Even I have to admit that the title of this post looks odd. What in the world does cooking have to do with depression? In my experience a lot.
Before my last depressive episode got so bad that it impaired my ability to function, I loved to cook for my family. Planning and preparing very nice meals for my family gave me a great deal of pleasure. I was good at it too. Not executive chef good, but it was good enough that my family enjoyed what I made. The whole process, from looking up recipes to even going to the store to pick up the ingredients, was something that made me very happy.
However, it was also stressful to cook such nice meals for my family so frequently. Trying to make sure that each part of the meal was finished on time, and worrying if my family would like what I made them were my biggest sources of stress. Oh, and the dishes to be cleaned. I usually had to use so many different gadgets, bowls, pots, and pans that the clean up was awful.
Once depression was ruling my life, I lost any desire I had to plan or fix meals. Unfortunately, this meant that after working all day, my husband had to come home and cook our supper. This state of affairs lasted for at least two years. It was hard on my husband, especially since he did understand that I was depressed. Once I got my depression diagnosis he was more understanding, but it did not change the fact that he was having to do so much extra stuff, including meal planning and preparation, when he got home fromy work.
Once I began to start feeling better, I was able to take that duty over again. However, something had changed . Even though I wanted to fix nice meals for my family, I had no desire to daily spend the hours on it that I used to. One of the goals I had near the beginning of my depression treatment, was to find ways to simplify my life, and that included the time and effort I spent on meals.
I began to look for simple but tasty recipes, and much to my surprise I found tons of them. I also approached how I cooked differently. No more stressing about 
when the food would be done cooking. When it was done, it was done. When possible, especially if I was fixing a big meal, I would just take my time. The simple recipes meant less ingredients were needed and also less work involved in getting the food ready to cook. The less work involved in food preparation led to less bowls, pots and pans getting dirty, so I had less clean up.
A couple of weeks ago, I got it into my head to make a really nice meal for the family, at the same time, I wanted it to be something fun and a bit different than what I usually did. It just so happened that I had a nasty panic attack on the day that I had planned this. In the past the panic attack would have meant that I was done for the day, and would have spent the rest of the day sleeping. This time, even though that is what I wanted to do, I kept myself moving and went ahead with what I had planned on cooking. What I discovered when I was preparing our meal is that, even though this was going to be a fancy meal, by using simple recipes I was able to successfully complete the meal without feeling overwhelmed, like I might have in the past. This was especially significant considering the panic attack earlier in the day. Anna and I had fun with what I fixed, and we even had faux cocktails for a cocktail hour. I took my time and focused on the meal being fun rather than worrying about any deadline.
In the past I have not shared any recipes on my blog, but I thought since I had so much fun with this meal that I would share what I made. I have placed the recipes in another post, you can find it here
That's really great that you were able to work through your panic attack like that. It says a lot about how far you've come and how hard you've worked to get there.
I've noticed that, as I sink into a depression, I do less and less, even simple things like take out the trash. I can see where meal prep would be absolutely overwhelming. I love your idea for simplifying things. I'm going to take stock of some things in my life and see where I can simplify. Thanks.
That's really great that you were able to work through your panic attack like that. It says a lot about how far you've come and how hard you've worked to get there.
I've noticed that, as I sink into a depression, I do less and less, even simple things like take out the trash. I can see where meal prep would be absolutely overwhelming. I love your idea for simplifying things. I'm going to take stock of some things in my life and see where I can simplify. Thanks.
it really works, and has helped me. I used to insist every part of every recipe be home made. Now, when possible, even if it is slightly more expensive, I take the simple option. Bagged salads, sometimes canned goods, frozen veggies, cheese that is already shredded. Soups in the winter (things I can put on the stove and forget about) Easy casseroles. I also keep something like a frozen lasagna handy for those days that I just cannot do much. When I make things like spaghetti sauce I always freeze some. It all helps when it comes to meal prep.
I still get bogged down when I have to many options to pick from. So if I did not have some things around to make my cooking life easier, I would not be able to do it at all.
it really works, and has helped me. I used to insist every part of every recipe be home made. Now, when possible, even if it is slightly more expensive, I take the simple option. Bagged salads, sometimes canned goods, frozen veggies, cheese that is already shredded. Soups in the winter (things I can put on the stove and forget about) Easy casseroles. I also keep something like a frozen lasagna handy for those days that I just cannot do much. When I make things like spaghetti sauce I always freeze some. It all helps when it comes to meal prep.
I still get bogged down when I have to many options to pick from. So if I did not have some things around to make my cooking life easier, I would not be able to do it at all.
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A New Blog Post Depression And Cooking – http://www.sugarfilledemotions.com/2010/… #mentalhealth
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RT @MelissaMashburn: Yes! It is a blog post about Depression and Cooking! – Depression And Cooking – http://www.sugarfilledemotions.com/2010/… #mentalhealth
You are telling my story here- used to love cooking & creating, but completely but became so overwhelmed with stress that it was nearly impossible. We lived on ready meals, etc. for ages. Gradually worked up to being able to cook good, easy meals for the family, & a couple of weeks ago, was able to invite 2 friends to dinner & managed a 3 course meal with no panic. I even enjoyed it. Everything was done in time, beautifully set table, I even managhed some last minute parmesan crisps as nibbles. OKI, I have slipped backwards since then, but I know that I can do it.
Love this post Melissa! It is so common for us to lose interest in the things that once meant so much to me, and it is so wonderful how you can share your journey back to these things, but in a new and healthier way for you! I love your focus on keeping it fun and simple. I look forward to reading your recipe. I have begun to try cooking more for my family, using less processed, prepackaged meals than I have previously simply for convenience. It’s hard, I am not a natural born cook, but it can also be fun! I love learning of a new and simple recipe that I can serve my family.
Thank you so much for sharing this really relevant post, it makes a lot more sense that it may sound to others. Additionally, Yahoo! For getting past your panic attack (so dreadful) and being able to move forward with your plans despite it, that is huge!
This is one of my favorite posts. Claiming victory over that panic attack is a huge reason why. I am so glad you found helpful things in what I wrote.