When It's More Than the Blues

Personal Health Questionnaire for Depression Screening*

Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following
problems? Yes No

1.During the past month, have you often been bothered by feeling
down, depressed, or hopeless?

2.During the past month, have you often been bothered by little
interest or pleasure in doing things?

About three months ago I answered a solid "yes" to both questions when I found myself in the grips of a depression as bad as when my brother died 27 years ago. I was in the perfect storm- hormones, work, family, responsiblity, my own mortality, and even my work with several suicidal patients seemed to be contagious.

The scary and sad part was, that even though intellectually, I knew I was in trouble, deep weeds as they say, I was not well enough to do anything to help myself for a couple months. It took all my energy to meet my daily work and home obligations, and learn to set down my own troubles and focus on something outside myself to function. My work is a source of satisfaction and pride, and that helped keep me going. I am also mindful and appreciative of my blessings, especially when friends and patients have struggles much greater than mine. I recognize my cup truly runneth over and this insight helps sustain me.

I felt better enough to seek some help, and I am finding my joy and balance again. It's a slow process, but certainly beats the alternative. I am enjoying my hobbies again, like gardening, and crafts, and have actually completed an embellished tank and jeweled bookmark.

I am thankful for the genuine love and support of family and friends, near and far who humble me with their caring. You all are part of this inspiration and support, for which I truly thank you.

I hope by "cleaning out my closet" with sharing about my depression, that I might help someone who is struggling, or help those close to the person recognize it and reach out.


*The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) sets are self-reported depression rating scales. For example, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a self-reported, 9-question version of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders.[12] The Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) is a shorter version of the PHQ-9 with two screening questions to assess the presence of a depressed mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in routine activities; a positive response to either question indicates further testing is required.

Cross posted at The Motivation Station as Cleaning Out My Closet, When It's More Than the Blues

Awards and a 200th Post Giveaway

Happy Monday and it's time to take care of some bloggy business and spread the love with Awards and a 200th post giveaway.

First, ta-da! An Award from Dearest Granny Annie that I very much appreciate though I am tres tardy in posting it. Thank you so much, Annie!


The Friends Award is self explanatory and the rule is to pay it forward to 8 blog friends! (Gee, only 8?)

So in no particular order and with much appreciation for the gift of your virtual friendship-

Weebles Webblog
Raggedy Anne
Momma Val
Mrs.Spit
The Rambler
Wicked StepMom
Barbara
Antibloggedy
Kimbosue
Soralis
Are You Kidding Me?
Kandi
Ashley
Cara
Sara the Gas Passer
Heather at Joys in My Life

Holy Cow, I better stop now, I nominated 16 blog buddies. So much for following the rules.

Now onto to the Prize Portion of today's post!! It's time for my One Year Blogaversary/200th Post Giveaway! The prize is 1 lb. of See's Chocolates in your choice of milk or dark chocolate and Desert Essence's Organic Lavender Body Lotion.





So please leave a comment to enter, that's all there is to it. A winner will be chosen by Random.org. Please leave your comment to enter by April 20th, 12 midnight Pacific Time. I will ship this Prize Anywhere in the world, as long as you have an address and it's legal for you to get some super delicious chocolate and body lotion.

Thank you so much and I wish you Great Luck and all the Best,

Martha