And yet here we are facing a deadly variation of the flu. My level of anxiety has increased markedly as the virus has spread. This anxiety has manifested itself as anger, at times, and has been a source of friction within my support group. I wonder why this time it's different, having survived swine flu, H1 N1, and yearly cold and flu seasons. Having a day job in the … [Read more...] about I Thought the Next Pandemic Would Include Zombies
Stress and Anxiety
The Circle of Life Sucks – Digging an Animal Grave Part II
The inevitable happened today. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. He was over 15 years old and had lived a charmed life for a cat. Although he never had offspring, he had a family that he loved and that loved him. He was a hunter, a birdwatcher, and he loved to show his dominance in the pack. His name was Pumpkin after his “pumpkin … [Read more...] about The Circle of Life Sucks – Digging an Animal Grave Part II
I got up this morning, the rest will be easy
The past 48 hours have been rough. Or at least that is how I framed it in my head. What really happened was my boss had me work three earlier shifts leading up to the holiday. Although I am more of a morning person, my body was getting used to the closing shifts. Getting home around midnight was not the worst thing in the world. My internal alarm clock was still going … [Read more...] about I got up this morning, the rest will be easy
One day isn’t a pattern, is it?
Ok, I know to look at the big picture. I know that the road forward is not a straight line. And I know that my recovery from depression will have tough days and smooth days. I have developed and attracted a support group to help me stay on track. I have collected tools to help me recognize warning signs that signal I need to pay closer attention. Yet when I had that thought … [Read more...] about One day isn’t a pattern, is it?
When Will I Ask These 12 Better Questions?
This is one of the key skills I must learn if I am to make sure depression is not my boss. Asking better questions, not just hearing the voice of depression will keep me from making impulsive, rash, and often destructive decisions. In the hospital, I was given a handout titled “How to Challenge Unhelpful Thinking Styles.†My thanks to the nurses … [Read more...] about When Will I Ask These 12 Better Questions?
