March 2010 – Really Useful Websites

Ok, I have to admit some of these are strictly for fun and amusement…but that is certainly useful as well.  You can’t be serious all of the time…

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve included some history, some sources for coloring sheets, and other related tidbits:

• http://www.history.com/topics/st-patricks-day History.com does a wonderful job with the history of St. Patrick’s day (go figure!).  They also include links to related articles on traditions, facts, and recipes as well.
• http://www.theholidayspot.com/patrick/historyofpatrick.htm The Holiday Spot is another good source of “facts”, tidbits,  recipes, songs, games, wallpapers, and more.  They even have coloring pages for kids …and ringtones.  (I can’t say that it ever occurred to me before this that I might WANT a St. Patrick’s Day ringtone!)
• How could you possibly look for St. Patrick’s Day information and bypass http://www.st-patricks-day.com/ ?  At any rate, they include a countdown, which might be useful a little farther out from the holiday…as well as information on Irish pubs worldwide, shopping, Irish dancing, Runs and Walks, and parades and events, among many other selections.

Another seasonal topic – colds, flus, and allergies…unfortunately all three seem to be all too common at this time of year.  Sources of good tips on how to prevent/avoid/lessen the effects of that I have found include the following (keeping in mind I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on TV…:-D):

• Of course, one of the first places I go is WebMD:  http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/preventing-cold-and-flu-how-doctors-keep-germs-at-bay.  That article has tips that I had never even thought of: eating your sandwich with a napkin or paper towel around it to avoid contaminating it with germs that might be on your hands, wiping pens that are on your work desk or work areas down with alcohol or wipes daily, and getting regular exercise to boost your immune system are three that really stood out.
• Everyday Health has tips for boosting your immune system: http://www.everydayhealth.com/colds/boost-immunity.aspx .  There are other interesting articles on basics, prevention, treatment, and management as well as tips on ways to save money on cold medicine!
• Real Simple has some good articles as well – “Skip Getting Sick in Three Steps” is a particularly good one – and brief.

And now that we’re moving away from snowy days…we are moving straight to rainy days…sigh.  As the mother of a 2-1/2-year-old and a 4-1/2-year-old, I can testify that children with stretch your creative abilities.  So, I decided to seek out some ideas for rainy days.  Some are for the kids, some are for us bigger kids:

• Associated Content has a wonderful article: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/63195/twenty_things_to_do_on_a_rainy_day.html.  As a matter of fact, they have a fantastic selection of articles.  You can register with their site and contribute, in the form of articles, videos, images, or audio.
• Activity Village is a wonderful site – it has selections of coloring pages, downloads, crafts, games, jokes, and even recipes.  Kids Activities – 10 Inspiring Ideas for a Rainy Day caught my attention but the rest is really good.  I highly recommend taking a look!
• 101 Things to Do Inside on a Rainy Day or During a Thunderstorm has ideas for everybody: romantic, active, creative, relaxing, productive and more.
• Frugal Families has a great list:  http://frugal.families.com/blog/a-kids-frugal-guide-to-rainy-day-fun.  This is a wonderful list of ideas – and simple things, too.  I highly recommend taking a look around the rest of the site as well.  There are categories such as parenting, family, and entertainment, and there are forums as well.

Helping Someone Who is Depressed

Some things to keep in mind if you know someone who is suffering from depression:

1. First of all, this isn’t a case of the blues.  It isn’t a passing mood.  Clinical depression does have its ups and downs, but the person suffering won’t just “get over it.”
2. Second of all, the person may push you away.  People who are depressed tend, involuntarily, to isolate themselves.  They tend to think that they are affecting people around them and to avoid that, they push people away.  Don’t take it personally and don’t let it affect your relationship!
3. Third, this is a disease.

Now then, to help someone who is depressed, you may actually have to drag them kicking and screaming (NOT literally!) out of the house.  Reach out to them, get them out of the environment that they are trying to hide in.  This may not be what they think they want, but it is very, very good to get them out, away from the environment for a while.  Many people who are depressed tend to retreat from the world and isolate themselves.  Help them fight this tendency.   Go for a walk, go to dinner, go shopping, go to a park.  If they complain, be persistant but not unkind – recognize if they truly aren’t ready but keep coming back.

When you are helping someone who is depressed, it is VERY important to remember to take care of yourself as well.  Take time to do things you enjoy, to spend time with people who are NOT depressed, to do things unrelated to depression or the depressed person.  Get your rest.

Be there for the person.  If they just need an ear, listen to them and let them pour it out.  Avoid giving advice – just be supportive.  If  you’ve done some research about depression, share what you’ve learned and emphasize it is not their fault.

Try to remain upbeat and positive and be patient.

Spend some time together around animals: puppies, kittens, at the zoo, whatever.  Animals can help reach someone who is isolating themselves.

Know the warning signs of suicide – and DON’T be afraid to ask if they are considering it.  Do NOT ignore talk of suicide; take them to the emergency room or to a doctor immediately.

Ask what you can do to help.  Perhaps you can help get the kids to school, clean the house, cut the grass.  Does the car need to be inspected?

One other thing to remember:  don’t do too much for the person.  I know that sounds silly but people do also want to help themselves.  Don’t overdo the care!

Sources of Information

If You Know Someone Who’s Depressed

Depression.com – Help Someone You Love

Depression

WebMD: Supporting Someone Who Has Depression

About.com: Relationships and Depression