I had 116 views on my recent blog post about mental health issues! I guess it made a bigger impact than I thought! Thank you all for your kind words, and support. And for those of you who shared your struggles, too. I wanted to write a follwup post about a few other things I thought of, and some questions I get asked.
DOCTORS--I go to an actual psychiatrist. I see him a few times a year. Your regular family doctor can diagnose and maybe treat you with your first medicine, but they told me they don't specialize in mental health, and its best to go to a specialist. I really like the one I go to. He controls what medicines I'm on and what the dosages are. When I visit his office we talk about any changes, he checks weight and side effects to make sure nothing bad is happening. And he has a wealth of knowledge on all things anxiety and depression. He can make suggestions, tell you whats normal or not, and change thijngs up if you have to. So my advice-- if someone ever needs to go on to medication, GO TO A SPECIALIST! It really is worth it.
THERAPY--Like I mentioned in my last post, also seeing a therapist/counselor is good. I know it can be silly and cliche and you think of the person on tv laying down on a couch and spilling their life story. But I really do like going. I went a lot when I was going through some of the worst rough patches-- I actually haven't gone in awhile. But I found a recommended Christian counseling center. The added touch of them being able to talk about God, the Bible, and all of that incorporated into all these issues is an added bonus for me. I can tell my therapist some of the most insane things, and she does not judge me or laugh at me. She actually is the first person who made me feel truly normal for once in my life. I felt such a weight lifted off my shoulders when she very first told me that how I'd been feeling my whole life had a name, and I wasn't just crazy.
MEDICCATION--It can take awhile to test medicines out and find out which is the best for you. You have to give it time. Unfortunately it can take several weeks for it to fully work. Some medicines will not respond to you, or will give you bad side effects. It is ok, they will help you figure it out. Is it true that antidepressants cause weight gain? Well unfortunately a lot of them do. I have gained a lot of weight while on my medicines. It is one of the most common side effects. But I'd rather be 600 lbs (haha not really) then ever, EVER go back to how I was feeling in 2011. Some things in life you just have to weigh the pros and cons. I can get very strict about losing weight for awhile and lose some, but it comes right back on. My dr knows it bothers me and suggested some weight loss shots for me to kick start the process and get a lot of weight off. I have not decided if I want to take them or not, though. I have to look into our insurance first, and also the side effects sounded kindof scary. But we will see.
"DOWN DAY" TIPS- Even when you are enjoying life, taking your medicine, and everything is going your way--- you are still going to have "down days." It just happens. Nothing is a cure-all. I remember when I was in the worst of it, a friend told me this, and told me to make sure you get up and do SOMETHING even in the worst of your days. You just have to keep going. So here are some tips that have helped me if I'm having a bad day.
1. Turn on praise music and/or read the Bible. It's pretty hard to feel down when you are listening to praise music. I listened to a LOT of it back in 2011! ITs strange because you can feel like God is a million miles away when you are struggling, yet at the same time feel the most connected to him when you go through hard times.
2. Volunteer. I actually started volunteering at the local Pregnancy Care Center back in 2011 when times were worst. I ended up staying 5 years. It was a great experience. When you are having a hard time, putting the focus on someone else other than yourself can help tremendously, and giving back to people and the community always feels good.
3. Go Shopping. What girl doesn't like to do that?! Even if you just stop by Target and buy something out of the dollar spot. Or pick a cheerful new shirt. Or mug. Or whatever you want. A little treat now and then makes things better. Doesn't have to be expensive!
4. Exercise. Yes, we all know what exercise does for us, it's good for our bodies AND of mind. Even though you won't FEEL like it, push yourself to get outside. The sunlight and exercise naturally raises your endorphin levels and can help improve your mood naturally. And being outside in the wide open spaces has always helped calmed my anxiety. Taking a walk by yourself or with your dog, riding a bike, whatever you feel like doing. It WILL make you feel better,
5. Focus on a Hobby. Whether it be through music, art, or writing (like for me!) putting your efforts into a hobby can help you focus your nervous energy elsewhere. It can help you sort out your feelings, give you something to keep your mind busy, and make you feel accomplished and proud of yourself.
MY KIDS: Some of you probably wonder how much my kids know and how they feel about what I go through. A lot of these big things happened when they were really young, and they do not remember any of it. Now though, they are old enough to understand most of it. They know that I take daily medication. They know I struggle sometimes. They have seen me have panic attacks. As a matter of fact, they have seen a few I've had late at night, and they know whats going on, and they have actually helped me calm down by distracting me. I am not ashamed of what I struggle with. Brooke struggles with ADHD and some occasional anxiety. Arnold also has some ADD and has dealt with some learning issues. Everyone has struggles with something, and you shouldn't be ashamed. Your family loves you, and can help you. We are pretty honest with the kids about stuff at their ages, because we want them to know the truth about things. We want them to know if THEY ever experience these kinds of feelings or issues, its ok to come talk to us. I hope none of them ever have to go through all this. Can it be inherited? According to my dr and therapist-- Yes. I am pretty sure my biological mother has dealt with some anxiety and depression and I probably got it from her. Makes sense now. Id hate to think I passed any of this down to my kids, but at least we know how to deal with it!!
FAVORITE ANXIETY BIBLE VERSES
I say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.” --Isaiah 35:4
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. --Isaiah 30:41
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. --Proverbs 3:5-6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. --Philippians 4:6
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. --Matthew 11:28
***The MAIN POINT of all of this is-- if you ever have a problem, talk to somebody. Get the help you need. Do not be ashamed. Things can and will get better. You will get through it. You are not alone, even if it feels like it. Other people have been exactly where you are. You are stronger than your thoughts and feelings at the moment. God does not leave your side! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment