M_P90Senior Contributor
Gardening for sanity
Hi everyone, I've had a long history of mental health issues and trauma. I'm going through a bout of depression at the moment and it can feel pretty paralysing at times. I'm feeling really stressed out and trapped in my job, and I'm living in the aftermath of a long relationship of domestic abuse. I'm quite isolated, and I find it difficult to trust people. It's always disappointing to end up back in an episode of depression, I always hope my last one was the last one. Not quite.
Anyway, I thought I would talk about one of the few things bringing me sanity. I took up the hobby of gardening 3 years ago, and I've been doing it on and off. My interest in primarily vegetable & herb gardening because I like cooking with fresh ingredients, and I have a pet rabbit that consumes a lot of veg each week. I'm new to gardening, my parents had no idea so I didn't learn from anyone growing up. It's difficult and sometimes frustrating, and another thing I beat myself up about, but mostly I feel more positive if I just spend 5 or 10 mins in the garden. My job is highly stressful, and I definitely enjoy an activity with comparibly less risk. I can feel free to be creative in solving problems. Today I captured a praying mantis to add to my veggie & flower patch as I'm having a problem with whiteflies and caterpillars. I felt the best I felt all day just watching the praying mantis wander around and hopefully eat some annoying pests in there. It's not a 360 degree shift in mood, and I wouldn't expect that, but it always surprises me. It's one of those things the "depressed voice" tries to talk you out of - "don't get up, don't do anything, it's pointless. You won't feel better." But, yeah it usually surprises me when I feel a tiny boost from it.
Anyone have similar experiences? With gardening or maybe another hobby?
