Good Morning Dawn,
This is Kitt and I have had Depression for 26 years. My hubby has Crohns so I do understand how difficult it is to break away from a disease that can control your life or is always in the back of your mind. It is so hard to push the "what ifs" away as the bad spells are so painful and people without illnesses do not understand depression.
When you have a chronic disease you do feel like you have lost control and any little thing you can control grab onto and concentrate on it.
Learn to take it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and stop trying to predict what may happen next week. Next week will take care of itself
Instead of focusing on doom, stay in the moment. Give yourself breathing space. Consider what matters to you. Establish a few manageable goals, then take small steps toward achieving them.
Hold on to your independence and do as much as you can to control your enviroment and your daily activities.
Be prepared to face the demons of depression and know that it is an illness and it is not who you are. Your a warm and caring person who has depression and Crohns, so you be in control as much as you can.
Gentle Hugs to you
Kitt