It's been quite some time since I updated you on the adventures of my anxiety. Oddly - I don't feel like I've been living my best life and yet my anxiety has been a lot more in control than I can ever remember it being. And here's why:
- Consistent therapy
- The right medications
- Boundaries
- Self Care
Therapy
Due to my crazy schedule, I don't always get to therapy weekly. But I never miss more than once week. That is my rule. Therapy has provided me such a safe space. It gives my very analytical mind a third party with no skin in the game to bounce my anxious thoughts off of. My therapist is a good fit for me because I feel comfortable enough not to do anything but be myself. I'm honest, open, and I don't justify anything. Therapy is such a critical tool in my arsenal because it helps me to view myself and my problems in a way that I maybe had not seen before.
The Right Medications
I had never seen a psychiatrist until I moved to Texas. In Texas, you have to see a psychiatrist in order to be prescribed with mental health medications. And what a difference it has made. I've been on one form or another of antianxiety or depression medication since I was a teenager. But I never felt quite right with what I had been on. Seeing a psychiatrist has entirely changed that. She understands I don't want to be controlled by medications and that I'm willing to put in a little more work to not rely on them. If you're taking medications to help your mental health - make sure you are educated and involved in what you're being prescribed.
Boundaries
I talk a lot about boundaries. And I used to think I was pretty decent at setting them. Turns out, I'm not. I let people take advantage of me in my personal and professional lives. Until recently. I've almost become a bit ruthless in the way that I set boundaries now. If I'm burnt out at work, I say no to new assignments. I simply refuse to travel. I am vocal about my exhaustion. And while one day, it may bite me - it's worth it. In my personal life, if friendships exhaust me, I pull away. If relationships aren't providing me joy, I leave. Certainly I have moments of weakness, but having the power within me to say no - is absolutely fueling my confidence.
Self Care
I am pretty bad at self care. I always used to think I was practicing it but until my therapist sat down with me and showed me examples of self care - and then told me that I can create my own version of self care - I was wrong. Self care should be practiced daily. Not once a week, not burning out until I need an entire weekend of it. Daily. So that's what I do. I take time each day to really do things that I know reset me. Whether that be working out, watching TV, talking to friends, writing - whatever - I do it. And I don't explain myself when I cancel other plans to put me first.
My anxiety is and always will be a constant battle. I'm going to feel incredible for periods of time, and utterly hopeless others. I hope that what I have to say and share when it comes to my anxiety helps inspire you to take control of whatever mental health struggle you have in life. Because it is possible to live your best life with anxiety or depression - or whatever it is you struggle with. It's extra work, but nothing worth it ever comes easy.