We aren’t sure how we feel about the spread of Starbucks into every corner of America. But it does allow us to suggest a kind of intervention that may help you if you are depressed. It is based on Interpersonal Social Rhythm Therapy – which is one of the best validated psychotherapies for people with bipolar moods.
Every morning, at about the same time, and generally by 8 am, drag yourself out of bed, slip into jogging clothes and drive or walk to your nearest coffee shop. Order one coffee and sit somewhere where you can see the sun, and be sure to say hello to a couple of the regulars, maybe even strike up an inane conversation about the weather.
You have just provided yourself with fhree or four interventions that have been shown to improve bipolar depression:
1. Getting up earlier than usual (if you did) – phase advancing in the lexicon of sleep specialists.
2. Getting bright light exposure.
3. Morning social interaction.
4. Getting one coffee.
For extra credit, if you walked briskly to and from the coffee shop, and got at least half an hour of physical activity that raised your heart rate, you can raise your score to 5 effective interventions.
Feel good about taking such good care of yourself!