Tonight's post serves a dual purpose. It is the final essay in 31 Days and also a Total Truth Tuesday. I know my final post was due October 31. The idea, after all, was to write every day in October. I almost made it. But I didn't. I could make excuses. I...
Today I'm sharing the best book I've read about anxiety. If you or a loved one struggle with anxiety, it's a must-read. Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes Facing Accepting Floating Letting time pass This series is not a tidy story of a fairy tale life....
In group therapy, the concept of Radical Acceptance was introduced. It's this nice idea that we should accept whatever has happened or is happening rather than fighting it or judging it to be good or bad. Think zen to the highest degree. I've tried radical acceptance...
Thank you for all the prayers. I feel them and love you all. I spoke to my doctor today, and she wants me stick this out. The symptoms could last for awhile, so I'm trying to be easy on myself and not freak out. As a dear friend reminded me today, this, too, shall...
Today's post is about my Intervention. It was last March, and the ferocious anxiety had returned - exactly one year from the time it started. I was simply surviving, once again, and obsessed with finding a magic cure. The more I researched and the more I tried, the...
It's been a weekend of laughter and tears. Of resting and playing. Of grief and joy. Reminiscing with dear friends whose faces we missed for years. Sitting with Justin to tell our girls their dearly loved Misty would go to the vet and not come home. Holding them as...
Crunchy leaves swirl wildly in the vortex. I stand mesmerized each time I see them spin. Where is this unseen, whirling wind and how do the leaves always find it? My life is like these leaves. One minute gently floating and the next spinning out of control. As the...
When dealing with anxiety and depression, it's critical to have a doctor you trust. I was connected to my first psychiatrist through the outpatient therapy program I attended. He was a staff doctor. And after completing the program, I continued to see him because it...
To medicate or not to medicate? That is the question. Before I get started, please read my big, fat, important disclaimer below. I AM NOT A DOCTOR. I AM NOT GIVING MEDICAL ADVICE. NEVER TAKE MEDICATION UNLESS PRESCRIBED BY A DOCTOR YOU TRUST. NEVER GOOGLE A...
August 2014. It was time to re-enter the land of the living. I attended my last session of intensive outpatient therapy, and my work leave ended. The annual off site retreat was first time I would see my colleagues from the church & school. I felt like a...