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Beyond Blue

Warning: Male readers may want to skip my first two posts, and go down to the post about sleep hygiene, as I’m about to talk maxi-pads and stuff like that, and I know that some men absolutely hate all discussion of menstrual periods. But, ladies! We need to talk. So I woke up incredibly anxious…

Here’s an interesting article on WebMD by Miranda Hitti about the relationship between depression and menstrual cycles. Jan. 28, 2005 — Most women with depression get worsening symptoms prior to their periods, researchers say. In a new study, 64% of women with major depression said their symptoms get worse five to 10 days before their…

I mentioned my sleep and mood journal. That’s always my first step in trying to solve the depression/anxiety relapse dilemma, because nothing (well, maybe food) affects my mood more than my sleep. Which is why it’s so importance to practice sleep hygiene, which has nothing to do with wearing a condom and using plastic mattress…

“Acknowledge miracles in your life. Angels are God’s miracle workers,” writes Jayne Howard Feldman, and Suzanne Siegel Zenkel says “Where there is goodness, there is an angel.” I’ve met an angel at every important crossroad in my life. One came into my life eighteen years ago, and through his books, I arrived at my vocation–to…

Dear Guardian Angel One, I’m not angry with you. I was going to call you today to tell you all about it. I think you’re right about the politics. And I’ve told my editor that I don’t want to go there. But, I guess what I feel hurt about is that I felt that your…

Dear Guardian Angel Two, I wanted to wait before saying anything to make sure I wasn’t anxious about anything else, and confusing my emotions, but I wanted to let you know that I left your place with some hurt feelings. (I’m trying to express them now so I don’t bottle them up, and that’s very…

My favorite children’s book doesn’t have beautiful, colored illustrations. It isn’t even hardback. It’s a $3.95 black and white paperback that explains to kids how to express their emotions. I read it to David and Katherine whenever I can find it (not often), because 36 years into my life, I’m still trying to practice its…

There is little need for a therapist when you have a three-year-old and a five-year-old asking you probing questions and analyzing your thoughts. “Mom, do you have an-ziety?” Katherine asked me the other day on the way to the pool. A few minutes earlier, I had reached down into my pocket, and when I discovered…

Every depressive is different when it comes to crying “Uncle,” and calling the doc. My guardian angel Ann says that if she stays in bed three days in a row, she will call the doctor on the fourth day (or maybe the afternoon of the third day). In my mood/sleep journal, I record my symptoms…

There was a beautiful essay in the Washington Post last week by Laura Zigman on the moment she cried “uncle,” and took the “happy pills” that she was so adamant on not taking. It’s a wonderful description of depression and how lonely our world can be. I have searched and searched for the online version,…
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