How Have My Craft Skills Helped Me Through Hard Times?

How Have My Craft Skills Helped Me Through Hard Times?

Introduction

For those who have experienced the depths of clinical depression, the loss of interest and motivation can be crippling. My own journey through depression began in December 1992, a traumatic period that left me devoid of interest in activities I once cherished, like knitting and puzzles. However, it was these very crafts that eventually helped me find my way back, not just as a pastime but also as a tool for overcoming battling depression and finding a sense of purpose.

The Journey Through Depression

Following intense panic attacks, heightened anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of deep depression, I found myself unable to engage in any activities, even those that had once provided me with joy and a sense of accomplishment. The craft of completing a jigsaw puzzle, which I had loved since childhood, became my salvation. When I was at my lowest, my husband, who had not yet succumbed to dementia, brought home two 500-piece puzzles, and together we worked on them. Upon completion, I felt a surge of productivity and a sense of accomplishment that reignited my interest in other crafts, such as knitting, crochet, and latch hook projects.

Exploring New Crafts and Road Trips

My husband's frequent road trips provided me with a new outlet for my creativity and a glimmer of hope in my life. Having a lot of vacation time and being unable to return to work, I accompanied him on these journeys up to Wichita, Kansas, and into Nebraska, where he sought to reacquaint himself with his many cousins. His ultimate goal was to determine his true father and trace the history of his 1500's ancestors who had left the Netherlands due to religious persecution.

During these trips, I had the opportunity to learn new crafts from many women along the way. Moreover, the road trips brought a sense of lightness and joy back into my life, helping me combat the deep depression that had taken hold. While doing things for the feeling of production, I had been a super woman before, but severe osteoporosis and bulging disks had already caused more pain than I had ever experienced.

From falls, I had crushed my T-8 vertebra and bulged at least two lumbar disks. I lived with the consequences of these injuries for many years, and even after a hospitalization and major medication change, a deeper depression set in, requiring further medical intervention.

Finding Purpose Through Crafting

Despite the challenges, crafting remained a key source of comfort and productivity for me. By the age of 70, my bones had become strong enough for me to undergo major back surgery, which eliminated the pain I had lived with for almost 30 years. However, as a consequence, I now face other health challenges like neuropathy, which limits my time spent on activities requiring fine motor skills.

These days, I am learning to quilt, a craft that is less demanding on my hands. Despite the physical limitations, the experience of teaching knitting, crochet, and kids' crafts at JoAnn's Craft Stores has been fulfilling. I continue to teach privately and find joy in imparting my knowledge to others.

Conclusion

For anyone dealing with depression or feeling a loss of purpose, engaging in crafts can be a powerful tool for recovery. These activities provide a sense of accomplishment, offer a creative outlet, and can serve as a distraction from negative thoughts. My journey highlights the healing power of crafting and how it can reignite a passion for life and creativity, even in the darkest of times.