We didn't have a terribly wonderful start to the New Year - J was feeling very down after we got back from his parents, and didn't manage to get in to work all week. But he seems to be recovering from this setback much more quickly than he normally does.
He hadn't seen his cognitive therapist for a couple of weeks because of being away, and was beginning to feel that the therapy wasn't really helping. After his session on Thursday, he was considering not going back. However, he IS going back. She said at the session that he may need to accept that there are times when his depression will be bad enough that it gets in the way of making progress, and to learn to wait it out, rather than blaming himself or despairing.
He's also supposed to build something enjoyable into every day. This would be easier if he weren't so tired in the evenings, but we're working on it.
Last weekend he decided that he needs to do things that will have a visual result, and consequently has started painting the woodwork in the hall as a preliminary to redecorating the walls. This is excellent. We've been meaning to paint over the multitudinous scrapes and handprints since we got here, but put the hall off till last since it's an awkward area - the stairs are narrow and it's pretty much impossible to go up or down if someone's painting there.
He's finished the banisters already. Now to start thinking about colours for the walls. He fancies pink, which I have some trouble envisaging, so I see shade cards and test pots in our future.
Apart from this impressive progress towards an Ideal Home, he's been really pretty sanguine and resilient, has gone into work twice - well, it's only Tuesday - and has recovered quickly from daily frustrations (such as phoning Orange customer services) which would ordinarily cast him into gloom. I'm cautiously optimistic about the rest of the week.
For the last few days I've been very tired, partly because it's been that time of the month, partly... I don't know why. I've been to bed at a decent hour and everything. The past couple of days have been spent mostly in desultory tidying, the kind that doesn't have the visual result J finds so important. (I really don't like tidying, but it will be worth it.)
Which is to say I haven't been to the gym yet. I am going to at least phone them about renewing my membership before the week is out, though.
5 comments:
Amen to waiting it out. Progress at anything doesn't always go smoothly. Sometimes there are plateaus or setbacks. However, as long as the general trend is good, that's what counts.
Phoning any mobile company customer relations department is enough to send the happiest of people into a gloom that lasts a week. He did better than I usually do...
Hi K - thanks so much for the comment you left me the other day. It did put a smile on my face, and I really needed that.
I know it does not sound appealing at all when you are tired, but I think going to the gym might really help your energy levels. The endorphins and all right? I know it's much easier said than done though. Here's to a good end of the week for everyone!
Tidying! I'm proud of you. I know it's not your favourite thing...
I think this year might be the year I actually get back to regular exercise. It HAS to be.
Oh, and in our lat home we had a pink wall in our hall. The other wall was white, and the stair banisters dark polished wood. It's quite hard to get the pink right, but then it's FABULOUS. Wait a min and I'll see if I can find a photo.
Ok, try here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79285786@N00/73490956/in/photostream
The colour is not exactly accurate in the shot, but you get the gist.
Oh gosh I miss our old house ...
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