a poster somewhere prominent in your home. Switch your thoughts to what is great about your life each time you see that quote.

Depression And PTSD - Forward Steps image_1Over time you can “train” your mind to focus on the “glass half full”.

Keep a gratitude journal, each night before sleep write 5 things for which you are grateful that day.

No matter how challenging initially, stick with that 6 months and observe the change in your outlook.

Wake with clear purpose and sleep each night feeling accomplished.

Each evening, just before sleep, write the 6 most important things that you MUST do next day and attend to those 6 things as priorities.

I cannot emphasize the following too much…

…water intake, exercise, personal environment/influences and Vitamin D, etc. If nothing else, get those attended to first.

When was the last time you did something that is nurturing and ONLY for you?

Do something out of routine, like walking along a lake or beach, sitting in the garden reading a good book with your favorite music playing, luxuriating in a warm bath. Make something nurturing, a regular practice.

Definitely, see a health professional

Get a recommendation from a close friend (someone who you know and trust, who will know someone good).

Depression And PTSD - Forward Steps image_3Also have at hand a phone number for a free service that you can call in moments when you’re feeling “super black” (here in Australia we have e.g. (ad) Life Line and (ad) Beyond Blue).

ALWAYS, always, always get in touch with another human being when you feel that you are starting to “dive”.

Even if it is a walk to the local shop. Get some external energy from which you can draw and on which you can “lean” for a moment.

The moment WILL pass, even if you can’t see wood for trees when you’re in the “thick of it”.

I hope those few snippets will help somewhat.

Remember, those are my personal opinions only and not medical or professional advice.

Cheers,
Thea

P.S.

Some good resources to explore…

(ad) www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/get-help-home

(ad) www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites

(ad) www.traumaticstressclinic.com.au

Those are Australian links, if you are elsewhere you could do a Google search for equivalent in your country. However, those Australian links still make for good reading and research.

Before posting this article

I asked my doctor, who’s also a friend, to scan over the article for me and she suggested including thyroid problems as a possibility too.

In her words exactly: “I think your article is great…it includes a lot of the medical things to look out for …including vitamin D!…(you could also mention thyroid problems). Plus you have lots of practical hints”.

Also, after posting

I received the following suggestions from another Forward Steps subscriber:

Dear Thea

It’s a good article. If you don’t mind I’d like to add a few more suggestions that have helped me from sinking further into depression caused by doctors and health professionals not believing my situation and aggravating my condition; PTSD or even TSD because the world of sound which causes anaphylaxis and increased intensity of pain for me is unsafe.

For people, who can’t or have never visualised the glass half full, I find it helpful to visualise the potential for the glass filling with whatever [you] want or need, no matter how small the ‘amount’ or how ‘silly’ [insert own word] it sounds.

Also, there are the minute ‘safe’ moments – to acknowledge them and store those (we’re very quick at storing the unsafe). Verbally acknowledge (instead of just thinking) nice sunset or whatever is nice (I don’t like using the word positive because that word can rile a person with depression or PTSD.)

On waking up try to avoid saying – “what a bad night, I got no sleep, I’m in pain – subconsciously you already know it so why reinforce it? Instead, smile (even if it is more a grimace) and focus externally picking whatever is nice, pleasant etc to make comment on to yourself.

There’s lots more Thea but I hope these few suggestions may offer further insight for your readers.

With best wishes
Suzanne at (ad) www.suzanne-newnham.com and author of (ad) Ethics of a Psychic Reading


PLUS check out these free gifts from friends…CHECK out the following great resources as well…Forward Steps Personal Development ยป Depression And PTSD

Hi, I'm Thea Westra at Forward Steps (forwardstepsblog.com)

Hi, I'm Thea Westra at Forward Steps (forwardstepsblog.com)

Since March 2003, I've been sharing practical, positive, thought provoking and inspiring self improvement content online. My aim is simple - to offer tips and resources that help us enhance our daily experience of life and to keep stepping forward. Perth, Western Australia is the place I call home and I'm the author of "Time For My Life: 365 Stepping Stones". You might also know me from the Forward Steps personal development blog and the daily series of "365 Forward Steps Notes", all designed to add wings to our unique life journeys.

Join me at my social profiles using the icons below. THEN...CLICK HERE to Start Your Forward Steps Journey and Trigger Your 'Aha' Light Bulb Moments!

What Is Best For Depression And PTSD?
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