Online mental health care for the old and computer-literate!

There's this website called Daily Challenge, [link] I think it's affiliated with Psych Central. And it has "tracks" with daily micro challenges you do about different things. As you do stuff you get points and badges and what not and you can post what you did and comment on what other people have posted.

The challenges depend on what track - there's tracks like All Day Energy. Conquering Clutter, Fit at Work, Exploring Emotions, Quick Cardio, Simple Cuisine, and other things.

and the challenge maybe something like do a specific stretch 10 times, or eat something rich in Vitamin C today or do the child's pose.

It has a way for you to add friends but you don't have to do that. I have to admit I've been slack about it but I'm planning on getting back and doing it.

Strix, I think you are an amazing person, and facing this as straightforwardly as you are is just more proof of that.

and I just want to reiterate what other wiser people have posted:

WindSparrow:

Depression is a dragon we have to slay every day. At some point in the future it may stay dead, but there is no guarantee of that for any of us.

askye:

OF course we respect you and love you. You're not a bad person AT ALL. You are kind and funny and generous and brave and a good person...

StephL:

Dealing with it won't be a breeze, but you are tough and smart and strong AND you have an amazing support system, including us. So when you don't *feel* tough and smart and strong, we can help you find it again.

Trudy Booth:

Take a look back at your life. Think, "Dude, I could be sooooooo much crazier than I am." Because you're a marvel of mental health relative to what you could be. And you should pat yourself on the back for that.

Hugs!

Ginger, stubborn = strong!

Hugs ALL THE BUFFISTAS!

Except for the hug-averse.

You've made what could be a dour day into a positive one.

{{{Strix}}}

You need some Aeslin mice, is what you need.

Strix,

hugs and no judgment. I am glad you are seeking out ways to address what's going on. Do you think a group support setting might be helpful in addition to what you have researched and discussed?

You need some Aeslin mice, is what you need.

I have 4 cats and a Corgi. I think it wouldn't work out.

Le Nubian, I'm not sure a group setting would work for me. I might try one or two, but I think my personality would just be screaming GETOUGETOUTGETOUT!

I will be looking for on-line support groups; I'm just more comfortable. I'll have to experiment and see what works for me.

It's a good thought, though. But my family, DH, local friends, y'all support me; I'll have a psychiatrist and a therapist, and books and my journal. And yoga and exercise.

Strix, I am so sorry to hear things have been so tough for you. But it's great to hear, and see! just how much support you're getting and that you are being proactive about seeking it out. You are an inspiration.

Ginger, I'm very glad to hear you're getting good positive test results. Fast bone-healing~ma.

Also, a little late on the London topic, but I would love to go back for a longer visit. I had two days on a RON (remain overnight) from Rota, Spain to London way back in 1986. With so little time, the group I was with decided on a bus tour past famous monuments and a boat trip up the Thames. And of course, massive pub crawls in the evening; we were sailors, after all. I envy all y'all who actually got into the museums rather than just drive past. I did have to have the obligatory picture taken in front of Buckingham palace, though.

Cross posted with Natter.

Today is the first day of spring. In the Persian calendar is is also New Years - No Rouz. The typical greeting is Edie Shoma Mobarak.

It is a day for wearing new clothes and visiting friends and family. It is also a tradition to set up a Haft Sin (seven s's). This is a table setting that includes...
sabzeh – wheat, barley or lentil sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizing rebirth
samanu – a sweet pudding made from wheat germ – symbolizing affluence
senjed – the dried fruit of the oleaster tree – symbolizing love
sīr – garlic – symbolizing medicine
sīb – apples – symbolizing beauty and health
somaq – sumac berries – symbolizing (the color of) sunrise
serkeh – vinegar – symbolizing age and patience.

Other items are often placed on the table such as coins to represent wealth, a mirror to represent honesty, decorated eggs (fertility), and a bowl of water with a goldfish to represent life within life.

I have always loved No Rouz because it is a huge Iranian holiday that has nothing to do with religon. I wish I could travel to visit each of you or welcome you into my home and serve you amazing Persian food.