I am seriously depressed....I can't make myself leave the house.

[Coventina]

Hi DU family.

As I'm sure many of you know, I live in Phoenix.

Yes, it's hot in summer, yes, I'm depressed every summer at this time.

But this time....I feel like I'm going to lose my mind.

We are on day....20? 21? Of 110+ degree days in a row with no end in sight.

Today is supposed to be 116, tomorrow 117, Friday 118. And on, and on, and on.....

I've been laid up with an injury since Sunday (no worries, I'm OK) but today I was going to go back to work and I just can't leave the house. I can barely make myself leave the bed.

I just don't know what to do.

[onecaliberal]

1. Peaceful vibes your way.

[Renew Deal]

2. Time to move to Vermont

or Buffalo

[Stinky The Clown]

50. Not so fast. My son lives in Vermont. Their scourge is not heat so much as flooding.

His house is on a hillside. Runoff that usually runs past his house, garage, and pole barn has eroded things such that the slab under the garage is cracked and hollow sounding and the pole barn's gravel floor has washed down the hillside. And he's a lucky one.

His friend's store in downtown Montpelier was flooded to the first floor (three feet above the sidewalk). That receded only to happen again.

The storms just keep training . . . . .

[KPN]

60. !!!!!!!!! The alarms are sounding all around us. We better beat

these bastard Rs back big time next fall or earth is likely doomed.

[housecat]

64. That's for sure! But things are so unstable it's hard to predict anything.

[LuckyCharms]

3. Your injury, along with the oppressive heat,

would trigger a depressive episode in many of us.

Do you currently see a psychiatrist and/or are you currently medicated for your depression?

[Coventina]

5. Yes, I'm on meds

Thank you!!

[LuckyCharms]

10. I understand exactly how you feel right now, because I've been through it.

First, remember this is a temporary extremely rough patch that will end.

Second, I would look into trying to visit a psychiatrist in person to see if you possibly need a med change.

I know this will be extremely difficult for you to do during this temporary crisis, but try to force yourself, because it will most likely benefit you to at least talk to a psychiatrist and only a psychiatrist (not your primary care or a therapist).

They may be able to adjust your meds or perhaps guide you to some other form of relief.

Hang tough Coventina. It's rougher than hell, but it's temporary. You WILL feel better. Take one minute at a time and try to seek out some help if you can.

Remember that you are not alone. You can always talk to people here. There is nothing abnormal about what you are going through, and many people are going through the same thing that you are.

Us humans tend to suffer like this during hard times. I applaud you for reaching out, because it takes courage to do so, and many people are afraid to reach out.

You're doing well in that regard. You're strong, and you'll get through this.

[Coventina]

18. Thank you. You're so very kind.

It really means a lot.

[ExWhoDoesntCare]

94. I think the therapist visit is a good idea

But, having been there with severe depression that made me not want to get out of bed, never mind leaving the house, I understand that it still means leaving the house. I mean, if you could leave to see the therapist, you could leave, period, and then problem solved, right?

Perhaps a therapist could do a televisit, this one time, to help you sort out whats going on, or even see if you need a tweak of your meds?

Worth a try, isn't it?

[BeckyDem]

89. Excellent post.

Beautiful support and clarity.

[emulatorloo]

4. So sorry you are so down. I feel so bad for you. Don't worry about work today, I'm glad your

injury is healing.

[cilla4progress]

6. Oh, Coventina..

I feel the same, thinking about this heat and the destruction that goes along with it! I'm so sorry you are personally experiencing it. I totally feel you!

The climate crisis is upon us.

I hope you can stay in today...

[Coventina]

7. Thank you!

[Bluethroughu]

8. I hate the hot, I tell the neighbors...come on over anytime, but

I'm in the cave...drapes all shut!

Have a friend by for a nice indoor picnic.

I hope you can find some lifting while hiding indoors.

[Tree Lady]

65. I am not the only one

I keep my house so dark in the summer. Windows where afternoon sun come in I have blackout cloth with shades over with curtain over that. Seems to be working with air but I feel closed in.

Right now visiting daughter in Bay Area high today 80 cool at night. Can finally go out to do things.

But she pays plenty to live in this perfect weather. Lucky her she makes good money.

[KentuckyWoman]

9. Get your body moving.

I get it in the winter. Grey season.
Do something to get your heart rate up. Vacuum or clean a kitchen... something.

Take a shower. And clean clothes.

Wash the sheets on your bed.

Drive around the block.

Pull up Tubi TV and watch a few Tom & Jerry cartoons.

Sometimes any of those are real hard to do but they help.

HUGS

[Disaffected]

23. Good advice,

especially the exercise part.

Exercise is a good stress reliever. Anything, within your physical and location limitations, until you feel at least a bit tired will be beneficial. And do it routinely - try to make it a habit, maybe once per day or every other day.

[Maru Kitteh]

44. As a nurse, x1000 on ALL your suggestions. If cartoons ain't your thing

then I would also suggest YouTubes of beautiful forest footage. If you can't walk in nature, immerse yourself in a facsimile thereof.

Start with one action. Any action - and go from there.

[MLAA]

11. I understand how oppressive this heat can feel. 112 yesterday down my way south of you.

A couple ideas, apologizing upfront if they are dumb 💕.

Any friends you can invite over to watch a movie or just visit?

Put on your favorite music from your youth, this actually pumps me up when I’m dragging.

Order in lunch from a favorite restaurant, watch an uplifting movie and be kind to yourself.

Sending you groovy vibes!

[Tesha]

12. I want to wish you good things

I understand how you feel and commiserate 100% - it's not you, it's the world we're trying to negotiate.

I hope things settle for you.

[roamer65]

13. ...

Sending good vibes to you.

[GenXer47]

14. the only thing that helps me

is to take some action, any action, however small, to curb CO2 emissions.
And in doing so, first come to grips with the fact that your efforts will probably not help a damn thing.
BUT, this is how a person of principle lives, and dies. The end never justifies the means (and NO end never justifies NO means).
A few minutes ago I petitioned the City Council to post no-idling signs around all the hotels, because I'm sick and tired of seeing charter buses sitting there, idling for no reason, while the world literally burns.
I know they'll ignore it, at least at first. But next time I pass one on my walk to work, I can flag the driver and point to it, and I can call the charter companies and complain, and threaten enforcement.
My Dad had a great saying - and like all his sayings, it had an ironic double meaning:
"Don't let 'em shit all over ya, open up your mouth!"

[flamingdem]

61. Wonderful way to deal with despair

and sense of little control over the global climate disaster.

[diva77]

15. So sorry you are suffering in the heat wave in Phoenix

...not sure whether this article may be of interest -- if nothing else, it seems to validate that your condition is a normal response to extreme heat (which you probably knew already)

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters-from-menninger/202307/too-hot-to-handle-heat-and-mental-health

...hope you feel better soon

[love_katz]

59. Thank you for the link to the article.

It validates my experience of hot weather for my entire life. Right now it is hotter than normal and the air is smoky due to a couple of industrial fires . Argh! I hate climate change.

[58Sunliner]

91. I hope you are wearing a mask outdoors, N95. I know it's a hassle in the heat.

Chemical fires and wood smoke are injurious to the lungs. Chemical fires can cause long term issues with your immune system.

[brer cat]

16. I agree with the suggestion of seeing your doctor about a possible

change in your medication to get through this period. I have been there (not in this kind of heat!) and I know how hard it can be to get out of bed, much less leave the house. I hope you are able to take care of yourself.

[Happy Hoosier]

17. Are you bound to Phoneix?

It's not going to get any better there.

Either figure out a way, with the heklp of a therapist, to not worry about the world burning, or find a way to move somewhere less oven-like.

It always seemed crazy to me to build a city in the desert, but regardless you are there.

[Coventina]

21. I'm bound for the foreseeable future.

I'm a tenured professor, a position rarer than hens' teeth.
Not something to give up lightly by any means.

Also, my husband has told me flatly that we're going nowhere while his mother lives here.
(I could leave him, but I did promise "for better and for worse&quot

Finally, my brother and sister live here. Well, my whole extended family on my Dad's side has been here since before statehood.
So, I do have roots here, but I'd gladly cut them if the previous two situations didn't exist.

[SpamWyzer]

30. Coventina

I am going to offer something quite strange...can you find the writings of E.M. Cioran online or at the university? His "nihilist insights" are quite the tonic for depression. His view on things makes one's own views even more important. When I get depressed, his works actually make me go the opposite way. Here, in the tropics, it is customary to drink warm drinks when one is hot. It changes the relative feeling of the external heat and actually cools one slightly. Cold drinks and ice cream have the opposite effect. Strength and patience and good health to you.

On The Heights of Despair, Univ. of Chicago Press,1992 ISBN (hard cover) 0-226-10670-5

[lostnfound]

84. Similarly, I watch the 'murder and mayhem' channel

When I am super despondent, I binge watch that for an afternoon. Takes my mind off my own misery, reminds me of how lucky I am to have people in my life who might be frustrating but aren’t violent and crazy. Also it is interesting to see the patterns of behavior, and fundamental psychology of what goes on in individuals, couples, families, and workplaces.

After binge-watching, I get up and clean.

[Happy Hoosier]

45. I hear ya! My wife is a tenured professor.

Thus we are stuck in Indiana for the foreseeable future.

If you ARE stuck there (and it seems like you are), then the only other option is to find a way to live with it. Easier said than done, of course, but it is worth reminding yourself of that. Are you seeing a therapist? Just being able to unload your anxieties on someone can really help. I personally find that getting the anxiety bottled up (or trying to and failing) is by and large the biggest issue for me personally.

Sorry that your husband is so set against a relocation. I have thoughts on that, but perhaps best kept to myself!

Sounds like your tenure track job is keeping you there in any case, so maybe that's just an "oh by the way."

I wish you he best of luck. Depression sucks. And all the "but you have so much to be happy about" doesn;t change that. But you CAN do some actual things to change how your brain reacts to stimuli.

[Stuart G]

57. Don't Give Up, Never Give Up, Keep on Trekking Along, Don't Give Up, Come Back to Democratic

Underground each day, (I do) ...Don't Give Up, Stay on the Path, Read A Book, Watch An Easy TV Show to Watch,
Watch old "I Love Lucy" shows, Watch Comedy Movies, Call Someone, Grow A New Plant, Play a Game with someone,
Put Together a Jig Saw Puzzel, Look for some old Comic Books, Don't Give Up..Sing a Song, Bake a Cake, Go for a Walk,
Turn on the RADIO and try to find a station that you like or don't like, Go to the store and buy some candy, Go to the food store and just walk around, Go to a Park, Go to the library, Don't Give Up, Buy a trombone and learn to play it. (or some other instrument)...Play a Game like "Monopoly"...(that one takes your mind away from everything) ...Don't Give Up. Watch Old Cartoon Shows..(there are so many old cartoon shows at the library)
...At the library there are also ....OLD CARTOONS & OLD CARTOON SHOWS from the 30s, 40s 50s and 60s.
.
WATCH ONE AT A TIME, OR AS MANY AS YOU CAN WATCH AT A TIME!!!!)PLAY CARD GAMES WITH SOMEONE, OR PLAY CARD GAMES WITH YOURSELF...GO TO THE LOCAL ZOO. BUY A 1000 PIECE PUZZEL AND PUT IT TOGETHER WITH A FRIEND OR PUT IT TOGETHER ALONE..,GET SOME OLD RECORDS (EITHER 45s or 33s or 78s) and play the records and listen, AND............. ..............

.............. DON'T EVER GIVE UP

[people]

19. So sorry!

I would be depressed too. This horrible heat will eventually pass. I know it will get to where I live too, so I'm trying to appreciate every day before it's our turn here.

Do you have any good books you can read? Can you listen to a book on Audible that may be an escape for you? The Rosie Project is kind of a fun read and NOT heavy or depressing.

[RKP5637]

20. ...

[Wild blueberry]

22. Thank you for reaching out

We care about you.

Some good ideas in the replies.

Get through today, and keep us posted.

Cool hug

[DownriverDem]

24. Folks should consider moving

to Michigan. We have milder summers & winters, jobs, lakes and most of all freedom. We need more people here too.

[Sky Jewels]

25. Wow, I really feel for you.

I cannot take the desert heat, either physically or psychologically. That aversion has kicked into high gear in the last decade or so, with global warming becoming so scarily real.

Do you have a bathtub? Maybe floating in some cool water and reading (fiction) could give you a little mental break.

Another suggestion is "box" or "square" breathing: inhale for a four-count, hold for a four-count, exhale for a four-count, hold for a four-count, rinse and repeat...

[Maraya1969]

26. If you can't get out of bed maybe you should go to a rehab center for

awhile. Or ask your doctor what others do in your situation. I don't know what your finances or insurance is but I used to have a service come in 3 times a week and take care of my mom. I'm sure that would be good because you can talk to them.

Or contact you local area on aging. You may not be of age but they have a lot of resources. So does the United Way. Just call 211

I wish you the best. Know that it will go away.

[debm55]

27. Oh Coventina, I am so sorry for the depression and heat you are going through. Call in sick from for

until the heat comes down. I know I couldn't do it. Love, Debbie and a big hug for you

[LoisB]

28. I am sorry. Sending hugs and good vibes and prayers to The Universe for a cool-down.

[Ms. Toad]

29. Try one small step at a time.

I don't have to go to work . . . but maybe I can get out of bed.
I don't have to go to work . . . but maybe I can shower
I don't have to go to work . . . but maybe I can get dressed.

and so on.

I've been able to work up to the big thing that is way too enormous to tackle by giving myself permission not to do the big thing - but to do one small thing at a time until the big thing is just one small step away.

[oldsoftie]

47. I like that idea nt

[Botany]

31. Get up and go and do something you like.

BTW The depression you are feeling is here with me right now because this is the 4th or 5th day of
being covered in the smoke from the Canadian forest fires.

[StarryNite]

32. I'm in this Phoenix sauna too.

It actually hit 118° yesterday. Supposed to be 118° again tomorrow. Maybe 119° on Friday? I heard temps of 113° and above for the next 10 days!!! We are shattering records and will continue to do so. I just feel so unmotivated to do anything in this heat. It's so hot I've been bringing my desert tortoises inside because with the heat going on and on they get physically stressed too.

I guess I'm just saying you are not alone. Millions of us are in this storm even if we are in different boats. Hang in there!

[Donkees]

33. ''Heat also impacts the neurotransmitter serotonin ... ''

How Extreme Heat Impacts Your Brain and Mental Health

Heat also impacts the neurotransmitter serotonin, one of our most important mood regulators... Serotonin helps relay information about skin temperature to the brain’s hypothalamus, which goes on to control shivering and sweating responses when necessary. Patients with depression often have difficulties with this thermoregulation process

https://time.com/6280073/how-heatwaves-impact-your-brain/

A cool pack at the back of your neck might help, as well as a cool soak.

[tiredtoo]

34. Coventina many here have offered sound advice

select any and all that are feasible to you and do it.
As an old man with an incurable disease, I frequently lay in bed after waking and have similar thoughts. "Why should I even get out of bed today, I can do nothing but sit in my chair and watch tv or play on the internet?" Then i think of my family and all the wonderful people who care about me. This convinces me to get up and do whatever I can. It would be cruel to those folks for me to just give up. As the day wears on I hear from my family and friends sometimes just a text message or a call, sometimes a visit. Each of these things lift my spirits. I also set a goal to make someone smile or laugh everyday. Their joyous smile or laughter bounces right back to me. Now here is one for you.
I went swimming today I peed in the deep end. The lifeguard saw me and he blew his whistle so loud I almost fell in.

[Kali]

35. well, with these temps you probablyt shouldn't leave the house anyway

sorry for the depression. others have given good advise, I would only reitterate some kind of physical activity if possible. movement can really improve mood.

the exception to going outside would be very early in the morning. walk in the desert can be nice.

[Marthe48]

36. I have a friend who spent time in an African country

Living in a tent, with no utilities. She wore wet tee shirts to sleep in. She was there voluntarily, and left when her visit was over.

For you, I hope the heat dissipates, soon. Do what you can for the outside critters. Doing something kind can pull me out of the depths. And Baroque classical music expands my perspective.

[Bayard]

37. Oh, dear....

Those temps are insane.

I suppose there's no way you can work from home. Can you do something like video lectures?

Is your husband supportive? Do you have a friend that is?

Hope you can feel better soon. We're always here for you...

[TygrBright]

38. Holding you in my heart and prayers. n/t

[MontanaMama]

39. Oh my. I'm sorry Coventina.

Just reading about those extreme temperatures is depressing on its own. Heat like that is suffocating, not to mention the greater thought of climate change and all that is coming with it. I have similar seasonal depression during Montana's long dark cold winters.

Maybe consider not pressuring yourself to do the big thing. Just do one small thing. Drink a glass of water. Take a shower. Walk to the mailbox. I believe in moving around if you can and I know you're hurt at the moment...I hope that you're pain free physically soon and able to go to work without distress.

When I feel overwhelmed, I often will say out loud to myself "Do one thing. Just do one thing." Sometimes its possible and sometimes not.

[calimary]

40. Make sure to drink enough water.

And if you have a spray bottle, MAN-oh-MAN does that help. At our house we call it “instant coolth”.

[LittleGirl]

41. I used to live in Phoenix and Tucson

Cabin fever in July was the hardest for me. I had surgery last January and the January before last and was down for at least 3 months each time. I think getting up and moving was the best medicine for me. Since it’s so hot maybe a quick walk around the block at 7 am should be cool enough. I hope the fresh air and movement lifts your spirits a little. I hope you’re feeling better soon. Cyber Hugs sent!

[stollen]

42. How hot does it have to get...

Before the governor advises a mental health day for the state?

[stollen]

43. How hot does it have to get...

Before the governor advises a mental health day for the state?

[hlthe2b]

46. I'm sorry. You are facing the extreme of the extremes affecting most of the country...

But there is something about being the MOST extreme that would freak me out too.

This country is going to HAVE to change... And, I think that means a total societal change--not only around CO2 emissions and other measures to address climate change--but the adaptation to what we can't prevent. Like maybe have work hours in the hottest part of the summer change to the wee hours for those who can and that would include stores being open at 6AM, 7 AM or 8 so that they can close in early afternoon. Think of the energy they would save and many of us could get by without car A/C to run those errands. And, the way we build our homes/apartments. So many changes need to occur. I have jury-rigged a sleeping arrangement on the sleep sofa downstairs because I can survive there with a mini portable swamp cooler and fans--thereby turning off the A/C--which gives me migraines anyway. Had I not had flooding in the basement some time ago and been worried about persistent mold, I'd probably have tried to move down there. But, not an option.

I've experienced 110F and above but not for as long as you. And the past two years with long long stretches of 100F in Colorado (albeit a tiny bit better this year) were wrenching. Being a "cold-weather person" with cold-weather-loving dogs, this is not what I ever planned on. But all one can do is take it day by day and pray, hope, and demand that politicos learn from this and respond to climate change. It is on us NOW.

Hang in there. I have downhill ski videos I watch when I am just impossibly hot.

[Backseat Driver]

48. If it makes you feel any better, I'm still in my jammies, LOL.

Not even particularly hot here, but still feel totally slothful.

I'm so sorry that you are feeling so controlled (by the weather) and depressed. Hang in there, kitty! You are not alone in lacking purposeful motivation.

[Coventina]

49. ****************** HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL!! *******************

I have read every reply and I'm weeping with relief / happiness at being "seen" and all the empathy.

I can't thank you all enough.


DU is the best!!



Now, logging off to implement as many of your suggestions as I can.......

[ChazII]

95. DU is the best and

it is wonderful to read the support that you are receiving. As I type it is almost 6:30 pm here where I live in the valley. How is your Thursday going?

[thatcrowwoman]

51. Oh Coventina, I'm sorry you're suffering.

The heat can be so oppressive and can definitely impact our mental health. It looks like your DU family is coming through with good suggestions and support and encouragement.

Something I do when I just can’t take the heat anymore is watch a “cold” movie.
Dr. Zhivago?
The Spy Who Loved Me?
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo?
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Huntsman: Winter's War
The Grand Budapest Hotel

And for chills right down to the marrow,
The Shining.
Brrrrrrrrrrrr!

Sending you love and (cool) light and sweet Shalom.
🕊thatcrowwoman

[Delphinus]

52. Oh my ...

[AdamGG]

53. I've been there, as others have said -

remember that this is a temporary difficult time, but things are bound to cycle on to a different phase, as they likely always have.

It might be hard if it's tough for you to leave the house and you have an injury, but maybe treating yourself to a movie in a theater where there's icy AC and few people on a weekday could help break the trend. I've found it helpful sometimes to lose myself in a plot for a couple hours and it's different than watching something on tv in your house.

And, if your injury doesn't prevent it, aimlessly walking around a shopping mall can allow a little exercise where it's not hot and can help to take your thoughts off of yourself. Maybe treat yourself to some food that you like.

[maspaha]

54. I'm melting in Phoenix with ya

Coventina, I’m so sorry you’re struggling. Definitely call your doctor. If your injury was painful and pain was not adequately addressed, it may have impacted the quality of your sleep. I also have trouble sleeping when it’s hot even with air conditioning. Just being sleep deprived will worsen my depression.

The heat is brutal and the humidity has started rising. It’s not always a dry heat in Phoenix. Usually by now we’re seeing some relief from the monsoon moisture to at least cool down the roof and outside walls of the house. But we haven’t seen a drop of rain in Gilbert since April I think. I just had saguaros planted this winter and organ pipes moved three years ago so tonight I’m going to give them a misting with the hose. I lost my 17 ft saguaro two years ago after a scorching dry summer and I don’t want lose the new ones. Ya know it’s bad when ya gotta water your cactus. But, I know the heat will be over soon because Costco already has Halloween costumes out!

[Nac Mac Feegle]

55. As a fellow Phoenician

The biggest thing is to keep hydrated, that cannot be stressed enough.

"Cold" movies is also a good idea.

Is there a pool anywhere near that you can use?

ICE CREAM !!!!!!

This is Phoenix in the summer. Ice cream is not dessert, it's a survival mechanism.

But I'm a cook, so I will confess to being more than a little biased. Maybe make your own?? The process can be a distraction with a reward at the end, so it may help from "both" sides, psychological as well as physical.

If making ice cream is too much for you (process or quantity), a sorbet or a variation of Italian Ice could be an option. Possibly just put some frozen fruit in a blender with some ice cubes and maybe milk (of your choice).


Don't surrender. Fight back. Maybe a little research for some recipes and ideas can be enough of a 'break' to get started. If you're not doing classes, do some self-care.

When I get too wrapped up in my problems, getting into a project can help. Do you have anything that's just hanging around that needs to be done? Maybe just some planning and 'thinking about it' can help.

Best of luck, just know you're not alone. We're here for you.

Peace

[maxsolomon]

56. Fill up the bath with cold water. Get in. Lower your core temp.

Sorry, this kind of heat wave only happens once every 50 years! Or it's only supposed to...

[Warpy]

58. Cabin fever, whether you're snowed in or would broil if you stepped outside

is a very real thing. I suspect this is your problem. I was just out and about here in NM and while we've stayed under 110, it's not by much. It really sucks, no matter what the reason is.

One good thing to do is wait a couple of hours after sunset and go out. It will still be hot, but it won't be brutally hot with the sun on the other side of the planet. Just going outside and breathing uncanned air is a treat. Don't ask me how I know.

Just know you've got plenty of company and feeling like you do is not unusual. In fact, if you didn't feel that way, something a lot worse might be wrong with you.

(I'm in an independednt and assisted living apartment and sit outside for a few minuts around midnight. It helps)

[BlackSkimmer]

62. Didn't you just come back from a vacay to Italy?

Count your blessings dear.

I often used to feel that way coming back to the US, but really, that's first world problems.

[Coventina]

82. I was the program director of a study abroad program. Definitely NOT a vacay.

It was one of the most difficult things I've ever done in my career.

It certainly had its rewards, but it was in no way, shape or form a vacation.

I was working VERY long hours and on call 24/7 (and there were a number of late night emergencies that had to be dealt with).

It was exhausting, and I also got extremely sick while there and was bedridden for 4 days.
(I still have a blocked ear and a residual cough from it).

I recognize that yes, I am incredibly blessed to have the opportunities that I have, and I am grateful for them.
(I grew up extremely poor and spent most of my early childhood homeless, so I know how fortunate I am that I have a home to shelter in).

I just want to point out that I have not had a "vacay" this summer at all.

[KPN]

63. Hang in there Coventina! We're all with you in spirit!

Wish there was something tangible I/we could do to help you get through. Lived in Yuma AZ 7 years. I know how much hot sucks as well as how dangerous it can be. But even with that, I can’t imagine those temps for that many consecutive days. Just know we’re all here for you.

[Hekate]

66. Dear...

[kimbutgar]

67. Yikes flew in last night for the SF Bay Area last night to visit my mother in law in phoenix

At 11 pm last night it was 100%. I can’t imagine you’re surviving so many days on this weather. Thank God you got air conditioning and a place to live in. I feel sorry for those individuals who are homeless.

Hopefully the weather will get cooler and you can go outside.

[love_katz]

68. Sending you air hugs.

DU is so amazing. People have given lots of great suggestions. Can I add a few more? I live in a rainy part of the country. I really miss the rain when the heat of summer hits. It helps me to go to YouTube and find peaceful rain recordings. They are free and can run all night without interruption. I like the channel byTheRelaxedGuy. . I also like watching videos about mountain climbing and extreme surfing. The power of suggestion can help cool me off. I am retired and am super grateful to get to stay home in my little cave, with the blinds pulled shut, and the a/c running. I also also put car windshield heat blockers in my windows, especially the south facing ones. It helps hold some of the heat at bay. It also helps me to shed my clothes, other than underwear. I drink lots of iced herb tea mixed with juice and I keep a bottle of cold water in the refrigerator, and a glass in the freezer. I make a simple syrup with hibiscus tea because hibiscus is a cooling herb and good for the heart. The miserable heat is oppressive. It feels like it presses downwards on my whole house, even with the air conditioner running. Sometimes I take a tepid bath, and stir in a few drops of peppermint essential oil and a few drops of cucumber essence and just soak for awhile. I like to imagine that my house can magically slide part way down into the earth to shield it from any weather extremes. The one hopeful thing in all this misery is that more people will acknowledge the reality of climate change and take action to do something about it. I hope your heat wave ends soon!

[lees1975]

69. I grew up in Arizona and went to college in Phoenix.

It was hot, but I can't ever remember that many consecutive days of temperatures above 110. 105-107, maybe for two or three days, then back down to 100.

Flagstaff is just two hours north. Prescott is a little closer, if those are options.

Sending good vibes and hope that it will cool down soon.

[Coventina]

83. It was 100 degrees in Flagstaff today.

My step-mom is currently in Snowflake where it is 105.

It's insane.

[orleans]

70. how is your husband holding up?

is he going outside to make trips to the store?

i'm thinking maybe he could go out and pick up some special cold treats for the two of you.
or order some root beer & ice cream & whipped cream from the grocery, make yourselves a couple of black cows (aka root beer floats), maybe pop some popcorn, have a matinee movie day. order dinner (pizza? or sandwiches for a living room picnic, w/chips, potato salad, watermelon)

i'm sorry you're going thru this.

[kentuck]

71. Depression is a serious matter.

Here's hoping that your day is brighter and that you see something beautiful and unusual.

peace

[Sky Jewels]

72. This is kind of out there, but I remembered something that has helped me in the past.

I sort of embrace my insignificance in the universe. I start thinking about how we're all just mortal lifeforms on one little planet among trillions in a universe that is 26-billion or so years old. We're all here for a blip, and then we're gone. (Personally, I don't believe in afterlives and Heaven and all of that; I think when you die, it's lights out.). Some people might find that thought depressing, but I find it oddly comforting. It sort of helps me to let go and put all my Earthly worries in a much, much bigger context.

[barbtries]

73. you might consider calling your doctor.

i hope the monsoon happens soon and that you pull out of this sooner than later. Otherwise, talk it over with your doctor and you may be able to get some disability time?

I struggle here in NC with the sweat. I also spent a good bit of time working in Phoenix in the summer of 2018. The heat is brutal.

[maspaha]

74. My fellow Phoenicians suggesting a swim in the pool...

This is a GENIUS idea!! If you have a backyard pool, wait until after dark, close to bedtime. Warm your towel on the still hot landscape features around the pool. Immerse yourself in the 93 degree pool water. The warm water relaxes your muscles while you stretch and then move your limbs in near weightlessness. When you get out of the pool, you will feel chilled. Enjoy the chill then wrap up in the warm towel. Repeat as needed. This is how I survived my first summer. If you need to borrow a backyard pool, come stay with us. We have a St. Bernard and a Basset Hound that never get enough attention from us.

[elocs]

75. Sorry to hear you feel you are seriously depressed.

However, if I felt seriously depressed I would seek professional help and that wouldn't be from DU. But nobody here is family, it's just where I post from western Wisconsin where it was 55 degrees this morning, 85 this afternoon. We've been having a beautiful summer here and a beautiful summer, a great place for a vacation. Maybe global warming will make this the place to go year around, but it won't help with injuries.

[electric_blue68]

76. So sorry you are going through this! Suggestions for hot weather relief, and "not getting up".

For getting out of bed.
I'm going through a quite challenging time my self, not helped by my recent out of wack sleeping habits - very sluggish on wake up. I put my ear buds in and play some favorite vigorous rock music by my favorite bands. Did this earlier. 👍
Your choice of vigorous 🎵🎶 music/songs, of course. 🙂

Exercise in bed! Wave your arms around. Knee, and full leg lifts.
===========================================

Dealing with very Hot Weather

As an NYC'r I've had to deal with 90°F+, 95°F+, even 101°F on rarer occasions. This has been so even in the 1970's, if less.
Often with higher humidity levels - which slows down our ability to sweat and release heat. So 90, 95 will feel hotter when it's humid!

Take a set of paper towels kept together about length of your arm, food lengthwise bingo a long about 3 inch strip- soak in cold water, gently squeeze out water till very damp.
Fold into a "U" shape that will fit around your neck. Put in freezer. Remove later, put a towel over you shoulders, put frozen paper towels around your neck.

Do you know Why we have such folds on our ears?
(from a great anatomy teacher, and I was bored w anatomy till him!)

It's not really to hear better. It's to help keep our brains cool!

You know how good it feels cup dip your hands, or feet in cold water (aaahhhhh)?
Its because this areas are full of capillaries! As the blood flows back through your veins it's bern cooled but the water, and cools your body down.

The folds in your ears are also filled with them! So putting a cold wash cloth, maybe even a frozen paper towel (for a min or less) on them will help cool your brain down! That will make you feel better physically, and psychologically.


Finally for the longer term.
Get Vitamin C with Flavonoids! Take 1000 grams a day. If concerned start w 500g.

I did this in 1979 for totally different reasons (and even without the flavonoids) in the late Spting.
Remember I talked about NYC Hot, Humid Weather?
Well, after 1 day at college, or work I felt wiped out!
But by Summer 1980 I could go 2, sometimes even most of a third day *without* feeling that way! I was astonished!

It does something, esp as I learned later especially w the flavonoids that strengthen the capillaries which then can release the heat better. Even it seems in humid hot weather! I've lived it. 🙂👍

[LeftInTX]

77. Something similar in South Texas

I was horribly attacked by fire ants on June 9th. Couldn't wear footwear for almost a month! Meanwhile the temps starting climbing real high and I was stuck inside. When I finally emerged in early July, I hadn't acclimated. Then, last week I got a chemical burn while outside. Meanwhile, my car is in the garage for a few weeks (Got in a wreck - guy messed up my passenger side door) The rental is hard to drive.

I went swimming several times, the water was hot! Been to the gym a few times. I go shopping at Wal Mart etc. But I just have not acclimated this summer. Last summer, I started walking in May, so when the real heat set in, I was adjusted, but this year it's too late. Plus I really don't want to take the nice rental to the parks (vandals etc)


So, here I am in my AC. Summer can be depressing. I think it's a form of SAD.

There is no relief in sight here either. Temps are 100-105, but we are humid here. Currently it is 104 degrees with a dewpoint of 65. Misery 24/7.

I find when I'm in a funk, going just to Walgreens or a Dollar Store or Walmart helps. (Pick any store that isn't too big. Pick your favorite store etc)

I buy a little bit of junk. (Make up, bandages, clothes, containers, fruit..whatever)

After my kids were born, my first outing was always to Walgreens.

[Hortensis]

78. I'm so sorry, Coventina. We have depression in our family

and take it extremely seriously. Chatting with friends has to be good, but for now maybe stick with the lounge and generally positive threads?

After all, we all now know social media is harmful to mental health, including with depression. For a first sensible step, maybe prescribe yourself a treatment break from negative social media discussions, especially everything politics.

Like many millions of "normal" people.

[bigtree]

79. take all the time you need

...most important is to get you to the other side of this awful feeling.

It'll get better. Don't waste a second feeling bad about not making it today. Pull yourself up and out of this a little at a time. Do things you like, eat, watch tv, sleep some more.

Reaching out is good care. Try and find someone to talk to, one-on-one. Hopefully someone experienced or with a profession in listening and suggesting care.

You have this.

[NowISeetheLight]

80. I Understand

I'm four hours away in Palm Springs. Same thing here. It's just so hot out. I stay home a lot due to being a bit of a shut-in (PTSD). Since I had to retire three years ago, I've found I hate it. But I'm kind of trapped. Home is a sanctuary and a prison. The weather just aggravates everything.

All you can do is go day by day. You're #1 job is taking care of yourself. Depression is totally real and it's tough. Focus on little things that make you smile. I spent two hours this morning watching South Park on MAX. Laughed like crazy. It's the little things.

Here is a virtual hug. You're going to make it.

[Goddessartist]

85. Sending you lots of good vibes and dreams of ocean breezes. I wish I could help you.

[lefthandedskyhook]

86. Last time I was in Phoenix...

Saw an early bird catching a worm...


Had to use potholders!

[lefthandedskyhook]

87. Really the last time I was in Phoenix in the 90's...

The sun was shining during a rainstorm and fog rose from the pavement. No city should be there! River water is precious

[LeftInTX]

96. Not uncommon. Whenever it's hot and pavement is wet, steam will rise from it.

In most locales rain is more widespread and there is cooling because the rain is associated with a cold front.
But I bet if you go to FL after an afternoon rainstorm and the sun comes out, you will see steam.

[lefthandedskyhook]

97. Peter Gabriel...

Give me steam
And how you feel can make it real
Real as anything you've seen
Get a life with the dreamer's dream

[Susan Calvin]

88. I'm so sorry, and I think I understand.

It's not as bad here in terms of temperature as Phoenix, but in terms of how long this has been going on it's about the same. I am not just depressed, I am seriously frightened. I expected to see it get bad in my lifetime, but it's different when you're actually in the middle of it.

[BeckyDem]

90. The stress must be so intense. I hope you can speak with someone

who can guide you through this rough time. Post here anytime! Hugs to you, Coventina.

[58Sunliner]

92. I feel for you. Used to live in Tucson and really struggled every summer with my immune issues.

I moved to Va.

[niyad]

93. I have no helpful advice. just sending hugggggggs and vibes for healing.