Chipmunk: Rx for Depression
While my read-through-the-Bible-in 2006 group has been reading about Abraham’s sacrifice, I became the recipient of a sacrificial offering myself.
Earlier this week I was hit with a depression unlike any I've ever felt before. I think after the breakup with Michael (my partner for over 5 years), I had immersed myself in busy-ness, with moving to a new apartment, buying new furniture for “my” new place, plus a lot of activity at work. So I've kept my own depression at bay by keeping busy, and a few days ago it finally hit me full-force. The fact that I turn 44 next week, “alone” for the first time in 5 years, may also be a factor.
I have a whole new understanding and respect for my friends and loved ones (and clients) who struggle with depression. I've never experienced it this deeply before.
I'm addressing the depression by taking St. John's Wort (which seems to be working for me quite well), and I'm meeting with some friends and spiritual advisers this weekend. I've also scheduled a new-client orientation at the gym near my new apartment.
On Wednesday, when the depression was at its deepest, Kato, my mystical cat, was sensing my depression and kept wanting to play with me, pouncing on me, “tagging” my feet with his paw and running off. He went outside and brought me back a dead chipmunk, which he placed on my bed, just below my pillow (the appointed place for sacrifices), as he meowed loudly over it and did a little dance. I guess a dead chipmunk is the feline prescription for depression. It did motivate me to put on my shoes and get out of the apartment to walk out to the dumpster – after, of course, Kato had finished his dance.
Kato himself, of course, demands a daily sacrifice of tuna, but that's another story. . .
Darrell
www.WildFaith.com
Earlier this week I was hit with a depression unlike any I've ever felt before. I think after the breakup with Michael (my partner for over 5 years), I had immersed myself in busy-ness, with moving to a new apartment, buying new furniture for “my” new place, plus a lot of activity at work. So I've kept my own depression at bay by keeping busy, and a few days ago it finally hit me full-force. The fact that I turn 44 next week, “alone” for the first time in 5 years, may also be a factor.
I have a whole new understanding and respect for my friends and loved ones (and clients) who struggle with depression. I've never experienced it this deeply before.
I'm addressing the depression by taking St. John's Wort (which seems to be working for me quite well), and I'm meeting with some friends and spiritual advisers this weekend. I've also scheduled a new-client orientation at the gym near my new apartment.
On Wednesday, when the depression was at its deepest, Kato, my mystical cat, was sensing my depression and kept wanting to play with me, pouncing on me, “tagging” my feet with his paw and running off. He went outside and brought me back a dead chipmunk, which he placed on my bed, just below my pillow (the appointed place for sacrifices), as he meowed loudly over it and did a little dance. I guess a dead chipmunk is the feline prescription for depression. It did motivate me to put on my shoes and get out of the apartment to walk out to the dumpster – after, of course, Kato had finished his dance.
Kato himself, of course, demands a daily sacrifice of tuna, but that's another story. . .
Darrell
www.WildFaith.com
posted by Darrell Grizzle | 11:01 AM
6 Comments:
Well, that was one of the funniest, most upbeat posts written by a depressed person that I've ever read! /smile/
I do the same thing...get through a thing just fine and then fall apart later. I've come to realize it's all part of the process with me, so it doesn't throw me as much now.
Your cat sounds so amazing! Hope you have some fun plans for your special day.
What a considerate cat! My kitties usually leave other sorts of "offerings."
I've had problems lately with depression too. It's so true that it can sneak up on you while you're otherwise occupied. I'm glad the St. John's Wort is working for you and you have some friends close at hand for support. I'll send up a prayer.
It sounds like you're starting to come through it. My heart is with you. It's a strange thing that we can't get over a heartbreak until we through it, just like we can't transcend the ego until we get an ego.
You're gonna make it. And if you want to talk, let me know.
But I've got to add that Twyla took the words out of my mouth. That's one hilarious depressed post!
Dear Darrell,
My heart opens for you. I send you some lovelight to shine gently upon you.
~M
Sending you thoughts of peace and healing.
In my experience black dog demands attention at unexpected as well as expected times. There is fellowship, or there can be fellowship amongst those who recognise that they are carrying the dog. There is learning, learning to lead it around and bring it to heal. Hugs from a fellow dark dog owner.
And Kato.mmmmm Teaching comes from everywhere. For me a stormy sea and a full moon that stood still taught me about the courage and dignity to bring the dog to heal, even though it still slobbers on my leg and sometimes jumps up looking for my arms.
Hugs again
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