Mental Health Support

That, for me, can break the downward spiral .....

My favorite is working in the yard....

I do not have to talk to anyone ....
unless I feel like it... and even then it is limited to the exchange of basic greetings with the postal carrier or a dog walker.....

Tears can stream down my face ....
and to any passersby it looks just like perspiration....

I can mow grass, pull weeds, dig dirt, build fences/gates, lay pavers, trim shrubs, paint fence pickets, ...etc.
there is always a project to be worked on...
And I can immediately see what I have accomplished ....
I can choose to be annoyed by mischievous squirrels.... or to be entertained... depending on where I am "at".


On inclement days....
I find that engaging in research -- on any topic which is relevant at the time -- is a way to feel like I am actively contributing to the solution of a problem....

There was a sense of "control" that came with recognizing the therapeutic value of these activities and knowing that I could "use" them as frequently or infrequently as needed.