Hi everyone:
I thought I would write today because things have changed a bit in the past month since I last updated this blog. I am now half way through my degree, dealing with a loss in the family, just finished writing many final exams, etc. It's been a little hectic.
What I wanted to share was that in any type of recovery, it is normal (and completely okay) to have to take (either by force or choice) one step back in order to take a two steps forward afterwards. It might sound like it is double the energy for recovery, and it is true, it is a constant fight.
I want to share this because last friday I had a panic attack. Even though I am well on my road to recovery, this was something that I completely did not see coming at all. It has been almost 4 years since my last one, and I must admit I did not fully remember what it felt like. I know the trigger of it though (two final exams the next day for a total of 7 hours of exam writing). However, it completely took me by surprise because I have been writing exams most of my life ( and definitely more important ones too!) and I have never experienced this before it. I wanted to share my feelings and leave it open for any questions anyone might have.
It was a feeling of the room closing in on you, and not being able to breathe. I knew I was stressed, but I was panicking and my rational self was scared because it didnt know why I was panicking so much. Obviously, as tears came, I had to step out of my books for a while, even though I desperately needed to study. My parents tried talking to me, but all it did was make me more anxious. I felt like the world depended on my doing good on my exams the next day (not the other ones, just those two). It was a horrible feeling.
Having had a few days now after the experience, I can reflect that this definitely took me a step back in my recovery because of the surprise element of it. However, I am determined to get back on my feet and fight this constant battle with my inner self. It is a day to day thing, and one that I have been learning to deal with.
If you have recently experienced something that has made you feel like a "failure" in your recovery, do not let those thoughts in. Because even if you constantly are taking a step back and two steps forward constantly, you are PROGRESSING!
What you need to remember (and which many people forget or ignore) is that SLOW PROGRESS IS STILL PROGRESS!
Please send me any questions you might have
Love you,
Girl
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
How To Deal With Anxiety
Hi everybody:
I am now energized and motivated to keep up with my blog! There is so much I want to say but for now I'll take it slow.
I have had a lot of people in my life recently dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. It runs in my family as well, so I've experienced it, although not very many times (the attacks that is). Because I am in university, anxiety is something I have to deal with on a regular if not daily basis.
Here are some of the things that help me destress whenever I feel anxious.
1) Having taken neuroscience I know that the main hormone involved in stress is called cortisol. I dont want to make this a science class, but long story short, when you are stressed your body releases cortisol that goes into your brain and puts your body into the "fight or flight" response. When the body goes into this state it shuts off the front part of your brain (which is involved in rational decisions, executive functions, etc). Pretty much your "intelligence". If it shuts off, you are waaay more likely to make irrational decisions and the neurons in the front part of your brain if they are shut off for long enough, will start to die. MY POINT IS, when I'm stressed, I think of how i'm killing my neurons and those can't come back. This puts me in the "mental" state of not being stressed.
2) After I think about that, I do deep-breathing exercises. The great thing about this, is that no one has to know you are doing it (even if you are in class or something). I fixed my eyes on something and slowly deep breathe. I usually count 7 missisipis in and 7 out for each breath, and I stop when I realize my breathing flows naturally.
3) At this point, I am in a better place. Breathing sends oxygen to my brain, which makes the brain calm down. But if I can, I listen to relaxing music. I have a channel on youtube that I absolutely LOVE! it's kmusiclife and anything by him is amazing! he combines relaxing music with nature sounds.
4) If I am home, I make myself some herbal tea (caffeine is an absolute no no!). I concentrate on the drinking and the smell of the tea.
5) If that doesn't work, journalling is a good option for me as well.
6) if it's during the day and nice out, go for a walk while doing deep breathing exercises
Now, I AM in university, so I know that sometimes while I'm trying to destress myself, I get more stressed thinking about the things I should be doing as opposed to destressing myself. What I have to say about that is: forget it! You cannot and will not be able to do anything unless you are in a mental state where you can concentrate. If you are worried about a test/exam/assignment that is due soon, talk to your teacher/professor and explain that you;ve been dealing with anxiety lately. They usually are very understanding as they are (believe it or not) humans as well. If this is something that is interfering extremely with your day to day activities, I would recommend going and seeing a doctor/counsellor/social worker/psychologist.
Usually, schools and universities have programs or alternatives for those who are dealing with severe stress and can make arrangements for you.
Remember, there are VERY few things more important than your well-being! So never push it off and think you will deal with it later! Been there, done that. Not good.
Take care, remember you are beautiful, and that whatever you are dealing with will pass!! :)
Love,
Girl
I am now energized and motivated to keep up with my blog! There is so much I want to say but for now I'll take it slow.
I have had a lot of people in my life recently dealing with anxiety and panic attacks. It runs in my family as well, so I've experienced it, although not very many times (the attacks that is). Because I am in university, anxiety is something I have to deal with on a regular if not daily basis.
Here are some of the things that help me destress whenever I feel anxious.
1) Having taken neuroscience I know that the main hormone involved in stress is called cortisol. I dont want to make this a science class, but long story short, when you are stressed your body releases cortisol that goes into your brain and puts your body into the "fight or flight" response. When the body goes into this state it shuts off the front part of your brain (which is involved in rational decisions, executive functions, etc). Pretty much your "intelligence". If it shuts off, you are waaay more likely to make irrational decisions and the neurons in the front part of your brain if they are shut off for long enough, will start to die. MY POINT IS, when I'm stressed, I think of how i'm killing my neurons and those can't come back. This puts me in the "mental" state of not being stressed.
2) After I think about that, I do deep-breathing exercises. The great thing about this, is that no one has to know you are doing it (even if you are in class or something). I fixed my eyes on something and slowly deep breathe. I usually count 7 missisipis in and 7 out for each breath, and I stop when I realize my breathing flows naturally.
3) At this point, I am in a better place. Breathing sends oxygen to my brain, which makes the brain calm down. But if I can, I listen to relaxing music. I have a channel on youtube that I absolutely LOVE! it's kmusiclife and anything by him is amazing! he combines relaxing music with nature sounds.
4) If I am home, I make myself some herbal tea (caffeine is an absolute no no!). I concentrate on the drinking and the smell of the tea.
5) If that doesn't work, journalling is a good option for me as well.
6) if it's during the day and nice out, go for a walk while doing deep breathing exercises
Now, I AM in university, so I know that sometimes while I'm trying to destress myself, I get more stressed thinking about the things I should be doing as opposed to destressing myself. What I have to say about that is: forget it! You cannot and will not be able to do anything unless you are in a mental state where you can concentrate. If you are worried about a test/exam/assignment that is due soon, talk to your teacher/professor and explain that you;ve been dealing with anxiety lately. They usually are very understanding as they are (believe it or not) humans as well. If this is something that is interfering extremely with your day to day activities, I would recommend going and seeing a doctor/counsellor/social worker/psychologist.
Usually, schools and universities have programs or alternatives for those who are dealing with severe stress and can make arrangements for you.
Remember, there are VERY few things more important than your well-being! So never push it off and think you will deal with it later! Been there, done that. Not good.
Take care, remember you are beautiful, and that whatever you are dealing with will pass!! :)
Love,
Girl
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