depression

You probably know that I have 5 (half) siblings. This means that there are at least 5 people running around in this world who are crazy and brilliant in ways I can relate to directly. A few years back, I visited my little sister in Brooklyn. We talked for about 6 hours straight, and then she let out a big sigh.
Me: What's the matter.
Her: I have to break up with my boyfriend.
Me: Why?
Her: Because I can't talk with him the way I can talk with you.
Do I need to point out what's wrong with her thinking? No, I think you can see it. Sure, the relationship had other problems, and you should be able to have great conversation with your partner, but, well, anyway, I never got to know that boyfriend.

My brother is going through a terrible divorce. My heart aches when I think about those little girls. I would probably take them in if for some reason that made sense. (A terrifying thought -- to get a family I believe I want!) He shares a lot of his deepest feelings with me, and I give him a lot of advice. Because, while he's older than I am, his impulses are to make mistakes I would make. And I'm able to see that when they aren't my impulses. (Obviously I am not able to share details.)

All of which is to say that two of my siblings have been depressed lately. It's not a surprise; it's genetic. But, I believe, for myself (and presumably that extends to them), there's a natural cure.

My mom recently gave me a book on yoga posses to cure whatever ails you. The book explains that neurotic and self-destructive behavior (such as isolating yourself, drinking, smoking, and over-eating) block the depressions ability to serve its purpose and transform you out of that feeling. We might also tell ourselves stories where everything that might possibly make us feel happy again is impossible: "I can't make new friends" or "I can't buy a bicycle." But ultimately, the book appears to suggest meditation (and yoga in general) to help bring to surface repressed emotions that are causing the depression.

I've got my own program. Here's what I suggest:
* one hour of exercise every day: walking, biking, swimming, yoga, whatever...
* meaningful conversations with two different people every day. in person is best, but by phone is an ok substitute sometimes.
* avoid refined sugar, alcohol and caffeine. in particular, avoid all depressants (like alcohol). with stimulants, whatever brings you up will also drop you down.
* eat protein.
* drink water (6-8 glasses per day?).

Activity ideas (all are optional):
* remember something that made you happy in the past and do that.
* a change of scenery -- of course, "where ever you go, there you are." But sometimes a change of scenery can break us out of destructive patterns of thinking.
* positive affirmations
* learn something new -- take a class, get a book from the library, find a mentor on the internet.

You can chat on the phone while walking and sipping water. You have to eat anyway, right? So, you might as well do it with friends and make it healthy. My program shouldn't take much time if you do it efficiently. Get well soon so we can be happy together.