It was forty-six years ago, but I remember the onslaught of my anxiety symptoms as though it was this morning. And so began the quest for wisdom, seeking-out anyone who was managing – enjoying – their life in the face of their panic and anxiety. Perhaps I can now lend you a hand…
Make peace with yourself, okay? If you’re like me, you have a list of regrets and supposedly necessary do-overs longer than your arms and legs…
That said, I really want to bring you something special.
My Writing Hang-Up
I want to get us started by sharing a personal writing hang-up. Most of you know I post once a week here on Chipur. Since I own it, the subject matter is of my choosing. Now, I have always found the medical/scientific aspects of what we deal with fascinating. So you’re going to see lots of articles on topics such as meds and the workings of the brain and body.
And since I find the mood and anxiety disorders so interesting, you’ll see all sorts of pieces on what specific disorders look like – as well as how they’re treated.
Okay, enter the personal writing hang-up. There’s one bit of subject matter I don’t tap into nearly enough: things that go on within my head. Oh, I suppose there are many reasons (cough-cough) for that, but it really is a shame – actually, selfish. I mean, given the depth and “eccentric” nature of my thoughts and feelings, and the number of years I’ve experienced them, they’re valuable. Dare I say they’re potentially helpful to others?
10 Living with a Mood or Anxiety Disorder Nuggets
Well, in the spirit of what I just rambled-on about, I’m going to bring you a deeper part of me.
On the occasion of such a huge milestone in my life, I want to give you 10 nuggets of wisdom pertaining to living with a mood or anxiety disorder. See what you think, but I can tell you they’ve sure worked well for me. Still do.
From my joys and sorrows, to you…
- Never cease forward motion, even if it’s half a step at a time. And in that forward motion, do all you can to participate in purposeful – goal-directed – activity.
- Find at least one life purpose or passion. And all the better if it involves helping others and engaging with some form of beauty. Seriously, without meaning, life becomes something to tolerate.
- Accumulate all the information you can about that from which you suffer. Take the info and transition it into personal insight. And then it’s time for acceptance of your emotional or mental circumstances.
- After realistically assessing your circumstances and drawing conclusions, turn to a therapist, psychiatrist, your primary care doc – whomever. Get the help you need and deserve.
- Don’t isolate. I’m not saying go to the ballpark everyday, but we all need people – especially when we’re having a rough go.
- Exercise consistently and watch what you eat and drink. I shudder to think where I’d be if exercise hadn’t been a priority over the years. (Nutrition? I still have some work to do.)
- Spirituality has always been important to me. I have a traditional God to fill that role, but you may chose something else. Thing is, we need to have something that we know is more powerful than us, and capable of the supernatural.
- Make peace with yourself, okay? If you’re like me, you have a list of regrets and supposedly necessary do-overs longer than your arms and legs. Forget it. I mean, it’s over and there isn’t a darned thing you can do about any of it. Skip the rear-view mirror.
- Do all you can to help others with your story. Not only will it provide comfort to them, it’ll make you feel so good.
- Be it a partner, family member, or friend – deeply love and cherish those closest to you. Now, I know you may be dealing with some fractured relationships that make this one impossible (for now). Still, do the best you can with those you can touch. And while you’re at it, love and cherish the one absolutely closest to you – you.
Peace Out!
So I feel better now, bringing you a more personal part of me. Helps me work toward dissolving that hang-up of mine.
It’s my hope you’ll find the nuggets helpful. Keep in mind, it isn’t about nailing all of them with a checklist mentality. Just absorb the ones you feel comfortable with and do your best to make them work for you, day-in and day-out.
Become a “seasoned manager.”
By the way, if you’re looking for additional inspiration and info, go ahead and peruse those hundreds of Chipur mood and anxiety disorder-related titles.
