My doctor's appointment
By carpenter5
@carpenter5 (6782)
United States
August 6, 2009 10:45pm CST
I went in today to have a medicine check. I'm on Caliexa for my depression. While talking to the doctor he asked me about school.
I told him I'd taken one summer class, which was over as of today. He asked what my fall schedule looked like. I told him I was taking 16 hours and what my classes were.
He told me he thought it was all do-able, but he wanted me to consider doing something for him: He wants me to add a class! But not just any class.
His suggestion is that I add piano lessons, a choir class, drum lessons, golf, bowling or something that will give me some lesiure activity.
So what do you think of his advice?
3 people like this
5 responses
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
7 Aug 09
I have to say doing something you really enjoy is the best therapy!I tend to go and do something enjoyable whenever I feel myself feeling down and my favourite music will come on and I will sing, dance, whatever it takes to feel better. It works well providing there is no one home!(LOL) Seriously though your doctor may well have a point!
2 people like this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Aug 09
Yes, I am beginning to see that. I believe that my schedule is such this fall that I can add a one hour class in physical education or music that will allow me some stress relieving time, and not wear me out! I have back issues, so my choices are limited somewhat, but I can still manage I believe!
@kawalnarang (1095)
• Trinidad And Tobago
7 Aug 09
anything with Music and second choice is anything with walking ,The two helped me,,No probs now,,,,enjoy it dear
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Aug 09
I think I have it narrowed down to private music lessons...either piano which I can already play, but am very rusty. Or drums or guitar...which I have never learned how to play but would love to learn. OR there is a community choir that you get college credit for being a part of. During Christmas, they will sing at the State Capital for the governor and other such things. It meets one night a week.
@GardenGerty (157661)
• United States
8 Aug 09
I think he is right. If you do not have leisure activities you are not well rounded, and you can lose perspective. I have found myself doing that between work at work and work online and housework and yard work and work, work, work. So this summer once a month we have gone to my brother's house and just played, bowled, went to picnics and partied, visited with my dad, and laughed and laughed.It is the most mentally healthy thing I do for myself. A leisure activity will be mentally healthy for you and will also help with your physical pain.
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
8 Aug 09
I don't think you have to have leisure all the time though to be well rounded. Some times you have to take a break from your leisure activities or you'll go crazy from lack of time. Sometimes you have to get your priorities straight and realize that right now you need to concentrate on classes or work or whatever. Then if there is extra time for it, add a leisure activity.
1 person likes this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Aug 09
I have just been so focused on family and school that I have forgotten to take time for myself. I used to meet my friends for lunch occasionally, or go to dinner and a movie with "just the girls" but lately I've begging off and making excuses why I can't go. All that is going to change. I didn't realize how close I was to the very edge of my sanity until it was almost too late.
Medication is helping, but it's going to be a pretty long road back.
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
8 Aug 09
I think it depends on if you will really have the time or not.
It depends what classes you are taking. I know back when I was in college, if I was taking easier courses, then I would spend the time required for music classes. However, if I was taking organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics all at once, then the music class was a hassle and I wouldn't actually practice. So if you're taking hard classes, it might end up being more frustrated. Especially if you also have to work to pay for the classes. Once I started working full time, I had to quit music.
If you are good at music though or you know it relaxes you anyway, then it is definitely a good thing to take. But just make sure it isn't going to take away from your study time and work time, otherwise it will just leave you more frustrated.
1 person likes this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Aug 09
Well, it is something that I have a natural talent for. I started out in college with the intention of becoming a music teacher, but quickly changed my mind. I love to sing and play the piano, but didn't care for all the theory and harmony classes!
My schedule is actually fairly light-for me anyway- I'm taking business calculus, advanced speech, World Civilization to 1650, Introduction to Marketing, Principles of Non-Profit Studies, and Mass Media & Society.
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
7 Aug 09
I do think you should add a leisure activity - it will help you stay healthy. If you don't like any of those, find something that you do enjoy and do it. I mylot, I find it relaxing and its something I can do that doesn't require me to be on my feet.
If I were having to worry about studying, then may be hefting a book while using a stationary bike or treadmill might be the answer to that
2 people like this
@carpenter5 (6782)
• United States
8 Aug 09
I think that is part of the problem. Since the back surgery, I've been forbidden by my physicians to get on a treadmill, or lifting weights. I can do an elliptical bike, because it doesn't put strain on my back.
I checked today and I can't fit bowling or golf either on in my class schedule.
