February 27, 2013

What I've Learned About Anxiety.


In all honesty, this post should be titled "What I've Learned About Anxiety and What I'm Still Learning," but that was just a tad too long. You get my point though.

While I've learned a lot on this difficult journey, I've also recognized that there is still so much to learn and I still have so much room to grow
But here are some thing along my journey that I've picked up that have either brought me immense peace, helped me feel encouraged or simply just reaffirmed that I'm not the only person who has to battle this nasty bug.
  1. Bananas are natural uppers. They contain serotonin and have been proven to help lift people's moods- especially in the mornings. So, I now eat a banana every morning. And along with feeling better, I also am now eating a bit healthier.
  2. Don't be ashamed to admit to your depression and/or anxiety. You'd be surprised how many people around you have gone through it or are currently suffering. Seriously- it's both heartbreaking and encouraging to be genuinely surprised that the person next to you understands your pain.
  3. Taking medication does NOT make you weak. It just doesn't. Throughout this entire trial, I've never felt stronger than when I told my therapist that I needed the extra help. 
  4.  (In reference to #3) The fact of the matter is that this is an actual chemical deficiency in your brain. You are lacking the chemical make up that balances your moods and fights irrational thoughts.
  5. You are NOT being punished. I struggled with this for a very long time. And to be honest, there are still times when I relapse and go back to this thought (hence the 'What I'm Still Learning"). But with constant support, prayer and hard work I'm trying to rid myself of this destructive thought.
  6. Get some exercise. Go for walks around the neighborhood. Walk on the treadmill. Whatever it is, just try to get some extra exercise. It's refreshing and has made a big difference for me.
Just the fact that I've made it this far to even compose an entry like this makes me feel so good. It's taken a lot of work and I've had a lot of support. Thank you, as always, for loving me for who I am.

1 comment:

  1. Tamara,
    I am right there with you. It has taken me YEARS to accept that I just have a chemical imbalance and am not crazy. I've tried getting off of medication multiple times. I've only recently accepted that it makes me a better person. It helps me cope better with daily life. And it's okay to need it.

    I appreciate your honesty, and I absolutely know what you're going through. It's the worst. Sometimes, you just feel like you're on a balance beam and teetering just a bit either way will send you plummeting into a pit of anxiety and depression. But hang in there! It comes in waves. Sometimes are harder than others. But accepting it and embracing it is the first step to overcoming it/learning to manage it.

    Love you friend.

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