It has taken me 20 years to realize I needed professional help; another year to seriously reach out for help; another 6 months to find the right team of professionals; another 6 months to compile a set of tools and strategies; an entire year of being off work to embrace rest without guilt; and it will take me a lifetime to put into practice everything I've learned.
Let's collectively give ourselves a break, OK?
Hi all, I've written a new article on my blog, Spaghetti Chaos, that I'd like to share with you. I was inspired by an interaction I had with a young boy at a wedding who was experiencing anxiety for the first time:
"Something about that interaction struck a chord deep within me. It was all I could do to not burst into tears and shout “I understand you!!! We’re going to be alright!!!” I’m glad I thought better about giving this poor child and his father any new traumatic memories of the crazy cousin of the groom."
Why I hover around the fringes in a large crowd - Spaghetti Chaos
When feelings of shame and guilt come up, check-in and ask:
"Is this valid? Is there something I've done, or didn't do, that I feel I need to reconcile? Either with myself or someone else?"
If the answers are no, find the truth, thank the emotion for trying to help, then let it go as best you can. "Thanks, but I don't need you right now."
For example, my feelings of immense guilt over applying for long-term disability through my insurance. (Notice that I said "applying for". I have not even been approved yet I still feel immense guilt for simply having the audacity to ask for help.)
So, is this valid? Is there a wrong I've committed? No and no.
What do I know to be true? I am currently unable to work. I need help paying my expenses. I am doing everything within my means to get better. I have done nothing wrong.
I've written an article about my recent reactions to one of my bigger anxiety triggers, waste.
Coming face to face with an anxiety trigger - Spaghetti Chaos
Do you know your triggers? How do you identify and manage them when they arise?
I've written an article about my recent reactions to one of my bigger anxiety triggers, waste.
Coming face to face with an anxiety trigger - Spaghetti Chaos
Do you know your triggers? How do you identify and manage them when they arise?
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