I recently took a class called Resilience Training, and I am really hoping to put some of the things I learned to regular use, so I'm hoping that writing about them will help.
The main idea of the class is that depression management (or stress management, if you like) is kind of a 3-legged stool, and you need all the pieces: nutrition support, bodywork, and mindwork.
I met twice with a nutritionist, who identified two primary needs for me:
1. Blood sugar regulation
2. Estrogen detoxification (basically, disposing of estrogen more effectively)
I also take a substantial a B-complex supplement, D supplement, fish oil supplement, per her suggestion.
The blood-sugar regulation is basically the old combine protein and fat with carbs every time you eat, and eat frequently.
Estrogen detoxfication is assisted by eating lots of cruciferous vegetables, which helps the estrogen molecules break down in a way that keeps them moving out of your system. (In addition to regular support of your liver function.)
I haven't completed my bodywork portion yet, so I try to walk daily. I've also been experimenting with tai-chi, which we did in class.
The mindwork section consisted of learning mindfulness and loving-kindness meditation techniques. Since I've already done these, the class was a good chance to connect these more directly to dealing with depression and just bring more life experience to the practice. We also did some wonderful exercises addressing things like negative self-image, always emphasizing embracing rather than pushing away.
I need to be consistent in practicing these things, as the fall decline in daylight is really pounding on me right now, and I am having some very tough days. I'm going to try writing about my ongoing work with this stuff and see what happens. Maybe I'll make it through the winter!
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