Gardening for Mental health

Ditto. Just don't fight it. Let it run its course and you should be on the up eventually. Getting frustrated with the illness will help no one. There's no quick cure for it unfortunately.

 

@Sarah Giles ...firstly a big fat....all the work you put into your garden, Lotty and chooks deserves a medal in itself and if it helps then go for it but don't wear yourself out
It must be very distressing for you at times as it is for those around you who only want to see you back to your old self.NEVER feel guilty...Easier said than done I understand that..We're all here when ever we can be useful

 

Isn't it wonderful when you first realise that you can grow things and then look after them with me and seeds it's when that first plant breaks the soil a marvel.

 

So shocked to read the OP and such a well written and thought provoking piece of writing . I too suffer from Depression and anxiety . Gardening has always relaxed me. Sadly , because of Physical health problems I had to move into an estate from my beautiful home in a village. At this moment in time I am finding it hard living here as it backs on to the main road and it is so busy and loud. After living here for nearly 2 years without bothering to go into my garden , I am trying very hard to get my garden up and accept the dreadful noise .... Strangely enough , because I gave up on gardening my Depression became very bad .. Can totally agree that gardening is immensely therapeutic

 

@goosegog5555 , pleased to read that you are trying to do some work in your garden. I know that traffic noise can be very disturbing....would working with headphones, listening to some motivating music help? It would have to be quite "rocky", I guess, to cover the background noise? Just an idea...

 

Hello to all ,

I was sitting by the pond yesterday evening ..... and .... I saw a beautiful Newt xxx

 

Excellent post @Sarah Giles, and a big from me!!! I have just come out of an 8 week bout of depression, unfortunately gardening didn't help, in fact the only things I could force myself to do was to take care of my little dog and my fish everything else was of no importance to me.
So so glad that gardening has been therapeutic for you.

 

@Val.. So pleased you're on the mend and a big to your little Dog who I'm sure helped you through it

 

Just about the truest words on the subject JJ. Many years ago I decided to accept that it will never go away so rather than try to beat it it decided to learn to live with it. Like Val I've just gone through a very dark period but most of the time I'm not too bad.
I refuse medication as it has left my brother a shell of the person he once was. So for me it is about keeping an active mind and accepting the condition for what it is.

 

So sorry to hear you've had a bad bout of depression @val, but I'm pleased to see you back on the forum .
We are always here if there's anything we can do to help.

 

Nice to see you back @val Chin up.

 

Welcome back @Val.. Glad you're feeling better.

 

My mum has been on meds for as long as I can remember and I agree what you mean by someone being a shell. We have been given a gift of feelings, thought and intellect that not many other creatures on this planet have. Why have meds to suppress it?

I'm currently going through a really rough patch at the moment. My Nan died 2 weeks ago tomorrow. She was my driving force and mentor throughout life. Now I feel lost without her. Not to mention a number of people messing me around with my workload. I have to accept that this is what life has thrown at me and make the best out of it. Perhaps that is fighting it but I have accepted it at the same time that I will be feeling glum for sometime.

 

@Jungle Jane , I'm really sorry to hear about the loss of your Nan, she sounds like she was a wonderful lady.
Hang on to all your wonderful memories. I'm sure your Nan was very proud of you & everything you have achieved.
Thinking of you at this sad time & if you need us you know we are all here to support you.