depression introspection: Quote of the Week

DISCLAIMER

After receiving many e-mails from people asking for me help, I feel obligated to put the standard note on this site: I am not a doctor. Never have been, never will be. I only offer my personal insights and options. I cannot offer medical advice whatsoever - official or unofficial. Please consult your doctor for professional medical advice.

14 "be" attitudes

Stave off the blues

Recite a self-positive affirmation in the morning and meditate on it through the day.
Find something to believe in — a purpose — and a reason to continue living and breathing each day.
Don't worry about the things you CAN'T control; worry about the things you CAN.
Get the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Listen to upbeat music you like. Avoid depressing, moody lyrics, rhythms or melodies.
Take in at least 15 minutes of natural light per day. This is especially important during the winter for people who suffer from SAD.
Spend time with others. A mind off yourself is a mind off depression.
Release endorphins: Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day at least 3 times a week.
Delay, Delegate, Diminish, Delete

Mood Rating System

0 – Severely depressed, suicidal and/or homicidal, requires immediate inpatient treatment, unable to function (in daily activities)
1 – Severely depressed, potentially suicidal and/or homicidal, should be closely watched, inpatient treatment may be necessary, unable to function
2 – Severely depressed, somewhat suicidal and/or homicidal, should be occasionally monitored, no inpatient treatment necessary, unable to function
3 – Moderately depressed, possible thoughts of suicide and/or homicide, should be occasionally monitored, great difficulty functioning
4 – Mildly depressed, passing thoughts of suicide and/or homicide, monitoring recommended but not necessary, some difficulty functioning
5 – Not depressed but not joyful either, in a state of existence, “emotionally numb,” no suicidal and/or homicidal ideations, no monitoring necessary, some ability to function, borderline mood (potential for instant change to a 4 or 6)
6 – Mildly joyful, content, no suicidal and/or homicidal ideations, low functioning problems
7 – Moderately joyful, upbeat, little to no functioning problems
8 – Moderately joyful, happy, optimistic, positive, no functioning problems
9 – Extremely joyful, happy, optimistic, cheerful, positive, “in a good mood,” “feel great,” no functioning problems
10 – Extremely joyful, manic, happy, energetic, euphoric, optimistic, cheerful, self-confident, positive, excited, giddy, ability to function may vary (inability to no functioning problems)

October 08, 2006