Help Lending Your Self a Hand

 

I was having an off day and trying to stop beating myself up.  A friend kindly reminded me that it is "normal" to be tired on the weekend sometimes, and not do all the projects and chores you wanted to do.  I am a person.  You are a person.  It is ok.  So to make my new found person-ness stick in my brain I drew the above on my hand.

Someone can tell me to "be my own best friend" until said person is blue in the face, and it still will not sink in.  But this works sometimes:

• Stop.
• Come to a Full Stop.
• Imagine your best friend.
• He/she is very upset, maybe even crying.
• You ask your best friend to tell you what is wrong.
• You hear your best friend say all these horrible things about his/her self (insert what you are currently thinking about your self here).
• Now imagine what YOU would say to your BEST friend who shared all this with you.

Depression: A Primer by Ellen

This is a great little illustrated book that goes over the depression basics.  So whether you've been recently diagnosed or you want to understand what a loved one is going through, this book is great. She not only covers what depression is like but hits on the different kinds of depression and different kinds of treatments.  A fantastic quick read.

Meditation vs. Medication: A Graphic Essay

Here is a short graphic essay by Deanna Zandt.  Struggling with depression and anxiety is hard enough without fighting an epic internal struggle about medicating.  This graphic gives a helpful perspective on the subject.  Reminder: You are not weak.  You are fighting a disease.  There is no shame in taking medication.

Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson

Oh my gods!  I can not begin to describe how wonderful this book is! I laughed so hard I cried; I hurt my face and back; I almost peed myself on the subway! If you are in a dark place and need a laugh, or hug, or support you will find it all in Lawson's new book.  I have never had a book make me smile so much.  She has been down in the guck and the mire.  Whether it's depression or anxiety she has been there.  And she is there with you.  Please read this book.  Thanks to Furiously Happy I know I am not alone and I now have an arsenal of funny happy memories to help me fight my monsters.