Good news
I am happy to report that for no apparent reason my anxiety has been at bay lately and I’ve felt, dare I say, good? I’m so paranoid that I’m going to jinx it but I feel good so rarely, I try to pay special attention to things I’m doing/consuming to see if they’re helping my mood. So here’s what I’ve been doing as of late:
1. B12- I got a B12 shot at my doctor’s 2 days ago and feel AMAZING. He’s a really good doctor and said I can come in any time and get one. I think I’m going to make this a regular thing.
2. FISH OIL- my doctor prescribed me fish oil. I have been taking a pharmaceutical grade fish oil for a few weeks now that seems to really be helping.
3.MAGNESIUM- my doctor also has me taking a magnesium supplement because apparently people with anxiety issues tend to have magnesium deficiencies. Look into it.
4. Buspar- he prescribed buspar for panic attacks but I tried it and it didn’t feel like it did anything so I’m going to stick with the regular occasional Valium. It’s important that you don’t take Valium or any benzo daily because they are highly addictive and in turn can make your anxiety much worse.
5. Prayer- You may or may not be religious but I have always believed that there is a higher power. I was raised catholic (I know, I know) and haven’t prayed every night in quite some time. I used to do it before bed every night as a young girl and into my teens. Well, recently I had my dad mail me a blessed rosary and I’ve been sleeping with it every night and praying each night before bed and honestly it’s made such a difference. So I’ll just leave that there and you can do what you want with it.
6. I picked up a fresh script- I take 75mgs of Effexor XR daily for my panic disorder and I don’t know if anyone else has ever experienced this but have you ever felt like you got a bad batch? I mean it’s bound to happen. There are flaws in everything. I swear, some months I will be taking the Effexor and it will feel completely ineffective and I’ll get the weird brain zaps and crazy anxiety and then other months I get it and it’s fine. This seems to be a good batch. Ugh. Wish it was always this way.
7. Soothing music- I’ve been sleeping each night to soothing music on the Calm app. They have lots of great sounds to listen to and most of it is free and it still plays on your phone even if you exit the app. It’s so peaceful and wonderful and really keeps the nightmares away.
8. Talking- I’ve been having a lot of talks with people and Tommy and honestly it’s really helped me. My psychiatrist has even linked me with a cognitive behavioral therapist (CBT) that I’m trying out next week. I did CBT when I was younger for many years but thought I’d re-visit in my 30’s and see if I can help diminish my panic even more. The goal is to get through one full month without any attacks and considering I used to have 10-15 a day, I’d say we’ve already made substantial progress (I’ll keep you posted)
9. Painting- I started painting and drawing more and more and it really helps. It’s nice to be able to take the angst in your mind and transfer it to the paper or canvas. It’s almost like removing it from your brain and putting it into tangible form. If you don’t happen to paint or draw, try any other little hobby you enjoy- jewelry making, pottery, knitting, etc. All of these things are great distractions for a restless mind.
10. LASTLY- self acceptance. I’ve been trying to just accept myself as I am. I’ve been making a conscious effort to stop comparing myself and my life to other people. To stop thinking “oh if I didn’t have anxiety I’d be…” because that’s not productive. The truth is, most days are a struggle but the good days are SO good and those are the ones I live for. Comparison is the thief of joy. Remember that. I’m not sure who said it but it’s true.
From the outside we all pretty much look ok. But we never know what anyone is dealing with on the inside. So just try to remember that next time you look at someone and begin to feel bad about yourself 🖤
Ok, hope any of this helps.
Much love to you.
You got this!
Brittany
