Depression: This topic came up yesterday when we had some company over. They came over to be in a different environment other than their house.
Covid, the past few years, and the harsh winter we have been having has contributed to more depression than ever, in my opinion.
Most people got in the habit of being holed up in their houses, working from home, watching tv and not really achieving what they had intended with getting the vaccine. They are limiting their contact with others, only being with a small amount of people.
They are going out as little as possible – and I believe that is due to fear… fear of getting Covid.
This is definitely contributing to an environment that is conducive to depression.
I must admit, that I am particularly proud of my mother in law. She is determined to not let Covid keep her from doing what she has always done. During the lockdowns, obviously, she had to abide by that, but other than that she has remained fearless.
She goes to her regular strength training exercises twice a week, goes bowling weekly, gets out with friends for lunch, goes out to listen to the country music band regularly where she has supper with friends and listens to the different bands each week. She is determined to keep on living through this and she has done amazing. She has gone and visited friends and family – taking the bus or train – and sometimes being picked up or dropped off.
She lost her husband a few months prior to Covid and it has not been an easy time for her. Many people would have holed up and just existed through this time, but she has – in my opinion – thrived. Don’t get me wrong, she has definitely had her moments, but she doesn’t allow herself to stay there. She picks herself up, dusts herself off and keeps moving forward.
She is taking good care of herself though by getting plenty of rest, vitamins and minerals and eating healthy. She is doing her best to keep her own immune system in tip top shape as well. She recognizes that this is highly important for her to remain healthy. When she notices that she is getting down, she calls someone to talk to or goes out with friends to get her mind on something else.
She mows her own lawn, she goes for a walk every day, she makes her own meals, drives herself and others to their appointments or outings, she gets help when she needs it – with house cleaning, outside stuff that needs tending to that is beyond her capabilities and is willing to ask for help.
Questions to Ponder:
How did the past few years change you?
What are you doing for your health?
What are you doing for your mental health?
What can you do to take better care of you?
