Susan Layton

Film Producer - ASL Performer - Life Learner

Tag: SAD

Depression – Book 1

April 9, 2015 / / Comments Off on Depression – Book 1

My depression crept in and I kept smiling and then BOOM BANG it hit HARD.  My schedule was crazy, my stress at work built up, the weather changed from summer to winter and I just couldn’t handle anything anymore!

It was then that I realized I needed to find myself a counselor/therapist.  It was the best decision I could have made to really start healing and be able to start living again.  I have been very open about the beauty of therapy, especially to interpreters, stay-at-home moms, my friends, and Facebook audience.  *heart*

Near the end of my very first session with my therapist, she suggested I read the book, “Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself” by Melody Beattie.  I didn’t know what that meant by the title alone and I wasn’t sure how it would apply to me.  But a friend had the book and said it was her favorite book in her own discovery and healing.  This book comes from the perspective of those who deal with people addicted to alcohol and drugs.  I have never been exposed to that at all.  I came from a home where love, respect, rules and consequences filled the walls.  So I wasn’t sure how it would apply to me or if I would relate. But I did relate, very much, to the information shared in this book – and that really aided in my healing process.  I read it from start to finish, took notes, cried, journaled, and re-read it.  I’m not much of a reader but this was a book of healing and I loved it!  It’s definitely a permanent book in my library!

Depression – Post #1

April 8, 2015 / / Comments Off on Depression – Post #1 / Sticky

DISCLAIMER:  I am not a doctor, therapist, or anything of the sort.  For all medical, fitness or therapeutic information/advice/plan, seek professional help.

Depression, according to the World Health Organization, affects more than 350 million people globally, of all ages.  That is a lot of people!  I was not apart of this statistic until a couple of years ago.  My family moved to a climate that was much different than any other area we lived in previously.   My workload increased.  I didn’t have (so I thought) as much time to focus on my health and well-being.  Through all of this, I slowly (then it spiraled out of control) experienced this serious disease called depression.  IMG_4443

The picture above is me at Disneyland.  Isn’t life supposed to be the happiest place, all the time?  Sometimes we go through what feels like a roller-coaster. The free-fall in a thunderstorm is what Depression feels like for me – well, that and the loopdey-loops and the river ride and then the wet ones, and then the tiki-room, and then the haunted mansion and the … yeah!  But life has gotten better, as I’ve learned and I’ve grown.

Through my writings, I want to share with you what I went through, how I felt (and still feel, at times) when depression sneaks its nasty cloud into my being, how I am learning to “control” depression and what helps me feel balanced and stronger through these tactics.  Like the disclaimer says above, I am not a doctor or therapist or personal fitness trainer.   I am sharing with you what works for me, what my therapist and general doctor and even my chiropractor have “prescribed” for me.  This may not be your “prescription”.  However, I know that from these experiences, I find I am happier and keep depression at bay.  I still experience depression. But I know what works for me.  When I get off my plan, I am reminded I am not cured.   And then, I have to start again, sometimes from the beginning, with baby steps to get back on my plan.  One of the greatest things I have done through it all is get professional help.

Welcome to my journey.
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