Today is day #4 without any anti-depressants to tame my anxiety, so now is a GREAT time to discuss anxiety. Remember what happened the last time I stopped taking my meds? Yeah. If that happens again, I will REALLY need some therapy. But for now? I'm a bit edgy, and fidgeting a LOT more... and that's all. No other issues.
But if worse comes to worse, I need a plan.
So, here are some things that I use as therapy:
Professional therapy - I love my therapist. She rocks. I see her about every 3 weeks now, but I think I may bump that down to every 2 weeks, as life is getting a bit more stressful now. She always reassures me that I'm not crazy beyond crazy, and I need to hear that.
Yarn therapy - There is something seriously therapeutic about crocheting a baby hat (or another very easy pattern). I mean, the first time on a new pattern is hard, but after that... it's easy peasy, and your hands are occupied by the motion... soothed by the quiet counting in your mind... Ahhhhhh... *wishing I had yarn at work* When my dad was dying, I crocheted a crapload of baby hats for charity.
Cemetery therapy - I absolutely adore cemeteries. I always try to find one that is old, or has personality... not a new cemetery, with all the stones looking exactly the same (ug. How boring.), but an old cemetery with fun inscriptions and old stones in need of love. The peace in those cemetery absolutely saturates me, calming me and grounding me. Sometimes I take pictures of interesting stones... sometimes I write a poem or draw a drawing (dang. Where DID I put that journal page? I'll have to scan it in later.)... sometimes I just pick an old stone to love.
Music therapy - To reduce my anxiety this week, I've been trying to sing slow songs in my head. Current faves? "Travelin' Soldier" by Dixie Chicks, and "Break Down Here" by Julie Roberts. Whenever I start to feel anxious, I begin to sing a slow song in my head, and feel myself begin to relax. HOW COOL IS THAT?!
I also do general art therapy, hiking, gardening, and other forms of therapy... but the very coolest kind of therapy?Cuteness therapy!
In the back of my mind, all week, has been the fact that this doggie needs a name. He is the cute yard-buddy of Kujo the Killer Corgi, absolutely cuter than heck and ALL ABOUT THE LUV. OMW. He is my favorite neighborhood doggie friend. And he needs a name. So please vote for a new name for him on the sidebar of my blog, okay? Thanks! :)
2 comments:
I know it is going to be rough being off the meds, but you are a very strong and brave young woman, I know you will make it through, not to mention, you have the Lord as your constant confidante.
Just take things slow and don't forget to pop in some Star Trek Dvd's. That is very relaxing.
Oh Jana, it must be so hard, I can't imagine going off medications like that. I hope everything evens out OK soon and that you don't go through another hell.
There are many different forms of therapy aren't there? I wish you lived near here so you could go to the Titanic cemetery here. There are actually 3 but one in particular is quite unforgettable. I'm scheduling a couple of friends to go with me, they haven't seen it before. I promise to blog about it after I go.
I wish I could partake in pet therapy! Until we get a car, I will be without my other canine half. I've waited a long time for a dog and that little guy's a cutie!
All the best to you Jana, whatever you gotta do to take care of yourself, I know you will be able to do it. You are strong and capable and it's OK to be having a hard time.
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