What Exercise Is For Me? Or Isn't There Any??

Yesterday I touched on how exercise is one of the best remedies for depression. Today we will talk about how I can go about getting that exercise. Since the dog thing isn't going to work out, I suppose I'll have to try alternatives.

The cheapest and easiest way to exercise is to walk. Of course in the winter in Harrisburg, especially this winter, the obstacle becomes snow, ice, unshoveled walks, broken cement, etc. With two knee replacements, the last place I want to fall is on the cement so this avenue isn't really my first choice. Of course, one could walk inside. I live in a three-story building where there are lots of steps but I think my neighbors would think I was nutty if I just all of a sudden starting walking the halls. I would get tagged "that nosey old lady in 204". It's hard enough living here without that title.

Another thought someone mentioned was the work out DVD's. Come on ... my apartment is right next to the entrance door and my TV is in that room. Do you really think I am going to flaunt this flab for everyone to see? Besides, I would have to rearrange my furniture. Now, I love the Cybrex trainer ... I would gladly rearrange some furniture for one of those.

The next and most practical would be to join a gym. I used to belong to one but I quit because I just couldn't find the "umph" to drive there. Hated going directly after work and once I got home it was pointless ... I wasn't going to leave to go "that far". I don't live driving alone after dark. I did like it at PF, and it was cheap to belong there; but they didn't offer any classes or programs (why it was cheap) and I wasn't structured enough on my own.

I did find a gym very close to my house with all kinds of programs. They even have a class on Tai Chi for Arthritis, which my daughter has been telling me to go to for a long time. They have a pool with water aerobics and all kinds of machines and programs for all ages. What is stopping me? The cost. It would be above my limit and it makes me mad but my friend just told me ... "that is to keep the riff-raff out". He's probably right.

Well, I could go on and on with excuses but I've got to have a program in place by my next appointment with my nutritionist. It is my last step for my surgery. What am I going to do???

I keep thinking that if all this is involved in getting old, maybe the alternative isn't so bad after all. LOL

Should I Rent A Dog??

Yesterday’s blog was about depression. Now we are going to explore ways of combating said depression.

One sure way is to get a dog. Dogs are a lot of fun but they are also a lot of work; thereby taking up the time you used to spend fretting and worrying. Of course now you have something new to worry about … dogs require a lot of care; hence vet bills, food, upkeep, etc. However, the rewards come in licks to the face, a furry lap robe, someone on the other side of the bed, and grateful generosity. They are a lot of company.

Now, I have three cats and I love them. They are company when they choose to be. There are times you could come to my house and think I have no cats at all … they like to hide. Sometimes when I am reading or watching TV, I can look around and not a cat is to be found. No so with a dog – they will always be where you are (unless of course they don’t feel well or they are being disciplined). Dogs have a very human-like personality.

I heard once that independent personality people are cat people and dependent personality people are dog people. That may be true because the older and less independent I’ve become, the more I have yearned for a dog. I was seriously considering one about a year ago but my landlord put a stop to that dream – no dogs.

Now, I have a grand-dog and I love her dearly. She is allowed to visit at my house, and even stay but I always hate to see her leave. She is generous with kisses and affection and she lets you know every minute that “she is there” … PAY ATTENTION TO ME!!

I am having weight-reduction surgery in a few months. One of the requirements is to start an exercise program. I’ve been very lax about that. I heard on the radio yesterday that people with dogs on the average get more exercise that people who join the gym. You know, a dog cannot be ignored like that dusty gym membership.

My next thought would be to “rent a dog”. I know friends who have dogs that they don’t have enough time to walk (is there ever enough time, according to the dog?) so I could probably find a dog to amble along the river with. What is wrong with this picture? The problem would be that I would grow so attached to the dog that I would be even more depressed when I had to take it back to it’s rightful home. Therefore, renting a dog is not a good idea for someone like me.

For right now, I am stuck dog-less so I guess I’ll have to explore other methods of getting my exercise. I could put one of my cat’s on a leash but they all three hate the outside. I would have to rename them cigarette and take them out for a drag!!

Can We Live With Depression??

FEBRUARY: It is a cold and dark month. We get very little sunshine and most days going outside is next to impossible. But there is always the hope that Spring is lurking right around the corner? Don't feel that way? Well, in my opinion, that is normal.

Depression seems to hit the hardest in February. A lot of people like to blame the weather, saying they are suffering from SADS (Seasonal Affective Disorder Syndrome), and some people truly do; but I think if you have clinical depression, it can surface no matter what the weather.

What sets us off? For me, I've had a lot of heartbreaks in February. My father committed suicide in February ... does anyone really want to live through that? My brother died in February of cancer and he was only 48 years old. I could go on and on, but you get the picture. I think subconsciously things bother us more at one time than they do at others; and it is this time that we need all the support we can get. Depression is not a disease you can "go alone". It is controlled by medication and therapy but note that I said "controlled" >> not cured. There is no cure for clinical depression.

Some people will tell you to "buck up", get a hold of yourself, find a hobby, and so on. It is obvious that these people have never felt real depression or they would understand. And if they love you, they will do their best to support you even on the worst days.

The stigma of this illness is "you're crazy". Well, crazy suggests insanity. If you are depressed, you certainly are not insane. Because of this stigma, many people suffer endlessly because they are too embarrassed to admit they need help or to get the help they need.

Depression, like hypertension, diabetes, etc. etc. is also familial. I remember my teenage years when my mother spent entire weekends and days and days in bed, not talking to anyone, and then screaming her head off for no good reason. It literally made me hate her. We did not have a good relationship because of her undiagnosed depression that I had to live through. Unknowingly, I did the same thing to my children. It took me a long time to realize that I was unfit to live with. Maybe I still am, but I do try hard. At least I am not ashamed to admit I have a problem and I try to deal with it the best way that I can.

Some people will say reading this will make them depressed. It isn't a joke, nor is it funny. If you think you have this problem, get help. Do it for yourself and for the ones you love. You will eventually see the biggest difference in yourself. Learn to love yourself. Tell yourself that you aren't too bad after all. Have a talk with the man in the mirror and let him know he's OK. A big part of my healing was becoming spiritual and putting my problems into the hands of a higher being. I am not talking about religion or going to church. I am talking about things that are just too big for humans to handle on their own. The power of prayer is powerful!!! Does that sound redundant? Well, I've seen it with my own eyes and I believe in the word impossible.

Yes, we can live with depression. Or we can ignore it hoping it will fix itself and keep on being miserable. Take the test and see if your February doldrums are just that -- tired of winter; or if it is something more serious. Remember, you can't change the past; but you are in charge of your future.