SparkPeople Major Depressive Disorder Team Messageboard

Rough going of it.

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 13:06:48 EST

Lately I've had a rough go of it. My aunt that I was very close to passed away and that seems to have put me into a tail spin. I looked at myself in the mirror the other day though and decided enough is enough. My legs hurt all the time. My body is sore all the time from hauling around all this extra weight. I sleep too much given the chance. I'm working on pulling myself out of this hole. I cannot change what has happened, but I figure I can certainly change my outlook (or can I). I'...

Newbie

Sun, 3 Mar 2013 10:40:24 EST

New to the group and looking for help with positive motivation, staying healthy, and losing weight. I am on medications for my depression/anxiety but am finding I am gaining weight on them. Once winter breaks, I hope to back out walking and spending more time outside. But right now, have become a couch potato (not good, I know). I work as a high school special educator and am a mother to two beautiful, young ladies who bring me great joy.

triggers and treatment

Wed, 5 Dec 2012 06:29:15 EST

I have been looking around and reading posts from others and I have come up with some questions that I hope will be helpful for not only myself, but, others.
I have been reading here how people tried to commit suicide. But, why? what was your trigger? finances? love? hate? And how did you manage to get over it? Did you get help and where?
People like myself are looking for answers...solutions. People like myself need to see if there is any one we can identify with. And no, being sui...

Venting

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 14:48:43 EST

Okay, I really need to vent. This divorce of three years is killing me, well at least I feel it is. My X husband has done nothing but bagder me, taunt me, and now trick me. a few years ago, I tried to commit suicide, and guess who showed up at the hospital crying crocodile tears and wanting to see me? Good thing my son was there and said no way! He is the reason she did this. We went to court a few weeks ago, the man makes something like 45 dollars an hour and I make 11 and some odd cents. A...

Medications and dreams

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 04:09:25 EST

This is actually a two fold post.
First off, I am very low income and have no insurance, so I can not buy medication. So, my mood swings can go from very low to up and off the charts! Is there any one else who does not take medications for their depression, and how do you manage with out the medications?
Secondly, when my life is spiraling out of control, or seems to be, I have some of the most wierdest dreams. The other night I dreamt of spiders! AHHHHH!!!! Why would I dream of som...

today

Tue, 4 Dec 2012 03:56:42 EST

102

hello

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 18:46:34 EST

My name is donna and I have been around before. I have gone thru depression almost all my life. And now that I am older, it is worst. tired, irritable, suicidal, ....you know the drill. Part of what keeps me here(living) is my religion and my two dogs. it may not seem like much, but it is enough
Since I have not been around here to much, I will look around and see whos who and whats what. Do people here become friends outside of this forum and e-mail?
Does any one else have a panic ...

Introduction to Team

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:32:44 EST

Hello,

I have been fighting depression for several years. I am on anti-depressant and anxiety medications. I have severs osteoarthritis in my left hip and the moment-to-moment pain has fed my depression to the extent I have wanted to chuck it al in. The added weight from non-activity has made me gain an inordinate amount of weight. So, the self-esteem has taken a plunge into oblivion, and I still feel the empty sadness daily, and my nightmares would scare Steven King. I will ...

New to the group

Sun, 20 May 2012 11:40:14 EST

I am new to all this. I have Major Depressive Disorder, and Anxiety Disorder. I have days where I hate everything and everybody. I don't have any friends, and I hate that. It gets lonely without people to talk to. I live with my oldest daughter and her family but having just them is not the same as having others who understand what I am going through.

Knee Problems getting me down

Sun, 20 May 2012 05:49:25 EST

It is bad enough to have a chemical imbalance that causes depression but then physical pain, discomfort and limitations can really add to depression. I am dealing with this right now and trying to stop myself from biting my husband and daughters heads off. I get really grumpy when depressed and in pain. I hate hurting their feelings and being a rotten witch, I just want to hide under a rock until I feel better....... 46

hi, I'm new: losing weight and "blue days"

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:42:45 EST

Hi, I'm Dana, and I am new to Spark People. I'm hoping that by changing my lifestyle, that my depression will improve. Any tips on how to stay motivated on blue days?

Hello

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:56:24 EST

My name is Lisa. I've lived with Major Depressive Disorder for years. Life just hasn't been something I can deal with very well right about now. I lost a man that was more like a father to me than my own father. I lost my mother. I got turned down for a promotion for the third time. And I got diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Things just seem to have gone from bad to worse. I just keep seeing all the horrible things. I get up every morning and work out. Some days it helps and some days it...

Trying to get better

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 19:54:53 EST

I'm 35 and trying to find the right meds for me. I have been on and off meds since I was about 18 (Mostly on). I am trying to get off effexor so I can start taking wellbutrin. So my mood is like a roller coaster right now. I am very tired and just trying to get through this. I decided that maybe being apart of a forum might help. It would be nice to know I am not the only one. With depression, you feel all alone when your medicine isn't working. I want to be me again. Hopefully the n...

Being depressed and gaining weight

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:20:15 EST

Hi - my name is Elaine and I am on Effector (sp?) for depression. I was caretaker for my husband of 44 years until he passed away six months ago. During that time I gained about 20 lbs. and since he is gone, I gained another 20! If I don't do something, I will gain another 20 lbs. in no time. I miss him so much that all I can do is eat. I don't have any energy to do much else. I struggle to keep the house clean because I feel, why? Who cares if my house is clean? I have had four spine...

Anyone read 'The Power of NOW' by Eckhart Tolle?

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:29:54 EST

I just started reading it a few days ago and it's really making me look at the way I think and feel about things. He encourages you to actively watch your thoughts and be present in all you do. I haven't finished it yet, but I really like what I've read so far. Anyone else a fan of his or this book?

Recording workouts on video

Sat, 2 Jul 2011 21:29:25 EST

This is going to sound strange, but I have decided that I am going to record myself working out. I am not sure if I'm allowed to link to youtube here or not. I have already uploaded one video of me being extremely dorky and uncoordinated.

I feel super self conscious and I'm expecting a lot of people to make fun of me. But my thought process is that it will keep me motivated to work out on the off chance that someone uses them as motivation to workout as well.

And maybe...

Challenge for Sunday 6/26 - Saturday 7/2

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 04:04:30 EST

This was a week where my health issues stood in the way of my goals. Sometimes we all have stumbling blocks to overcome, especially regarding time for fitness. This week I challenge you to conquer a major stunbling block to add in extra fitness, but don't overdo it. Just challenge yourself to do the most you can within reason.

My goal this week is to get in 3 pole dancing classes, 2 belly dancing classes, and one pilates class.

Challenge for Sunday 6/19 - Saturday 6/25

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:06:51 EST

Are you obsessed with the scale? I know I am. I also know I can get discouraged when I don't see the results I expect.

fitbottomedgirls.com/2011/05/stop-th
e-obsession-with-the-scale-once-and-fo
r-all/

I challenge you to stop weighing yourself everyday, if you do so, and do one weekly weigh-in on Monday 6/20 and 6/27. Get out the tape measure and record your measurements on these days as well. If we can meet this challenge, then perhaps we can...

Anyone else have trouble with BC pills?

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:24:48 EST

I started over a week ago taking Mononessa, a low dose BC pill and it made my depression go crazy! I called my doc Monday because I spent all day Sunday in a crying heap...he told me to stop taking them, but that it shouldn't effect me in that way that quickly. It was awful, but I've been off 2 days and feel 110% better. Anyone else have those kinds of issues with BC pills or any other meds effecting your anti-depressant/anxiety meds negatively?

Challenge for Sunday 6/12 - Saturday 6/18

Sun, 12 Jun 2011 06:22:21 EST

The power of believing in yourself and positive self-talk is inmeasurable. Choose a mantra for this week, repeat it 50 times a day, and see how it impacts your attitude towards life. Here are some suggestions:

Believe and achieve.
I feel great when I exercise.
I love myself unconditionally.
I forgive myself for past mistakes.
Moderation in everything is best for me.
I am what I eat and I am not junk.
I can do anything I set my mind to.
Attiitude...

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Sat, 4 Jun 2011 08:51:43 EST

I was recently introduced to DBT by a SP friend. I've done a lot of reading and have decided to give it a try. My current therapy really isn't doing anything for me. Have any of you had DBT? What did you think? Do you think it works better than other forms of therapy you have had in the past? Anything you have to share will be greatly appeciated. ~ Eden

Challenge for Sunday May 29 - Saturday June 4

Sun, 29 May 2011 12:22:01 EST

Are you in any way like me? I am like an ostrich sticking my head in the sand to avoid bad news and confrontation. If my head is buried in the sand then I don't have to deal with it, right? WRONG! We are all adults here and we should have developed effective coping mechanisms to deal with unpleasantness by now. Please join me this week in confronting the unpleasantness in your life. Don't go on the attack. Just have rational conversations with yourself or significant others about probl...

ECT

Sat, 28 May 2011 13:11:11 EST

Does anyone out there receive ECT? I have been for the last 13 months and I would love to compare notes with someone. If you have questions about ECT, I'd be happy to share my experiences with you. I'm not in the medical field. All I can tell you is what I have learned as a patient.

Challenge for Sunday 5/22 - Saturday 5/28

Sun, 22 May 2011 11:59:36 EST

Today I feel uninspired and like I am grasping at straws to come up with a challenge. I realize my inspiration has to come from within and that I need to find it. Care to join me this week in being your own best source of inspiration?

Challenge for Sunday 5/15 - Saturday 5/21

Mon, 16 May 2011 02:41:07 EST

I challenge you to shake up your workout this week by adding a new exercise or doing something entirely different.

I have some exercise DVDs that I haven't tried out yet. This week it's time. I need to jump start my metabolism and break my plateau.

Stopping in to Introduce Myself

Sun, 15 May 2011 10:24:55 EST

I'm a 45 year old woman. I am happily married and we share our house with two dogs. I'm 5'9" and my weight has been everywhere between 110 pounds and 300 pounds. I've lost about 150 pounds, but now my eating disorders are kicking in again. I am also bipolar and schizophrenic. It's an interesting combination. I'm looking to set sensible weight loss goals and I hope I can stop when I get there. That's all for now. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Challenge for Sunday 5/8 - Saturday 5/14

Sun, 8 May 2011 09:59:44 EST

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance;
the wise grows it under his feet.
- James Oppenheim

This challenge combines many elements of past challenges. Are you happy? If not, why? It is because you are failing to choose happiness. Life is full of ups and downs and challenging circumstances. However, we should not let circumstances control us. We must control our responses to the circumstances. When we wake up each moring, we can choose our attitude to set t...

May Birthdays and Anniversaries

Sun, 1 May 2011 10:11:52 EST

Please list your special day here so the team can send you well wishes!

Challenge for Sunday 5/1 - Saturday 5/7

Sun, 1 May 2011 07:52:40 EST

I just read a daily Spark blog by INDYGIRL that gave me pause to think. How biased am I?

www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=fat
_stigma_is_spreading_what_can_we_do

While INDYGIRL is specifically addressing bias again fat people and the problem that it seems to still be politically correct to do so, what about all the other biases and bigotry we may carry around with us as completely excess baggage?

Do you look down on someone because of the...

Challenge for Monday 4/25 - Sunday May 1

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:39:11 EST

Abundance or Scarcity? Love or Fear? (Another essay by Jonathan Lockwood Huie) (jlh)

Know that fear is your worst enemy -
perhaps your only enemy.
- jlh

Life in abundance comes only through great love.
- Elbert Hubbard

Abundance or Scarcity? Love or Fear? Most of the time, most people live their lives out of a sense of scarcity - the feeling that there isn't enough to go around, and that they have to fight other people for what there is.
<...

Challenge for Sunday 4/17 - Saturday 4/23

Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:10:32 EST

Joy is a Choice - but not an easy one (An essay by Jonathan Lockwood Huie)

Of course you want to be happy, but life is hard. Your job's a pain, your family nags, and sometimes your body hurts, so how can a Joyful Life be a choice? It isn't an easy choice, but Joy IS a choice that you can make.
Some choices are easy, because clearly defined alternatives are available. Choosing between vanilla and chocolate ice cream is such a choice. Other choices sometimes don't even appear t...

Spiritual Words of Wisdom

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:45:46 EST

This is not meant to offend anyone. If this does not hold with your beliefs, please don't read it. These messages are full of ponderous and motivational thoughts to help you along on your spiritual journey.

Challenge for Sunday 4/10 - Saturday 4/16

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 03:31:33 EST

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Perhaps one of the simplest ways to change your mood or mental outlook is to remind yourself of all the good things in your life. Reflecting on how far you have already come, what you have already accomplished, and what you have learned, can be very encouraging.

Appreciating your dearest friends, your closest family members, your favorite possesions, and, of course, yourself, can bring a smile to your face. If you need a lift or an attitude adjustm...

Challenge for Sunday 4/3 -Saturday 4/9

Sun, 3 Apr 2011 16:46:52 EST

Once again I am basing the challenge on the quote of the day.

Defeat should never be a source of discouragement, but rather a fresh stimulus.
~ Robert South ~

How do you accept defeat? Do you become downhearted? Instead I challenge you this week to accept that you are a fallible human being and you only fail if you do not pick yourself up and try again.

Challenge for Sunday 3/20 - Saturday 3/26

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 14:08:33 EST

Each of us will one day be judged by our standard of life, not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving, not by our measure of wealth; by our simple goodness, not by our seeming greatness.
~ William Arthur Ward ~

I challenge you to simplify your life and concentrate not on the material, but the etherial. Give lovingly and freely because you can't take it with you and it will be good for your soul. Be humble and good and help one another. Not one of us is so might...

Challenge for Thursday 3/9 - Wednesday 3/15

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 03:14:17 EST

My brain is still foggy from my migraine as I try to recover. Witness how I got the dates wrong for this week. Ahhh, well. I can't think of any profound challenges. The only thing that comes to mind is to review your goals. If they aren't written down the now is the time to do it. Choose the goal you have been least successful at meeting and concentrate on making strides in that area this week.

The goal I am working on is to be more consistent with diet and exercise.
<...

Challenge for Thursday 3/3 - Wednesday 3/9

Thu, 3 Mar 2011 15:24:30 EST

Again, I am basing this week's challenge on a great quote.

History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but, if faced with courage, need not be lived again.
~ Maya Angelou ~

My past haunts me continually, even in my dreams. It is very difficult to not relive it, but remember, "The past is a memory; the future is not promised; but today is a gift...that's why they call it the present."

I challenge you to refocus your mind whenever it wanders to...

Challenge for Wednesday, March 2 - Tuesday March 8

Wed, 2 Mar 2011 05:22:23 EST

Choice, not chance, determines human destiny.
~ Robert W. Ellis ~

Since we have been given free will, our choices are to be owned in order to take responsibility for our lives. Not making a conscious choice and just going with the flow is still a choice. Claim your power to make good choices, and don't leave your life to chance. You are always in the driver's seat, whether you know it or not. For things that our out of our control, we still have choice in the way we will r...

Challenge for Thurday 2/24 - Wednesday 3/1

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:02:20 EST

“First we form habits, then they form us. Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you.”
~ Rob Gilbert ~

I challenge each of you to pick one bad habit to stop this week. If possible, try to replace it with a good habit. For example, if you drink regular or diet sodas, try giving them up and replace with drinking water.

I am going to give up impulsive buying. With my husband's job future so fuzzy (impending layoff and finding a new job) we can't afford for me to...

Challenge for Wednesday 2/16 - Tuesday 2/22

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:25:57 EST

Today I am borrowing from Spark's Healthy Reflections because the message is so on target.

"The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny."
- Albert Ellis

Do you accept responsibility for your choices in life?

Do you feel in control of your life? No matter how negative events or actions may be...

Challenge for Thursday 2/10 - Wednesday 2/16

Thu, 10 Feb 2011 03:29:21 EST

Until you commit your goals to paper, you have intentions that are seeds without soil.
~ Anonymous ~

I challenge you to set some concrete goals in several areas of your life. I did this the other day in my blog entitled "Dreams." Think of it as creating a blueprint for your life. You would not start building a house without a blueprint. Yet our lives are so much more complicated and important than a house. Some of us are just drifting through life going where the wind ta...

Challenge for Thursday 2/3 - Wednesday 2/9

Fri, 4 Feb 2011 13:30:56 EST

Example is not the main thing that influences others. It is the ONLY thing.
~ Albert Schweitzer ~

I believe that most of us are unaware of how many people we influence in our lives. In particular, children soak up our deeds and ideals like a sponge. it is our actions and not our words that carry the biggest impact on everyone we encounter.

I challenge you to be mindful of both your words and actions this week. Since attitude is everything and many eyes and ears ...

Challenge for Thursday 1/27 -- Wednesday 2/2

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:01:45 EST

Make a list of at least 10 things that you like about yourself. Read the list to yourself while looking in a mirror. While still looking in the mirror tell yourself,
" You are beautiful, special, talented, and I love you."

Quote of the day

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 06:19:27 EST

Everyone has inside himself a piece of good news! The good news is that you really don't know how great you can be, how much you can love, what you can accomplish and what your potential is.
*Anne Frank*

Your Emoticon of the Day

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 12:40:16 EST

334 47 298 67 464 220 253

Simple, daily (or more often) survival tecniques

Wed, 8 Dec 2010 22:47:30 EST

Sometimes we have to take it day by day, or hour by hour, and even minute by minute. What do you do to maintain your sanity instead of losing it? What are your lifelines? Everybody should have a toolbox or list of at least 10 things they can do to distract themselves from their troubled minds.

Last letter of 1st word or sentence begins 1st word of next reply.

I cross-stitch. Next response begins with "h". (And while "hiding" may be a valid option, I expect more from ...

Famous Depressives A-Z

Wed, 8 Dec 2010 11:26:10 EST

A - Hans Christian Andersen

Psych Medications A-Z (Brand, Generic, Class, Etc)

Wed, 8 Dec 2010 11:22:10 EST

A - Amitriptyline

I'm you're new team leader

Wed, 1 Dec 2010 03:57:44 EST

213
I'm Judi, you're new team leader, and I'm going to try to be shaking things up a bit and getting our team more active. I believe Positive Mental Health is key to living a good, no make that great life!

I'm going to be setting new goals and challenges. I'm going to be recruiting new team members.

I want you to feel free to contact me when you are struggling, when you are bursting with glee, when you have ideas on how to improve the team, or if you ...

Hi, I'm new to the team, but not new to depression

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 01:51:01 EST

HI,
I'm Amanda from Colorado, just found this team today. I have Major Depression Disorder, Anxiety, and Social Phobia's...fun, fun!
I'm hoping to learn from others how you deal with daily situations and somedays just getting out of bed and getting dressed - where do you find the motivation!

Heya!

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:21:50 EST

Hello,

Just introducing myself. I've been diagnosed with Major Depression for approximately 3/4ths of my life, starting early at around age 7. I'm getting better and better with it, and I'm starting to see a happier me. Doctors really are right when they say exercise helps pretty much everything.

I'm a college student, avid animal lover, and bleeding heart. Lol. I look forward to meeting you all.

Hello from CradledbyJesus!

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:09:24 EST

Hello Everybody!

I am new to Spark People.

I am 50 years old, very happily married, with 4 beautiful children, 8 gorgeous grandchildren, and a chi-weenie dog. My husband is my best friend. Jesus is my Lord and Saviour and is my bestest friend in the whole world. Jesus is the Lord of my life, but unfortunately I am struggling in making Him the Lord of my appetite.

A couple of days ago, I was getting frustrated because someone was shrinking all of my clothes. ...

New Spark Team

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:47:43 EST

I created a new team "Positive Mental Health" Stop by and check it out. I hope you like it and will join!

New here

Fri, 9 Apr 2010 22:30:17 EST

Hi, all--

I am happy to find this within this site. Many people don't understand MDD or the medication plight. I am trying to stay off my meds, but it is hard to especially when the insomnia and anxiety kick in.

I don't know if anyone else is struggling with these, but I wonder if some of the benzos affect weight gain.

Right now I have replaced my medication with food. It gives me that warm, cozy feeling.

I hope to get this under control and m...

Introduc tion..Hi Im Lisa...

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 14:40:32 EST

Ive suffered with Major Depression Recurrent for many many years im 47yrs.I really need some help to even get started on some goals.I also suffer with Chronic Back Pain

Happy v day everyone

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:08:42 EST

Hate this holiday lots, feeling really poopy :9(

Eight crazy health rumors

Tue, 2 Feb 2010 10:06:34 EST

shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/8-cra
ziest-health-rumors-573171/

Happy New Year everyone

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 09:30:52 EST

Wishing all of you nothing but good positive things this year. Its sooooo hard to imagine, but if we send positive vibes out maybe that will work. 249

Newcomer 12/30/09

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:53:21 EST

Hi everyone, I am a 52 year old women who wants to be healthier and more fun to be around. This past year I participated in a clinic at the local hospital and have lost 30 pounds since last January. I was able to lower my blood pressure medicine and feel healthier over all. I still need to lose so am joining to help me keep ontop of my weight loss goals along with my fitness. Our household just received the Wii for Christmas and I am getting started using the Wii Fit board and do like it....

Trying to exercise in the cold weather

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 14:04:54 EST

Hi everyone, I am new at this and still trying to get the hang of it. Today is a very cold day and I miss my walk but have been keeping the calories in check. I know that the walk always helps my emotional well-being. 444

Freaking Out!!!!

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:11:56 EST

I Started out on Topamax 200 mg (apparently the lowest dose) for mood stabalizer on September 1, 2009. I was OK at first I was aware of the side affect of the cognitive functions being disruptive (and they have), and the loss of appetite, which I thought cool I get to lose a few pounds. But I am getting very freaked out, I can bearly take in 500 to 800 calories a day and that is usually forcing myself. I have been doing really well with my moods and it has been helping my depression also to t...

im stuck

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:47:44 EST

Its only been a week officially since I have started.... I started with a BANG.. and seemed to fizzle out....a few day s later.... I know part of it is my husband.. he is "doing" this with me... but that seems to not so important. I have done this type of thing before (on my own with out any kind of program)... its worked before... I dont know what I am losing motivation and excitement... And then on top of it, i weighed myself this morning... HOPING I would of lost weight and then got my ent...

Hi my name is Patsy

Wed, 9 Sep 2009 16:49:42 EST

HI my name is Patsy,

I know I have posted before, but I don't think I have introduced myself! I am 31, and pretty much have spent the majority of my life battling depression and anxiety... I have been on too many meds to count and currently am in Welburtin (but the generic). I am limited on what I can do, and how much I can due to no insurance.

loud music (dont burst your ears drums)

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:14:21 EST

music gives me the motivation to exercise, and exercise helps me to combat feeling low and angry.

"fozen state"

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:01:23 EST

What do you do when you get in the "frozen state" and can't do housework, work, or talk to anyone or just feel disconnected and isolated?

Newbie

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 03:49:00 EST

I am new to Sparks and to Forums so I hope I am doing this right. I have joined this team as I am Bipolar (obsessive/compulsive)and have major depression as well as being obese. Basically not a great combination to live with. I have a unique sense of humor and that helps me make it through life. Being 46 seems unreal to me, I don't feel that old, my brain seems to think I am still 20 something til my body tells it different. I am open minded, have a tendency to talk too much and am very ...

A new team to consider

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 22:20:23 EST

There is a new, private team forming and we are looking for 12 participants who want to explore their creativity. The team is named, “TAW Workshop #2”. Here is a description of the team.

The purpose of the TAW Workshop #2 team is to spend 14 weeks working through the course outlined in Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" book to recapture your creativity. Since creativity takes on many forms, you don't have to be or want to be an artist, musician, crafter, writer, actor, etc. Lawye...

A website with touching inspirational stories!!

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 01:49:52 EST

www.guidepostsmag.com/

Here is a website with some touching inspirational stories. I think you may enjoy this site. Let me know what you think.

Let me know your Birthday!!

Tue, 3 Feb 2009 14:31:19 EST

I thought it would be nice to know when everyone's Birthday it. I don't think it would be hard to keep track since it is a small group.

Mine is July 17th

A new website I came across today.

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 22:19:43 EST

I came across this website today that looks interesting and seems to have a lot of useful information. Check it out and let me know what you think.
www.First30Days.com

Free Suze Orman book

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 22:26:55 EST

Hey everyone!! Here's an awesome deal. A FREE download of Suze Orman's new book that Oprah had on her show. "Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan" to get your finances in order. http://www.oprah.com/article/money/persona
lfinance/pkgyourmoney/20081119_tows_bo
okdownload

If the link I posted doesn't work, just go to www.oprah.com and you'll see a link for Suzie's free book.
Help spread the word for the free download. It's only available until this Thursday, Jan. 15th.

Volunteering and Our Souls

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 13:03:09 EST

Happy 2009. I read this article today and it struck a chord with me. I am posting the URL here so you can check it out. What do you say we all try to volunteer this year? What do you think?? Carol

www.sparkpeople.com/resource/wellnes
s_articles.asp?id=1122

Happy holiday wishes

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 09:56:06 EST

My wish for you is for sanity over this holiday season. Peace, safety, and love to all of you, Carol

247 263

Something to try that may help improve your mood!!

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:35:00 EST

Would you be willing to spend two minutes doing a special exercise that could improve your mood and make your life a little (or a lot) easier?

No, this isn’t a gimmick that will get you off the hook for the kind of exercise that makes you breathe hard and sweat a lot. You’ll still have to do that. And it’s not going to make it a breeze to pass up temptations and stick to your food plan.

But this exercise might help you appreciate and enjoy these things–and th...

Something To Think About

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:34:25 EST

I wasn't sure if everyone on sparkpeople got the "Healthy Reflections" email that's sent out. I loved this one and wanted to copy/paste it for those of you that maybe didn't get it. It made me stop and think about how much I take for granted.

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is.
- Albert Einstein, physicist

Seeing the wonder in the smallest details

What do you appreciate and wh...

Let's say Thanks to our troops!!!!

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 17:33:01 EST

Let's say Thank you to all of our troops and send them a card for the holidays!! Just follow this link!

www.letssaythanks.com

Meditation Challenge

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:57:52 EST

I had mentioned on another thread that sometimes meditation is a great stress reliever. My therapist told me early on in my counseling sessions to try a form of meditation. Find a meditation tape or a tape of very soft, peaceful music. Close your eyes for several minutes and then start deep breathing exercises. Breathe through your nose and out your mouth for several times. You can choose to concentrate on a word or some people use colors. She told me to concentrate on the words CALM and RELA...

Challenge #3: Joy Journal

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:17:02 EST

Keep a journal daily of everything that you are happy for. Use this thread to tell us how the journal is going.

Day 1: Find a note book that you want to use as a journal and a pencil or a pen. Find a secret place to put it where no one else could stumble across it.

I'll give you Day 2 tomorrow.

Carol

Challenge #1: Loving yourself--look in the mirror

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:50:32 EST

Day 1--Stand in front of a floor length mirror and look yourself over. Please do this fully clothed! Speak out loud: I love you! Repeat this statement a total of ten times looking yourself in the eyes. I'll post Day 2 tomorrow. For now, give it a try--spend 5 minutes looking at yourself! Let us know how you did. I will let you know after I get home from work and try it out again.

Oh, it is very important to look yourself square in the eyes when repeating, "I love you."
...

Team Challenges

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:10:41 EST

YUNKERCM
SparkPoints: (15270)
Posts: 5758
11/25/08 7:40 A

Let's brainstorm some ideas for challenges. We have a team goal to say or something nice to yourself 3 times a week. That is a wonderful positive goal. I am hoping that in these challenges, we can start some positive thinking and thinking in the moment exercises. The feel good thread is one technique we can use, but there are lots of other w...

Team Challenges

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 23:30:42 EST

Carol wanted me to start this forum for all of you because she has some ideas. Here you go Carol.

Daily feel good thread

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:41:31 EST

Name one thing that made you feel good. No fair commenting on anyone else--save that for the Daily Check-in.

Newbie, terrified, and just can't cope anymore

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:59:52 EST

I don't even know why I'm writing this. I spent the whole weekend in bed. I'm 65 and just don't know how to cope anymore. I feel totally alone and full of fear. I see a therapist today, but don't believe anyone can help me but ME...and I don't know how to do that either. It's ruining a relationship I've been in for 3+ years. I don't want to do that, but I've just lost ALL feeling for anything. I just don't care anymore...even about my children or grandchildren...it's like a numb feeling...lik...

An invitation to do some hard work for yourself

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:52:11 EST

Hi, I have been doing a lot of work on myself and thinking about my dreams and my fears. (See my last two blogs.) To that end, I have created a private team called "Fearless Dreamers" so other people can work on attaining their dreams and/or conquering their fears. If you are interested, please let me know and I'll invite you. Carol (CMY)

NO SPARKMAIL

Thu, 9 Oct 2008 00:35:07 EST

I haven't received any e mail in 5 days.

Vote for SparkPeople website

Tue, 9 Sep 2008 15:21:31 EST

Business Week Magazine is conducting an online poll to identify best sources of health/fitness information. Let's make Spark People #1!

Here's the link to cast your vote: www.businessweek.com/technology/best
ofweb2008/health.htm

NEW AND NEEDING SUPPORT

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:25:25 EST

MY NAME IS DEBBIE AND IM 40 YEARS OLD. I NEED TO LOSE AT LEAST 300 PDS. YIKES. THATS DEPRESSING ENOUGH. I WAS DIAGNOSED WITH SEVERE CLINICAL DEPRESSION WHEN I WAS THIRTEEN. MY FATHER DIED THEN AND IT SEEMED LIKE SO DID MY SOUL.I TRIED FREQUENTLY TO END MY EXISTENCE BUT I SOON FOUND OUT THAT I FAIL AT THAT TOO. IM SORRY, BUT I HAVE A SARCASTIC SENSE OF HUMOR.IVE BEEN IN THERAPY ALOT BUT LATELY MY DEPRESSION HAS GOTTEN INCREASINGLY WORSE. IM GOING BACK TO THE DOCTORS NEXT MONTH. IM ALSO SUFFERI...

Feeling sad or lonely and need to vent?

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 01:04:37 EST

Feeling sad or lonely? Need to talk? Let us help you!!

How do you deal with sleepless nights?

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 13:02:45 EST

How do you get through a day when you don't sleep?

Let me know how your day is!!

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 20:09:38 EST

Let me know how you are doing. Come here for support!

What helpful medications have you found?

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 19:45:07 EST

Have you found any medications that have helped you through your depression?

What helps you get through a rough day!!

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 19:42:59 EST

What are some techniques you use to get through when you are having a rough day.