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Acknowledging that you are depressed is your important first step to winning against depression. (In Depression Part I, we discussed the signs and symptoms.) Now, it’s time to move to the next step: the time to TAKE ACTION! You have many choices and may feel overwhelmed. Take a breath, relax and read on.
I had a few people tell me to go to the physician and get some Xanax or Valium to help. It sounded to me as though this was their standard advice to others during loss. As a nurse, I knew I did not want anything that would numb my brain leaving me to walk through each day in a fog. I had to go to work, I had to be strong for my daughter. I wanted to experience this grief, this thread of connection still palpable between my husband and me. I wanted to remember, to honor, to be present — to bear witness to our life together. I chose what worked for me.
However, some may need the support of a physician and an antidepressant to get through this stressful period. Your doctor will help you make this decision. Others single-handedly fight depression, only to later consult a physician. How you handle depression is an individual choice as everyone has different needs. Take a firm hold of your reins: control; don’t be controlled.
Yes, keep hope alive that a wonderful future awaits you — that’s what your journey is all about. Your loved one has already completed their journey, maybe too soon in your opinion. Yours is still ahead of you! This may not be clear at the beginning of your journey, but it slowly emerges, and you have only to embrace it. No need to rush.
Some things that helped me during this time involved staying connected to others and being active. Your journey may start by doing just one thing, just one positive act … and then another and another will follow.
Taking action is important in dealing with depression, but sometimes just taking the first step (recognizing and taking ACTION) is the hardest. Below is a list of action items that you can choose from (or add your own to) that will help you get started regaining your life back from depression.
You will be happy you did. It just takes time and commitment. You can do it.
I can accomplish my goals by taking small steps …
ONE STEP at a time.
Cheryl A. Barrett, RN, MSN, NC-BC, is a retired nurse with 30-plus years in a variety of settings: clinical bedside in ICU, staff educator, academic instructor both didactic and clinical, supervisor, home care education, editorial director of a nursing magazine and is a board certified integrative nurse coach.
In 2018 she published Good Grief: Strategies for Building Resilience and Supporting Transformation, inspired by the death of her husband. She won the American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year, 2018 in the category of Palliative Care and Hospice for her book. She is currently creating a companion workbook for those experiencing grief and loss.
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