As a result, I have tried everything under the sun from medication to meditation, from cognitive behavioral theraphy to exercise and dietary changes. All these can be useful and are part of my arsenal of tools to fight the black dog and try to complete my research. Unfortunately my experience is that some times individual tools or a combination of approaches seem to help for a while but I invariably return to the starting point following times of high stress.
Hence, I have run out of rational options, which leaves me with the following untested tools:
- A new pair of good socks - which will keep the depression away once I pull them up.
- Exorcism - I may actually be the victim of demonic possession and require the services of a priest to get rid of my depression.
- Pet therapy - something that gives me love, satisfaction and keeps my mind away from my PhD in my allocated rest times to help me to concentrate in my work time.
3 comments:
Hmmm. I too have this problem (boyfriend in particular). And now we are in a flat, I think it will be impossible to have a puppy. Perhaps a goldfish? They just aren't as cute and emotive. I also can't take them for a run. However, I could talk to them...
I have read a bit about pet therapy for a range of groups people, for instance for hospital patients, cancer sufferers etc. Recently there was an article in The Age (I think?) about research into successful pet therapy, particularly small animals such as guinea pigs, for children from abusive backgrounds. It would make sense that it would be good for people with depression too, I wonder if there has been research done on this?
A second thought - are the type of people who do phds more susceptible to depression in the first place?
Good point, its time to separate the chicken from the egg... at some stage
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