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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 7:38:20
ADLs are Activities for Daily Living - those are the things that everybody does every day to keep functioning - eating, cleaning, shopping, getting dressed etc.
I am so depressed.
I can't take care of myself. My kitchen is cleaner these days because I've stopped cooking and eating (except chocolate, I get the required number of calories a day from chocolate).
My dogs are bored, so they start acting up and getting into things. I can't take them for a walk every day. They are afraid of the invisible fence, but have stopped staying in my yard if I don't put the collars on so I try to take them out in the yard on leashes, but they don't like the leashes. I need to get them back in the invisible fence collars so they can walk around, but as soon as I put the collars on them they'll refuse to leave the porch. I just don't have the energy or consistency to give them the training they need to survive with the fence.
I was supposed to see the dentist about 3 months ago (I'm supposed to go every 4 months). I haven't flossed in about 6 months - I can't floss when I'm depressed. The dentist doesn't understand.
I have some fungus or bacteria or something gross on my feet. It makes them very dry and uncomfortable. Last summer, my doctor told me to use a particular kind of ointment - twice a day for (I think it was) a month. I still haven't gotten rid of it because I can't get the stuff on my feet on a regular enough basis to do any good. I did finally buy some socks (the laundry doesn't get done very often) and even some more shoes at Goodwill because I'm supposed to be changing socks & shoes at least daily. The stuff works better if you wash your feet first. How am I supposed to wash my feet twice a day?
I'm on SSDI and they are reviewing my case (mostly because I started working 10 hours a week). They sent me yet another 4 page form with fun questions like "What difficulties, if any, do you have caring for your own personal needs (e.g., grooming, dressing, cleaning, etc.)? Do you require any assistance? If YES, please explain." What am I supposed to say? "I don't bother caring for my personal needs because it's too hard. Yes I need assistance, but I don't get any?"
The SSDI form got wet in the mailbox because after the mailbox got hit by the snow plow LAST winter, I did manage to get it back on the post, but the door doesn't shut right so all my mail gets wet.
I know what to do: Choose one small thing and do it, feel good about that and then maybe choose one more small thing. So what am I supposed to choose for today? Should I eat? or wash my feet? or take the dogs for a walk? or fill out the SDDI form?
So I'm choosing to whine on Babble, 'cause I need some hugs.
Posted by Dinah on March 9, 2004, at 7:44:25
In reply to ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 7:38:20
Posted by All Done on March 9, 2004, at 7:56:25
In reply to ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 7:38:20
falls,
I don't have much time before work, so I have to keep it short here, but I want you to know I'm thinking about you and I'm more than happy to give you a great big hug...
(((((falls)))))
Take care,
All DoneP.S. I'd choose the dog walk for today and bring a snack with you. I know, that's cheating. It's two things.
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on March 9, 2004, at 8:01:06
In reply to ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 7:38:20
(((Fallsfall)))
Can you floss while watching TV or something? That's the only way I can floss, it makes it seem as if it isn't a chore. That is one of my big problems, I hate "chores."
Posted by tinydancer on March 9, 2004, at 8:12:06
In reply to ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 7:38:20
I'm so glad I stopped by the Social board and read this. I have a terrible struggle with all the things you named. Everything is a chore. The only difference is that sometimes I get a burst of energy and do all this stuff, but that is outnumbered by the days where I can't get anything done. I am to the point where I got into the shower today but was too tired to stand up so I just sat there. Ha! It's sort of funny, but its not. I know all too well your struggles and I admire that you are posting about it here. At least you are aware of it. That's a good sign, isn't it?
Today I've been getting out of bed, taking like 5 steps, and then turning around and getting back in. I have eaten a slice of bread. The high point of my day was getting an email from my T. I hate when things are like this but I also don't know what to do. It isn't about mental willpower. I really don't believe that. Have you talked to your T about it?
Posted by rainyday on March 9, 2004, at 8:36:17
In reply to ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 7:38:20
(((fallsfall)))
I don't floss either. I bought a waterpik instead and at least I use that more often than I EVER flossed = never. They also make one that fits on your shower head. You can sit there, soak yourself, and floss. I guess that counts as multitasking :)
I would pick one thing to do (also I would go with taking care of the dogs) and stop and see if you are up to the next thing. Don't even make a list. Just do one thing.
My "personal upkeep" falls by the wayside when I am depressed. I work and got in trouble one day for how I was dressed because I pulled on the only thing that stil fit me and I wouldn't have to iron. It looked a wee bit casual for a professional office. My boss quietly spoke to me about it, and I bawled my eyes out, that showed 'em! Didn't get a stitch out productivity out of me the rest of the day, either. It is so hard to get out of my own way, sometimes.
Take care and let us know how you are doing.
Posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 9:32:16
In reply to Re: ADLs - Caution, Major whining » fallsfall, posted by rainyday on March 9, 2004, at 8:36:17
Thanks everyone. You guys are sweet.
I take a friend to her therapy appointment on Tuesday mornings. So I didn't get any stuff on my feet - by the time I realized I needed to put my shoes and socks on I didn't have time. Turns out her appointment is on Thursday this week. Just as well. So, you know what? She took me out for breakfast. That was so nice - I felt taken care of.
I just got home and remembered to take my morning meds.
I need to get some tax stuff in the mail to my accountant. I had better do that today. I'll do that first. Then maybe put goop on my feet, watch a movie and take a nap. I don't know if I could walk all the way around the block.
Thanks so much for your support.
Posted by noa on March 9, 2004, at 18:38:37
In reply to ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 7:38:20
It's fine to whine! We all need it sometimes.
I have some ADL issues, too, even though I'm in remission from major depression. Lack of energy still an issue sometimes and bad habits from years of depression, etc. etc.
Posted by noa on March 9, 2004, at 18:42:28
In reply to Re: ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 9:32:16
Arrgghh--Taxes!! That is on my list of to do's every day, every week, every weekend. Still not action on it yet.
Today I forgot to take my meds until 1:30 pm. It was a crazy day at work and that is what happens. But it's a problem. I'd thought I had it under control, taking my meds early in the day, but big blooper today. Oh well.....
I like the nap item on the to do list. Very tempting. Enjoy. You sound better now than earlier in the day.
Posted by deirdrehbrt on March 9, 2004, at 21:22:35
In reply to Re: ADLs - Caution, Major whining » fallsfall, posted by noa on March 9, 2004, at 18:42:28
All that I can do is offer a hug. You are, no matter how much you feel you aren't, a smart, wonderful, intelligent woman. Please take care of you, there isn't anyone like you.
Dee.
Posted by gardenergirl on March 10, 2004, at 0:51:58
In reply to Re: ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by fallsfall on March 9, 2004, at 9:32:16
Good job. You did something. Now, stop and say out loud "Yea me!" You deserve cheers and applause because I also know how darn hard it is to do anything when you are in the pits of depression.
Did you say it yet? It's important. You did something great! Say it please, for me and for you.
Every little step is a step back up and out of the pit of depression, even if it doesn't feel like it right now. Just keep stepping!
and keep posting,
gg
Posted by fallsfall on March 10, 2004, at 9:31:52
In reply to Re: ADLs - Caution, Major whining, posted by gardenergirl on March 10, 2004, at 0:51:58
After my friend bought me breakfast, things started to improve. I did mail the tax stuff, watched a strange movie, had a small rest, finished reading "Ramona the Brave" to my step-granddaughter (and I had to walk 3 doors down the street with the dogs to pick her up). Most importantly, I actually ate 3 meals yesterday. For some reason, I'm hungry right now! So that is a good thing.
The overwhelmed depression surprised me yesterday morning. I've been in that place many times, but I've been managing to stay out of it recently. I think it really scared me to be back there again. But it looks like it was temporary.
Thanks all for your support!!!!!
Posted by noa on March 11, 2004, at 18:31:06
In reply to Re: ADLs - doing better, posted by fallsfall on March 10, 2004, at 9:31:52
FF,
I know that horrible dread when a depressed mood comes on and you fear that depression is back for good. But over time, I was able to see that I do get the moods sometimes but they don't last long like they used to, and that it doesn't have to mean a relapse, which I was terrified of.
At one point in my recovery, my therapist said he thougth I was developing an anxiety disorder about getting depressed.
I'm so glad your day improved! Here's to many more good days!!
Posted by fallsfall on March 11, 2004, at 22:00:05
In reply to Re: ADLs - doing better » fallsfall, posted by noa on March 11, 2004, at 18:31:06
Thanks, noa. You hit the nail on the head. I was panicking more about being at that overwhelmed place than I was about being overwhelmed. And, fortunately, it only lasted a little time. I'll try to remember that the next time and try not to freak as much.
Anxiety about getting depressed - yes, I can definately relate!
This is the end of the thread.
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