When you have a mood or anxiety disorder, the quest for relief never ends. But what is it we’re really searching for? Is it realistic? And if it isn’t, how badly are we hurting ourselves? Look, the disappointing fact is we’re dealing with chronic illnesses. And they aren’t going away…
If Mother Nature didn’t get my, say, amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, assorted neurotransmitters and hormones right, how could I possibly expect (keyword) to be anything but chronically anxious…
Let’s give it a go…
Chronic Illnesses
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic illness caused by failure of the pancreas to produce an adequate amount of insulin. As a result, blood glucose levels elevate.
Though it can be managed with insulin, diet, and exercise, there is no cure. In fact, without injected, inhaled, or pumped insulin, one will die.
Depression, anxiety, and mania are chronic illnesses caused by malfunctioning brain anatomy and neurotransmitters.
Though they can be managed with meds, therapy, and healthy lifestyle habits, there is no cure. In fact, without intervention, some will die.
Now, for the record, I more than understand that type 1 diabetes is a sure lab-based diagnosis. And the psychotropic meds crap-shoot we deal with doesn’t exist. And, of course, any mood or anxiety disorder sufferer will rightly declare that isn’t fair.
Still, we’re talking chronic illnesses here. And what we endure is just one more.
The Power of Acceptance
You know, I’d be willing to wager that at least 85% of those struggling with a mood or anxiety disorder think about, and long for, a complete remission of symptoms, multiples times a day.
Who wouldn’t? In fact, I was one of that 85% until several years back.
And then, as a lifelong (as in chronic illness) multi-anxiety disorder sufferer, it occurred to me…
If Mother Nature didn’t get my, say, amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, assorted neurotransmitters and hormones right, how could I possibly expect (keyword) to be anything but chronically anxious in a variety of fun presentations?
Come on, now.
And if I really and truly accept that (and I did), why would I dillydally around fantasizing about a complete remission of symptoms? I mean, it would only keep me from facing the cold, hard facts – and getting after creative management.
Seriously, what are the viable options?
Again, we’re talking mood and anxiety disorders as chronic illnesses. And that would be just like type 1 diabetes, sickle cell anemia, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and so many more.
We aren’t special.
Final Thoughts
When we’re struggling with a mood or anxiety disorder we need to give every possible relief angle a go. And I say a change in perspective is deeply powerful and productive.
You know, in saying our particular chronic illnesses aren’t going away, I’m really not trying to be the bearer of bad news – playing the heavy.
I just want to introduce the change in perspective that really turned my anxiety-dominated life around. And if it can work for me, why not you?
Makes perfect sense, so why not give it a go? Come on, take heart…
Hundreds of Chipur mood and anxiety disorder-related articles are waiting for you. Please check-out the titles.
