Just over a week ago I took a tumble on my mountain bike. I
flew over the handlebars and landed on lots of rocks. Then my bike landed on
top of me. I pulled myself together, dusted myself off and rode my bike to the
bottom of the mountain. Then I sat and took stock of my injuries. I imagine I
was in a bit of shock, because I was shaking, my ribs where tender and it hurt
to breath. I decided to call it a day.
The next day was so much worse! Every breath hurt and every
movement hurt my left side. But I was a trooper, and tried to ignore the pain
and go to work and be a mom. After three days the pain was so much that I went
to see a doctor for some pain medicine. I didn’t think there would be much the
doctor could do – bruised ribs or broken ribs are healed the same way, with
time and rest. And although there wasn’t much she could do, she did send me for
x-rays and I learned the details of the damage I did.
I have a contusion on my lung (basically a bruise) and a few
fractured ribs. Time and rest along with pain killers and anti-inflammatory
pills are what I need. So I’m trying.
I have to be honest, resting is so boring! Being confined to
a reclined position makes me feel tired and depressed. Every time I see a
Facebook post that a friend is out riding her mountain bike, I was to cry in
jealousy. It is unfair and it makes me angry and sad.
The doctor says it will take 4 – 6 weeks to heal, but that I
should be careful because if I go out with a fracture not fully healed and do
something that pulls it and tears it apart, it will take an extra long time to
heal.
So I need to rest and can’t push myself too soon or it will
take longer to heal and I’ll just have to rest more. So bottom line, I need to
rest.
My biggest concern is depression. Sitting around, not doing
much of anything makes me depressed. I feel sorry for myself, which isn’t
healthy mentally, I miss the endorphins created by exercise, and I miss the
social interactions I get through mountain biking or Taekwondo.
So, I need some help keeping myself in a good mental space
while I’m resting. What tips do you have for fighting depression when you are
forced to rest for an illness or injury? What can I do?
No tips, but I am right there with you. Been fighting a running injury for months... it's killing me.
ReplyDeleteBummer, I've been confined to a wheelchair and a hospital bed for the past 2 months. In early July I got plowed into by a car on my motorcycle, I have a heal time of about a year ahead of me. It's not easy, but. You just have to keep occupied. Tv and mind numbing things only go so far. Try reading if you like it? Or take an online class. I'm brushing up on my Spanish. Maybe I'll be fluent by the time this is over?
Deletelots of reading, movies.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get well soon. When I have no work to do I spend my time reading a book about depression or any related topic. I know it sounds odd, but on the contrary to what you may assume, it does not make me more depressed. It actually makes my mood better. let's say this: don't read about depression, read something about positive psychology, there is a positive psychology course lectures from Harvard on youtube ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwUecXRvnS0 ). Try reading: Stumbling on Happiness, you will like it a lot. it is not about depression, but about how we can synthesize happiness. if you don't want to buy the book, you can find a lot of Videos by the author Daniel Gilbert and by others talking about the book topic, about happiness and the science of positive psychology.
ReplyDeletegood luck.
I would make sure your diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Making sure you get some time in the sun for Vitamin D. I know when I'm injured I end up sitting on the couch way too much and forget about freah air. I wonder if it would be okay to take a slow walk around the block each day? I like to do word puzzles and games. I download them onto my kindle. They challenge your brain and may keep those negative thoughts from creeping in. Make sure you laugh :) hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, that is annoying!
ReplyDeleteWhen I am forced to be still, besides the usual TV watching, I try to create some kind of 'project' so I have a purpose, such as studying one particular topic on the internet, or cleaning up my blog, catching up on emails, stuff like that.
Puzzles get stale after awhile but I do those too.
I catch up with friends on the phone.
Do you do anything with your hands such as sewing or crocheting or knitting?
Those are some of the things that I do....
I agree with Mandy about eating a healthy and balanced diet. Also, try writing one poem per day, every day. On any topic. No one ever has to see them so why not try it? Try art. Get a pad and some colored pencils. Art is a right-brain activity that will help release those endorphins you are missing. Write a letter to your Aunt in another state. Try something new like embroidery or cross stitch. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMeditation is something I do that doesn't require moving around that really helps my mood and helps me calm down and focus my thoughts on more positive things.
ReplyDeleteOuch! :( Definately lots of reading!! Music is my life-saver when I need something to do! I put in my iPod and I feel much better. It'll also help keep a positive attitude!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds terribly painful, so sorry it happened and hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteI usually write to keep my mind off things when I'm stuck alone. Playing video games and reading also helps. I hope you feel better soon. It sucks that being active is keeping you from, well, being active.
ReplyDeleteHi. I have depression and anxiety. I'm in the midst of a tough bout right now, but I know it's mostly due to me moving. I hate this feeling so so so much. It feels like it'll never get better. Anyway, something that DOES make me feel better is reading about it. I read health articles (these make me feel like it's somehow "normal") and then blogs (these make me feel less alone). So I just wanted to reach out and say Hi. You're not alone either. And I hope you're up and about soon.
ReplyDeletemy thoughts would be: we live too much, relying on physical impulses - the ocean is not all about the waves, how can it be bad to have it in stillness reflecting the moon beam?
ReplyDeletewe live too much, relying on social scene, that we become the worst enemy when we're alone. we are simply estranged to our own being. additionaly, being alone is not loneliness.
So true! I do bury myself in activity and find it hard to just be alone with myself. Good insights!
DeleteReading and writing are my saviors at times like this.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you, I really do. Honestly, I wish these were my problems. Jesus Chirst. You are a mother and you have time to ride a fancy moutain bike? Im 23 years old and I don't have the time to think about buying a mountain bike. Im envious of your life. If mine could only be that simple.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was 23 - it certainly was a very different time for me. Now over a decade later, things have certainly changed. Although I wouldn't say that being a mom that works full time is simple, I have a lot to juggle, but make time to mountain bike because it is good for me, both as a person with depression and as a mom setting a good example to two daughters.
DeleteI hope things get better for you.
Thank you all for the tips, reading, writing, meditating, eating healthy are all great tips. Although I must admit that I suck at meditating :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try to go back tomorrow and see how it goes. I'm two weeks post injury now and can notice the healing that has happened.
Being home alone resting has been very insightful. And I'm not sure I've welcomed all of those insights, but there they are all the same.
I wish for good health for all of you - body and mind!
By "go back tomorrow", I mean go back to work - my brain is moving faster than my fingers!
ReplyDeleteI survived work today. Looks like things will return to normal.
ReplyDeleteWow, great post. I am impressed by reading this.
ReplyDeleteThis will helpful for me in future.
I don't think that it's a major reason to give a stress on a mind.you just need to take a proper rest.you will get well soon.
ReplyDeleteI would recommend reading some good books. Since you have an interest in fitness, why not read some material on that subject. This will keep you occupied while your wound heal..
ReplyDeleteJack
Hi guys,
ReplyDeleteI am a Suicide Survivor!
And I found cure for Depression and other mental diseases I had...
I´m here to let you know: there are ways to get better!
I gave a talk at TED about my story. It can help others to heal themselves!
http://talentsearch.ted.com/video/Ana-Maria-Saad-My-story-of-ment;TEDSao-Paulo
Let´s spread it and lessen society prejudices!
Never give up!
Oh no! I feel your pain. I had an almost identical mountain biking injury (two fractured ribs and painful bruising from going endo!) this spring, following a sprained knee from spring skiing. Way to put a damper on all my fun! My physiotherapist wrapped my ribs in kineas tape and that helped with the pain from breathing for a few days. I'm fairly active so when I can't be my depression definitely sets in, but I try to spoil myself during my time on the injured list by cooking great meals, getting lots of chill time in the sun or at the beach, finding new music, and the odd spa day (go all out!). It's also a great time to try some new things and explore a creative outlet like painting, or in my case, photography. Happy healing! You will be out riding again before you know it!
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree more. It is best to find different things you can enjoy doing with limited mobility. Painting, reading or you can continue getting in touch with friends and family virtually or online and start organizing the activities you plan doing when you are fully healed. Then again, if you see that you need some assistance to help you out, do not hesitate and do what I did… I contacted my Irvine therapist for guidance. Through sessions, I learned to make changes in your behavior and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI've also been through depression and one day someone told me to consult some expert medical professional for this. I consult a Doctor and he prescribed me a medicine named Stablon. He told me that Stablon works against depression. I am quiet well now but sometimes I still feel like I am depressed. Whenever I feel like depressed I start watching cartoons and trust me that makes me happy. All what I want to say is whenever you feel depressed, do your favorite things such as I watch cartoons.
ReplyDeleteListening to upbeat music as well as singing my to the top of my lungs makes me feel good. I, too feel depressed sometimes. But still Life must go on for its part of the journey which makes us strive more to be perfect like Jesus Christ/ God.
ReplyDeleteWell it may be what we call a 'busman's holiday' in England, what with having a family but cooking something you've never thought of attempting before can be fairly satisfying, not too strenuous and perhaps a future dinner party piece. Sushi? Fancy Italian? Lebanese? I find even making poached eggs in the morning set me up; they're tricky little things but once you've got it... you've got it.
ReplyDeleteIt may be what we call in England a 'busman's holiday' with having a family but cooking something challenging like sushi, authentic italian, even lebabnese! is a good way of achieving something in a day; research, shopping, chopping and eating.
ReplyDeletego to the beach and instead of doing strokes in the water, just float. Or you can play games on facebook. That's what I do. Listen to music or if you have a garden, go out and pick flowers and bring into the house. Write in your journal. Call a friend.Eat your favorite dessert. Take a long hot bath. Have a family member take you for a pedicure. Things like that. Hope you feel better.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more. Add in narcotic pain meds and I've been an absolute mess. I had surgery on my shoulder last week..unable to do much of anything for myself has been tough. I here you loud and clear.
ReplyDeleteYou do not need to be depressed. Just be happy always.. Depression is quite common now a days. But don't make it hyper.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog and I kinda know the feeling. All week I’ve had to stay home, as work is being done to my bathroom - walls ripped out and noise and loads of dust. One thing that will keep you busy is keeping up on blog posts. Hope you’re feeling better soon. Take care.
ReplyDeleteYour blog post is very interesting and fanatic, at the same time the blog theme is unique and perfect, great job. - zoloft medication
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your accident and hope you've recovered and are able to be back on the bike by now. Something that might be useful for you in the future is practicing mindfulness, observing and acknowledging your thoughts and emotions but staying present in each moment rather than being overwhelmed.
If you ever get a chance to visit Thailand, or need a place to go for a break, you should check out the New Life Foundation. It's in a beautiful, remote village and is a low-cost center that welcomes people who have suffered from depression, addiction, stress and burn out. They teach residents to cope with their feelings and circumstances by practicing mindfulness and offers them the opportunity to work one-on-one with a life coach, as well as participate in yoga, meditation, sports and art therapy. It's a really fantastic place with a very supportive community. Here's the website: http://www.newlifethaifoundation.com/
Best of luck to you!
Keep your self busy as much you can on the bed ,read books ,watch your favorite shows ,I think story books or novel will help your mind to ignore your pain ,,but at the same time I will suggest if the pain is immense or you cant bear it dont ignore it as the normal pain..anyways get well soon....myersbriggspersonalitytest
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.Was a good read. its really helpful for me.
ReplyDeleteI can only suggest you that when you are feeling depressed, divert your mind to other things like watching funny videos or reading which makes you happy as much as and keep away from depression. - Generic Cymbalta
ReplyDeleteThis Article is good.Interesting article about "Health & Beauty" bloggers.
ReplyDeleteHealth & Beauty
Does Thinking Younger Help?
When I was a little girl, each morning I awoke thinking “I cannot wait until I get to my 20's for that American dream”. Marriage, children, big house, and possibly a really beautiful, big dog in the back of my car. Well, I did the marriage thing in my 20's, but didn’t get around to the children thing until I was in my late 30's.
Health & Beauty for more information
Thanks
***
As was mentioned by others I think reading might help. I found some interesting articles on watchtower.org about depresstion. Get well soon!
ReplyDeleteHello there;
ReplyDeleteHope you are well :)
This is the first time I read your blog and I've read this post from July 17, 2012 when you had your bike injury as posted above. I would like to suggest strengthening / growing in your faith. I'm not sure where you stand with God as far as what you believe. But I too, was battling depression - especially when left alone and as of March of this year - I have been 'saved' by my faith. If I'm ever feeling down, I open up my bible and get into God's word. Instantly I start to feel better and pray in thankfulness for all of my blessings. I know that through Jesus, my savior, I am saved and that I am never alone.
Feel free to check out my blog too... triplestrengthdose.blogspot.com
-Cat :)
God Bless
Depression is incurable. Don’t let them tell you otherwise. They’re just afraid to admit it to the public. I guess that would remove any hope some people might have left. What’s left but suicide? So they humanely and cruelly keep inventing pills that ultimately don’t work, at great profits. There’s no down side. They give people false hope, but it least its hope, and why not make a couple of billion in the process. Let’s not forget about the talk therapists. They don’t have a clue either. Sure they can help stupid people who can’t think for themselves. Hey doc, why do I continue to do the same stupid shit time after time? Because your stupid and you love lying in the pile of shit you build for yourself. There comes a time when we must realize that talk runs out, pills don’t cut it. Pills and bullshit only go so far then when it all runs out; you’re on your own. What you don’t realize is that you have been on your own all along. But at least you helped keep some people employed for a while. What’s worse than that is the pro’s think they make a difference. They deny the fact that in reality all they do is help you pass time; they help you kick the can down the road a little longer. They have to believe it or they will have to admit that their life is a waste of time as well. I wonder when they gave up and just decided to make a business out of it. Call it capitalism. Maybe they should tell people, you know there’s nothing we can do. You will be depressed forever. Some days will be better than others, and maybe we can help you get through those times. If life wasn’t about cash success and status then maybe we could just take some time to feel better what would that be like? I need some time off because it’s all too much right now. I need some time to preserve my sanity. How shameful would that be to admit? Maybe this structured society we have created is the source. Why do sick people have to feel shame and embarrassment for something they can’t control? Just pull yourself up by your bootstraps and get out there. Get over it already. You should fucking try it sometime. Cancer is a disease, diabetes is a disease, but mental illness is an emotional defect. It’s a failure of courage and will. Something to get over. Maybe some mental illnesses are terminal; it’s there till you die. How about just telling people, and helping them manage it. Your life isn’t over, you have an acceptable condition that society can absorb without fear of condemnation and shame. Maybe we could approach depression much like we approach addiction. It is a life long struggle, but there is help out there, people just like you. Support groups like A.A. where you don’t need an expensive therapist. Some place where you can go for support and not worry about how to pay for it. No one would judge you. There’s always a meeting somewhere. You don’t have to hold it all in until next week when your next appointment is. And really who can remember all that crap and be able to discuss it on demand. Who the fuck are you going to call when you’re on your way home from work and tears are streaming down your face. Do you think your shrink is sitting by the phone waiting for your call? Let’s not forget, they have a life. When you wish you could have an accident and it would all be over. No shame in dying like that. You family can accept your death that way. How about a place where you could just walk in the door and someone is there to listen. Not a priest or a preacher who’s just going to tell you to hand it over to a God you might not believe in, but a peer who really gets it.
ReplyDeleteWell written. I relate to this
DeleteOne thing you could do would be to rock out to YouTube, stereo system, or Ipod. Find something to organize. Clean house, make a scrapbook, join online website with people of similar interests where you can start topics of conversation. Make friends with your neighbors. Writing about how you feel is a great step!!
ReplyDeleteYour personality reflects on your work. Keep a positive vibes.
ReplyDeleteinsurance websites
Point is to be positive and to stay positive, that is something most important in our life.
ReplyDeleteThanks... Great job... The above information about Stress and depression is very nice and useful...
ReplyDeleteAs for my own personal experience, I used to spend a lot of time feeling anxious and afraid - and spent even more time trying to pretend I wasn't. I started a program on a whim, and it ended up helping me a lot - to learn about myself, figure out who I really am here to be, and to BE that and let go of all the fear sitting in between.
ReplyDeleteIt didn't cost money or perscription meds. It only cost some of my time, a willingness to learn, and gaining a few more friends.
I feel it might help others too, so I'll start here. It's called Elfpath. If anyone's curious enough, feel free to check it out. :)
elfpath.com/intro
thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteHopefully You are well and mended. I am actually too good at doing nothing which does feed my depression, but I use nothingness as down time, as life can be so hectic.
ReplyDeleteI find many things can help pass the time, lots that have already been mentioned. But sometimes nothing helps. Even things I usually enjoy.
If I were to suggest somethings though - watching a bird, or my cat or an animal can be a good way to tune out from your mind and tune into something else. Connecting with nature - just taking in the world and really listening to all the sounds. Taking a bath with candles.
Thanks for your blog it´s great to read your story.
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie
ReplyDeleteI can wholeheartedly relate to this post. I have had the most amazing two years having thought I had beaten the black dog through exercise, diet and medication. But then 2 months ago the dog started to bite again. I realised I wasn't in fact cured but with the benefit of hindsight I knew I would pull through. I decided to treat the whole experience as part of the journey which I too have been blogging about. Have a read if you like of parts 13 and 14 of my own site as it is on the same topic. I hope you managed to get through ok and are now up and running... or cycling!
Mark
You've probably made a full recovery and back on your mountain bike or doing taekondow again by now. Anyway, looking at LoLCats or funny animal pictures, reading technical journals or other non-emotionally-involving focus-intensive stuff, and doing puzzles or engage in mystery-solving mode (read mystery novels, documented unsolved cases, etc.) I love being active, too, so I do a lot of those things when I can't be active. Hope some of them may be your cup of tea as well.
ReplyDeleteYou have to keep in mind you will be able to go out mountain biking again once your healed so your got something to look forward to, what your doing now is taking control and looking after yourself so be proud of that xx
ReplyDeleteInjury is really gives us depression specially if we can't do our favorite thing to do. I think the best medicine for this is the inspiration and the support of our friends and family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about this, and hope you get well soon, we send you a speedy recovery! Try not to feel sorry for yourself, remember that there are people in worst situations out there, and you're lucky as your accident could have been worse. To lift up your mood why not listen to music that makes you feel good, maybe some Barry White, or Beyonce? You could also rent loads of girl movies and lay down in bed watching them!You can even play board games with your family, maybe Taboo? Scrabble? Monolpoly? What do you think ?:)
ReplyDeleteThe knot in the pit of my stomach is a little e-book I am reading now. I have to say, the person who wrote it knows what he is talking about. It's something to read.
ReplyDeleteResting is boring! There's no way I can sit still and watch tv or do nothing unless there is something else in my hands. I had surgery and had to be out of work for 5 weeks. I think I wore my laptop out when it was all said and done.
ReplyDeleteTry creating a project for yourself to finish, it can be anything you enjoy.. My guitar is what I use to cheer myself up. I find that with depression, my motivation has just disappeared but setting goals seems to help :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just started a blog which hopefully will help to. If anyone is interested it can be read at: www.mysecretillness.blogspot.com.au
Interesting to read. I think Moutain Biking might help you ... what are the experiences of others? Would love to read more about that!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post.
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear of your battle with depression - even though falling off your bike where you will heal fully in a few weeks - is neither here nor there in my opinion. But what it shows is that you are a deeply unhappy person and using anything to try and distract you from dealing with the real issues of your depression and as you say you have been hiding it for 21 years. I have a great deal of sympathy with you and am pleased you have created this blog to share your views. Does it help you?
I went through a very difficult time myself where I almost lost my life and was highly suicidal and I have created my own blog - www.theSarayiahpost.com - to try and help others using my experiences. It is my views on Life, Love and Relationships and you may resonate with some of the articles on it.
My article, "Suicide Blonde" tells how my world collapsed and why I am still alive today to tell the story and the direct link is: http://www.thesarayiahpost.com/MyPosts/2012/10/suicide-blonde.html
If you would like to speak with me then I can be contacted via the contact page on my blog.
Love
Isaac
x
hi I know your pain I just started a blog no big deal but I'm learning how to use it hehe I'd love to follow yours. You can also check out mine if you'd like.
ReplyDeletehttp://afightagainstdarkness.blogspot.mx/
thanks is nice info
ReplyDeleteHey very nice info....will let my friend know about it. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYour site is quite interesting and very well written. I like the way it is organized and presented. Very concise and articulate.natural depression treatment
ReplyDeleteYes,, inactivity is a big catalyst for depression to rear it's ugly head. When I starteed my blog "theworminmyapple.com" one of the first posts was centered on how exercise has been proven to be as effective in treating depressins as medication. I've had a number of foot surgeries and this was my biggest concern as well. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. This is really very interesting and I know that several readers can relate to this very easily. May this help others get through depression and have a more open, relaxed and enjoyable lifestyle.
ReplyDelete