So how do you deal with the bouts of depression?

[lbanis]

I know depression and the blues are pretty common in people post surgery and those dealing with pain, decreased mobility, etc. I am a Master Certified Coach and I think some of the things I have my clients do could be helpful here. 1) Do something for other people. You can't feel sorry for yourself when focusing on others. 2) Keep a gratitude journal. Every day write down 10 things you are grateful for. Try not to repeat things unless they are slightly different or especially meaningful to you. 3) Be active in forums like this - it helps to know that other people are having similar issues and how they are dealing with them. 4) Instead of saying "I can't", ask "How can I?". Then figure out a way you can get it or approximate getting it. Sometimes it helps to create a vision board (collage of your goals) and keep it where you can see it all the time. 5) Create a "bucket list" (list of things you want to experience/do before you die) and then work on checking things off. If you physically, financially, etc. can't actually do them then you might try wrting a story about what you want to experience, research what your wish is, watch videos/films about it, etc.

This is just a short list and I'd love to hear any other ideas any readers have to add.

[Justin]

I know depression and the blues are pretty common in people post surgery and those dealing with pain, decreased mobility, etc. I am a Master Certified Coach and I think some of the things I have my clients do could be helpful here. 1) Do something for other people. You can't feel sorry for yourself when focusing on others. 2) Keep a gratitude journal. Every day write down 10 things you are grateful for. Try not to repeat things unless they are slightly different or especially meaningful to you. 3) Be active in forums like this - it helps to know that other people are having similar issues and how they are dealing with them. 4) Instead of saying "I can't", ask "How can I?". Then figure out a way you can get it or approximate getting it. Sometimes it helps to create a vision board (collage of your goals) and keep it where you can see it all the time. 5) Create a "bucket list" (list of things you want to experience/do before you die) and then work on checking things off. If you physically, financially, etc. can't actually do them then you might try wrting a story about what you want to experience, research what your wish is, watch videos/films about it, etc.

This is just a short list and I'd love to hear any other ideas any readers have to add.

Lynn,

Your list is fantastic. I've been doing many of the things on your list the last couple of weeks--just realigning one's thoughts is very powerful, especially when our recoveries are going slower than what we expected.

Something that has truly helped me lately has been focusing on things that I can control and letting go of the "what ifs."

All of the information in your list is great, and I've been actively working on number 4 and 5. Thanks for your post. :thumpup: