Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
-- Macbeth, act 4, scene 1
Photo credit: The University of Sydney
If you’ve read or seen Macbeth, you know about the cauldron scene. Chances are good you know about it even if you haven’t read or seen it. Shakespeare didn’t, at least to my recollection, give them individual names, but I know what they are: ADHD, anxiety, and depression. If you’re plagued by one, chances are you’ll be plagued by all of them at some point, and some studies suggest creative people are more prone to anxiety and depression.
I’ve had seasonal depression for years and can usually ride it out. This year it’s harder. If you’re having a hard time there are things you can do.
First and most important, tell your doctor, especially if you’re suicidal or engaging in harmful behaviors. Be honest about your situation. It’s not a moral failing; it’s brain chemistry.
Get some exercise, preferably outside in the sunshine, even if it’s just a short walk. The combination of fresh air, sunshine, and movement can lift the black cloud for a while.
Eat well. On my bad days, I binge on caffeine and sugar, which of course don’t do much to alleviate depression and, even worse, can trigger anxiety. That’s why, on the good days, I try to stock my fridge with prepped fresh veggies and extra portions of healthy meals. When it’s just as easy to throw leftovers in the microwave as it is to make a PB&J, the chances of making good choices increase. I don’t know about you, but when I get depressed, I get hungry, so this is an important step for me.
Sleep well, but not too much. The ‘too much’ part isn’t a problem for me; I have a 6-month-old kitten who gets me up too early every morning. I do sometimes have a problem getting to bed early enough. Depression increases inertia for me, and it gets hard to put the iPad down to go to sleep, even when I’m exhausted.
Speaking of inertia, find strategies to break it. Sometimes I need someone else to help me break mine. This is something I hope to learn more about when I start therapy again.
Don’t give up on your creativity. Art can help alleviate the symptoms for some people. For me, it’s been more frustrating than usual, so I’m trying to learn about things that will help me write faster when I get to the other side of this.
So that’s what is going on here. In case you missed it, Eclectic Adventures is available on Amazon in paperback, e-book, and on Kindle Unlimited. Check it out and let me know what you think.