Beating Depression

There are millions of people dealing with depression. It has become a fact of life that so many have had to deal with for a good part of their lives.

When chronic illness comes into play, depression can really be hard to shake and in fact, it can become worse. Did you know that depression is one of the most common complications of those who suffer from chronic illnesses?

It's important to recognize the symptoms and be properly treated. Living and coping with a chronic illness is extremely challenging all by itself. Periods of sadness and grief are to be expected, but if they persist, you need to seek help.

*loss of appetite * fatigue *restlessness

*mood swings *loss of interest *withdrawal *unexplained pains

Some tips to help you cope with chronic illness and avoid depression:

• Try not to isolate yourself. Reach out to family and friends. If you don’t have a solid support system, take steps to build one. Ask your physician or therapist for referrals to a support group and other community resources.
• Learn as much as you can about your condition. Knowledge is power when it comes to getting the best treatment available, and maintaining a sense of autonomy and control.
• Make sure that you have medical support from experts you trust, and can talk to openly about your ongoing questions and concerns.
• If you suspect that your medication is causing you to be depressed, consult your doctor about alternative treatments.
• If you are in chronic pain, talk with your physician about alternative pain management.
• As much as is possible, remain engaged in the activities you enjoy. Doing so will keep you connected, as well as boosting your self-confidence and sense of community.
• If you become depressed, don’t wait too long before seeking help. Find a therapist or counselor whom you trust.

Everyone will deal with some form of depression in their life, the key is to acknowledge it, before it consumes you. If you are already consumed, by depression, please seek help. There are ways to help you cope and manage this. Try not to focus on the illness you have, but the person you are. A diagnoses, does not have to label you. It does limit you. It does not mean you can't beat the odds!

Growing up, I saw first hand, what depression can do to someone. A once vibrant mother, transforming into a bitter and angry beast. My mother had fallen into the trap and was consumed by a monster, called depression. To this day, she lives in that pit. It has become her normal. Many have tried to reach out to her, but unless she extends a hand back, I don't know what to do for her.

Seeing my mother, I was determined to break the cycle. I fight a constant battle, between the need to fight, and the desire to fall and give up. But I refuse to let my chronic "illness" be my life. I focus on WHO I am, not WHAT I am.

I know it's hard. I know having a chronic illness sucks.....but what are you going to about it? The only thing we have the power to change, is how we deal with it. And you know what? I'm not about to roll over and die. No way! I am in the ring, with my gloves on and will fight till that last bell rings.

For those that want to talk, I'm here. I'm a friend and will listen.

I'm reaching out. Please reach back.

Kristi.hopkins@gmail.com

Waiting Room

With all these Doctor visits, we have spent TONS of time in the waiting room. Here are some tips to make the time you spend go a little smoother.

First....Plan on waiting. If you don't have to, then GREAT....but plan ahead! I have learned the hard way.

It really stinks when you are in a waiting room with kids, and they have NOTHING for kids to do, so the first thing to do, is to bring something for them to have fun with. (Coloring books, reading books, anything that can hold their attention)

If the place has internet access, bring your computer. If I go to a appointment alone, I bring my computer....This is where I catch up on emails and do some writing.

Today, I had a dental appnt. The waiting room was packed with people, so I knew I was in for a wait. Lots of interesting people in there! One women, who was in a wheel chair, with obvious tourette syndrome, rolled around to each person waiting, pointing "You're ugly....you're not...you're ugly...you're not" I hold my breath as she gets to me, and sigh relief as she says "you're not"...... A hour and a half later, I finally get called for my appnt. You never know when you will have to wait, so be prepared!

Avoid frustration, and plan plenty of time, for the appointment. This will save your nerves and make for a more pleasurable time at the doctor.

This is why I always try to schedule my appnts for the first appnt of the day.....That way I won't have to deal with the doctor running behind. Because...it never fails, I always end up waiting.

One of the BEST waiting rooms I have ever been in had a children's play area, stocked with toys, large cushioned chairs and plenty of reading material! I tell ya...I got all caught up on my 'Jon and Kate' gossip there!

The worst waiting room was just the other day at the Neurosurgeon. A drab plain room, line with wooden chairs. Magazines that were outdated and very obviously read through a zillion times. The kids were flopping all over the floor and crawling under the chairs....it was definitely NOT a fun experience. And unfortunately, we ended up waiting in that room for over an hour!

Waiting is NEVER fun. But plan ahead. Pack a bag of goodies...it will make the time you spend in the waiting room more manageable.

Bright Eyes!

One of my favorite songs of all time! Every time I post a Turn it Around Tuesday. this song goes through my head.

Since I'm feeling a bit under the weather, I thought it would be nice for me to take a break, and for you to enjoy a song!

Happy Tuesday

Neurofibromatosis Diagnoses

Motivational Monday

I have met a lot of parents lately, who have recently received the diagnoses of Neurofibromatosis for their child.

It's amazing, when you reach out to someone who has a need, how the word gets around, and you have a full group of people, who are desperate to understand their new diagnoses.

I know how confused I felt when my own children were diagnosed. I wanted to know WHY, even though, for me, my "why" was really already known. I was desperate and frantic for answers...only to come up short, and left feeling more alone than ever.

It's one thing to have the disorder myself...I could be strong and courageous, but now this is passed to my children, how will THEY cope?

The first step in "coping" with any kind of diagnoses, is to first understand it. By understanding the illness, you bring the control back to you. The control, can be used as power, as you educated yourself and those around you.

Living with any chronic illness takes courage. But when you learn to face your fears, you will one day move past them, so you can live a happy and full filling life.

Neurofibromatosis, is not the end. I have found that life is what you make of it, and is full of choices. If you choose the "doom and gloom" path, that's YOUR choice, and you will have to deal with what comes from that.....But for me, I choose to show my children what true strength is, and help them THRIVE with NF. By being taught and shown this.....that's how THEY will cope.

Children learn from everything we as parents do and say. And showing them, that I will NOT, just turn over and let this disease consume me, teaches them the courage, they will need to get through anything.

Freak Friday

Yup, pretty much sums up everything I'm feeling

Happy Friday Everyone

XXX