When you identify as a 13-year-old boy even though biology and your license clearly state that you are in fact a middle aged woman, you take your fun where you may. Many times, this fun equates to fart and poop jokes because, well, they are funny and it is a universal experience. Another universal experience is sadness. Every single human on the planet has bouts with sadness. It can be overwhelming, diagnosed as depression or not. My experience as a teacher, mother, and person who has been thusly diagnosed and surrounded by those who are similarly diagnosed ( or should have been) has led me on a quest for coping mechanisms. Today’s coping mechanism is to tap into my identity as a neurodivergent human. After watching many reels on Instagram, I happened upon the advice to wave one’s arms and hands in an attempt to jump start the creation of serotonin. It works. It is super hard to not smile while pretending to be a tube man from the side of the road. Why am I telling you this? My youngest woke up and declared, “ I am having a depressive episode.” Not sure if this was a plea for help, attention, or just a declaration, I decided to respond with options. I suggested that it is ok to feel sad sometimes and that noticing it is good. I asked if my adult child had gotten adequate sleep, water, nutrition, exercise and sunshine. This gave the opportunity for self-reflection and regulation. There was no food on board. I made the suggestion to do the “tube man” in my office and demonstrated the moves. This brought about a smile and an action list, “ Ok, I am going to get something to eat, change for work and head out.” Mission accomplished. Next, I ran into my eldest, as this adult child had a break from his morning Intensive Out Patient Therapy session. Having knocked on my office door, entered on my invitation and sat in the chair next to my desk, answered, “ I think I am down because of the recent weather.” This led to another demonstration of the “tube man” and the recommendation for motion. This was met with a sigh,” what about my last shreds of dignity?” I went on to point out that this motion could be done in the bathroom or bedroom with shades drawn, no need for loss of dignity I fear that I have strayed from the course. As we sat resting ( some of us yawning repetitively), one adult child to either side,my youngest points a finger, putting it in my range, and I demure, knowing full well that pulling that finger would lead to a gaseous emission. The eldest to my left starts to tell me to go to bed, that it is ok and I have his permission and that I tell him to go to sleep when he is tired all of the time. I resist out of sheer rebelliousness until he threatens to pull the proffered finger of my youngest. At that point, I have had enough of being bossed around and threatened with chemical warfare. My wife wisely points out, “ that’s shitty.”.
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AuthorI make stuff. Sometimes the stuff is pretty, sometimes not. My wife, 2 dogs, 3 kids and 3 cats keep me busy and on my toes. Archives
January 2022
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