Three Tiny Things to Prevent Illness from Triggering Depression
Update 2016: This article was featured in my book "Saying NO to Suicide" , with added commentary. I don’t walk around all day with my face pulled into a frown while I vocally worry about my disabilities—contrary to what some people claim I do. Instead, disability is more like a land mine rudely placed into the middle of my day when I’m otherwise trying to get things done. I am clinically and chronically depressed, which means I am depressed almost all the time . I also have a chronic motor tic disorder—a label that covers the involuntary ticking, both vocal and muscular, but not the curling, extending, locking, and all around neurological meltdown that often happens as well. As you know, I manage both without medication because I have to . I use a variety of coping strategies , especially eating and sleeping well. I also make an effort to keep myself free of stress. What happens when a summer virus drops in from out of town and decides to stay for three weeks? I de...