Depression – The Smith Farmhouse

Well, “Hello Everyone!” For the past few months I haven’t written a blog post, I wasn’t very active on social media and I pretty much isolated myself. I didn’t know it then but turns out I was just practicing to survive the current situation of sheltering at home and it’s annoying partner social distancing.

Last fall a couple of different circumstances in my life caused me to pull away from most social interactions. I hunkered down at home and focused on our farm and caring for my granddaughter during the week. Since she had just started to walk, I kept pretty busy just chasing a toddler around. On the weekends I had so much to do to care for all our animals, get caught up on the housework and enjoy time with my husband. I found it easy to make excuses for not attending many social gatherings.

As an extroverted introvert I like being with people but I also enjoy uninterrupted time to to recharge, read a book, write, and watch a movie among other things. I get it, alone time can be nice but make it a mandatory isolation from others and boy does that change my perspective quickly. When you add the stress of a global pandemic to the mix, feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness can flood in overwhelm. I know, It’s difficult to be disconnected from others for any reason. In the past few months there were many days I felt lonely and down right forgotten. Wether we think it or not, we ALWAYS need authentic and healthy relationships in our life. I was just coming to the realization that I needed to open myself and my home to other people and WHAM!… Covid 19 stepped uninvited into all of our lives.

So here are some choices I found helpful for maintaining mental, physical and spiritual health in isolation.

First thing everyday, talk to God.

Some people call it prayer or meditation. I would say it’s a conversation, one that starts your day by focusing in on where your heart and mind are at. It starts there but never really ends, it is a conversation that keeps going throughout the day. (If you don’t believe in God it’s alright because He believes in you.)

Get Dressed.

Get out of those PJ’S, take a shower, do your hair etc.. Seriously, you know you have the time for it! Oh and…Put on your button up jeans at least twice a week. (Sweat pants, yoga pants or stretchy bottoms of any kind are not your best friend)

Eat Healthy.

Your body needs you to fuel it with healthy nutrition so you can make good decisions and persevere through the onslaught of negative emotions that isolation can bring. Treat yourself occasionally to the things that you enjoy but maybe once a week, not everyday. ( I struggle with this daily so I Know, I really do.)

Feed Your Mind Well.

Don’t stuff your mind with excessive TV, social media, Youtube, Netflix or any other easy entertainment. These outlets can put you on a quick road to feeling depressed, anxious, and discouraged, need I say more? Try reading a good book, paint, draw, be creative. Do the things that bring you feelings of accomplishment and don’t leave you drained. ( It’s our chance to do things we talked about doing if we had the time, now we do!)

Go Outside Everyday.

Take a walk, at least step out on the balcony or front porch. Rain, snow, sun… do it, it’s a good way to reset your mood and gain a renewed perspective. (On my walk today I found the flower pictured above, it had bloomed in spite of its thorny prison. It inspires me to do likewise……)

Reach Out to Others.

I’ve incorporated reaching out to those I love in my daily life. Making phone calls, writing letters and finding better ways to communicate, “I’m here”, “I care about you”, “I need You”. ( Choose to do and say what you want and need from others)

In all seriousness, being isolated is no joke, but together, we can to get past our current situation. When that day comes we can “Arise and Shine” stronger, wiser, and more connected than before.

I am probably quite similar to a most women in the way I have not made taking care of myself a priority. I suppose we convince ourselves of our need to be somewhere else or to do something perceived more important; these ideas often takes precedence over caring for our physical and mental needs. I have been married for 31 years, raised three children, homeschooled, worked in a busy church office and participated in ministry most my adult life; I have been running at full speed for as long as I can remember. A person can only neglect themselves for so long before it takes a heavy toll. I made excuses for myself and allowed myself to believe I would get all those bad habits under control “someday” when life slowed down.

Five years ago we left California and moved to a rural county in Western Washington; my life seemed to go from 100 miles per hour to 10. It took a couple years to find the right property to build our future on, but we finally found the right place. I was in the place I had dreamed of for years surrounded by so much blessing; however I felt hopeless inside. I had no solid reason to feel this way so, I reasoned my emotions on hormones or pre-menopause symptoms. I was doing active hard physical work on the farm but I kept gaining more and more weight. I was exhausted , and depressed. I would look in the mirror and not recognize myself, I felt lost and trapped in a foreign body and mind. It is a frightening feeling to be so disconnected with your own self, but I worked really hard to portray my old self.

Fortunately, I asked my husband to make me an appointment with a new naturopathic Dr. in our area. Dr. Taylor found me to be low in vitamin D, a low thyroid production and obese. I faced the facts head on and embraced a new diet, began taking a thyroid replacement and vitamin D supplements. Within two weeks I began to feel hopeful again, as if someone opened the window of my mind and let the sunshine in. I share my personal story to encourage anyone who may be struggling with symptoms like mine to not put off taking care of yourself. I am so thankful to look to the future with a healthy mind and body so I can enjoy living on my little farm with hope and joy. I even decided to ditch the muck boots and work clothes for the day to get a a new hair style. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our families and our farm is to do the best thing for ourselves.

Tag: Depression

New You, New Do