Mental Health Wednesday

A Personal Note + WED Edition of Mental Health MON

I'm into my 2nd full week of cardiac rehab, & it seems to be going well. I work out on an "arm machine" [imagine peddling a bike, except sitting & using your arms to "peddle"], treadmill, & 2 other exercise machines, including a Rex, which is supposed to be easier on your knees & hips. On my off days I walk on our treadmill at home and/or take Sammy for a 10-minute walk. My goal is to walk around Little Island Lake in MN this summer. That's a 4-mile jaunt. I have a ways to go.

Yesterday Lois & I met w/a dietician, who discussed meal-planning with us, provided several dietary resources, & answered questions. [Apparently, donuts are NOT included in a Mediterranean diet.] Tonight we're having roast turkey breast, & we can use leftovers for salads & sandwiches. [Deli meat is out because of sodium.]

This morning I tried Lois' almond-coconut milk as a substitute for 1/2 & 1/2, which I gave up several weeks ago. I think I'll stick to drinking my coffee black. *

I've embraced the workouts more than changing eating habits. I'm hoping one of these days my will power kicks in & I stop bingeing. One or both of my anti-depressants list weight gain as a side effect, & I'm wondering if this is one reason why I'm having trouble losing weight. I also think the bingeing is related to anxiety issues. My nurse provider had me switch one of my meds, but it turned out that my share of the cost after insurance was $400/month, so back to the drawing board.

* My Trader Joe's whole bean dark roast

Mental Health Wednesday

You haven't miscounted. This is my third consecutive "Mental Health Monday." I decided to devote several days to mental health because (a) it's been awhile since I got "clinical;" (b) it's a helpful form of self-therapy for me; (c) it's possible that someone "out there" may actually find this information useful; & (d) since my heart procedure, I've experienced more down moods than up moods. This is not unusual for those who have undergone a heart procedure, I've read & been told by reputable sources. Of course, in my case it could also be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Whatever . . . WAIT! This is not a "Whatever Wednesday" post! 

Once again my source is webmd.com. Once again I'll remind you that you can find a plethora of on-line sources with helpful information about depression. One source that I often turn to is mayoclinic.org.

And once again I'll remind you that if any of this information resonates with you & you suspect that you may be suffering from depression, your first & best course of action is to seek out a mental health provider for a definitive diagnosis. This will guide your strategy for coping with this illness.

Surprising Signs of Depression *

* My comments are in ALL CAPS.

• "Shopping sprees (shopping out of control) . . . could be a sign of mania in bipolar disorder.
• "Drinking heavily . . . " SELF-MEDICATING IS NOT UNUSUAL, BUT ALCOHOL IS PROBLEMATIC, BECAUSE IT'S A DEPRESSANT & ONLY COMPOUNDS THE PROBLEM.
• "Forgetfulness . . . seems to be worse for older people." OH, JOY.
• "Binge eating & obesity . . . particularly in middle age." WHEW! I'M PAST MIDDLE AGE!
• "Shoplifting . . . can also provide a rush to counter depression 'numbness'.
• "Back pain . . . One study showed that up to 40% of people w/chronic back pain experienced depression before their back pain started . . . having chronic back pain puts you at risk for depression."  I'VE HAD A LOT OF BACK PAIN SINCE I WAS FIRST DIAGNOSED.
• "Risky sexual behavior
• "Exaggerated emotions . . . Depressed people sometimes show little emotional expression, or they can be suddenly irritable or explosive. They may express exaggerated feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worry, or fear. The key is a sudden change in behavior." I CAN RELATE, WHICH IS WHY I TRY TO MODERATE MY ACCESS TO POLITICAL COMMENTARY.
• "Problem gambling
• "Smoking
• "Not taking care of yourself". I CAN TOTALLY RELATE.