Items To Help in the Treatment of Dysthymic Disorder and Depression

Has This Web Site Helped You?

Please consider purchasing something from the emporium pages or donating a dollar or two to help me continue running and working on this web site. I want to be able to continue helping people like you and me by providing helpful information about depression.

You can donate using the Amazon Honor System or PayPal.

Thank you.

--Mary R. Drews

Amazon Honor System

Do you have a question about donating? Please send an e-mail to me at:

mary AT modernferret DOT com

Please note that you may have to refresh a page for all the item links to appear. If you get a general Amazon.com link, you will want to refresh the page for the link to the actual item described.

Books

Resources for learning more about depression and dysthymic disorder. Personal accounts of living with -- and through-- depression. Self-help books. Regardless of what illness you have, knowing everything about it can help you understand what you're experiencing. The more you know, the better position you're in to get well.

Find a Book About Depression

Music

Music can help improve your mood or help you to fall asleep. The best music for this is classical or instrumental. Some people enjoy listening to nature sounds. The best way to listen to music is on CD. Some research has shown that the clarity of sound from a compact disc actually helps with sleep. Sleep is a vital part of any treatment for depression or dysthymia. If you are having difficulty sleeping because of a medication you're taking, talk with your doctor about how you can minimize the medication's side effects (for example: taking the medication at a different time of day).

Find a CD

Inspirational Items

When you're feeling down, you don't want platitudes. But there are some stories and sayings that can help you feel better. Some stories are just feel-good-type stories. Sometimes it helps to take a little "vacation" from real life by spending time with a good book or your favorite music or movie.

Journals

Journaling can help you keep track of how you're feeling, which can help you recognize problems early. What you put in your journal may help you work through problems. I've found that writing down my concerns or worries helps me get them into words; this, in turn, helps me make the best use of therapy sessions. Of course, you can use a regular notebook for journaling, but I've found that having a nice journal helps to boost my self-esteem. I'm worth a nice journal and so are you.

Find a Journal at Topical Tees.com

Medical-Related Items

Keeping track of medications can be difficult from time to time for many varied reasons. Sometimes we're just a bit forgetful or foggy, and having to remember what pill to take and when to take it can be a challenge. I keep my medications in a weekly pill container, so I can easily see whether I've taken a particular pill for that day. Note: if you are traveling, you need to keep medications in their regular (prescription) bottles. This is especially true of controlled substances such as anti-anxiety medications (for example, Xanax or Valium).

Find a Medical-Related Item

Comfort Items

Dysthymic disorder and depression can bring on all sorts of aches and pains, from muscle aches to headaches to just feeling tired. Stimulating shower heads, aromatherapy items, specially designed pillows, hot and cold packs and other "creature comfort" items can help make us feel better. I like to pamper myself a bit when I have a particularly difficult day. One comfort item that's not for sale is a hug. It's one of the best comfort items you can use when you're having a rough time.

Find a Comfort Item

Fitness & Exercise Equipment

You can ease the symptoms of depression by exercising. You don't need to do anything elaborate. I've chosen a few items that you may find useful. Remember: Always check with your doctor before starting a fitness regimen.

Find Fitness Equipment

Emporium Navigation:

Inspirational

You can click the Emporium logo at the top left of the page to return to the main Emporium section.