Previously published in Examiner
If you are a Montrealer who is trying to recover from depression, you know all too well how hard it can be. Depression is not something that can just be willed away. Staying alone and isolating yourself only makes the depression worse. Reaching out for support is important, whether it be to family or friends; or if you have severe depression, you must seek therapy to help you through these trying times.
Here are some centers in Montreal for the treatment of depression
The Montreal Center for Anxiety and Depression
Montreal Clinic for Therapy Services
Interested individuals can seek hospital services and outpatient clinics around the city
Tips to help you through your depression and onto a better life.
Relax with your pets
You can play with your pets. Many people find the soft pure of a cat very soothing, or simply petting and talking to their animals a good way to relax and center themselves.
Listening to soft music and taking a relaxing bath
You listen to soft music or you can take a long relaxing bath with soft bath scents like lavender and vanilla. Lighting candles and a resting in a softly light room also calms your nerves and can put you at ease.
Mental Imagery
You can think good thoughts in your mind, For example what was it like to see your baby smile for the first time? How did it feel to hold your baby the first time. You can do this even if your baby is already 30 years old.
Try to remember the sights and smells of your favorite member. If one of your special memories is October in Vermont. What was it like, who was there, what did they say, how were they dressed, what was their smile like. What were they doing? How fresh did the Autumn air feel. What were the colours of the trees,
Imagine yourself watching a single leaf fall to the ground.
Imagery is a very important and is a powerful tool for the mind to reprogram itself. Concentrate on as many senses as you can when you remember your special memory. What did it look like, what did it feel like, what did it smell like, what did it sound like and what did it taste like.
to be continued
Sources
WEBMD