My anxiety has been off and on “acting up” as I like to call it. At times I can figure out whats causing it and sometimes/most times I can’t. Those times I tend to not want to deal with it by having myself listen to my mind and body and feeling the anxiety. I worry if I do when its real strong that I wont be able to get out of it if I’m feeling it. That I will be stuck in it like I was a few years back. I was struggling hard with anxiety which I at that moment didn’t know that is what it was. It got so bad I couldn’t eat at more, I would throw up if I did, I thought I was going to die, and had a feeling of tread and doom. I think the tread and doom was depression also peeking it ugly head. I have come a long were since then, I attend therapy, meds, and try to incorporate “me time”. Now, in the present the meds don’t seem to be working as well as they did maybe but I refuse to increase the amount I’m on. I would like to get off of them at some point but not sure when. I know TMI period and hormone changes can increase anxiety and depression. Another part of anxiety and depression for me is weather based. I like in the midwest and the changing of the seasons at times can hit hard, we are currently in fall and its turned into a gloomy fall which makes me think of how gloomy winter can be. Which in turn can lead to a sad gloomy feeling. I know eating a nice well balanced diet can help with those feelings too which then can for me trigger ED. Which is another mental game I have to pay attention too along with the other two and dealing with all three can be hard and exhausting and puts my brain on over drive. Now that its been happening a few times already this fall season I’m going to have my “tool kit” all set and ready for the winter season.

I don’t have my “tool kit” all set and ready but for I do have an idea of what I’ll be putting in their. One of them can’t fit but its my happy light. I’ll be doing that every morning before the kids wake up which waking up earlier will help me feel less rushed I hope. Its crazy how waking up when the kids wake up and then all four us and sometimes five with timothy can feel like a mad house lol. I’m going to continue to make sure I read at least one book a month more is wonderful but I’m shooting for one. I’m going to move my body 3 times a week no more no less. Moving my body fuels me with endorphins and I need those and too many times a week at times encourages the ED thoughts back in. I have a peach tea that I really love to drink but also smell when I’m feeling anxious or depressed. I’ll be making sure I have at least a box on hand and a tea bag or two in my purse if I need it while at work. I LOVE Reese peanut butter cups also that help calm me and those two will be living in my purse. Last but not least will be journaling. In the morning will I’m sitting in front of my happy light I will be journaling. I’ve found that journaling is good for me to do. It get all thats on my mind out on paper and same with what I’m feeling or whats causing me stress.

What helps you when your feeling anxious or depressed?

God Bless

~Angela