Bell Let’s Talk 2019

With it being Bell Let’s Talk about mental health day, I find it appropriate. If I can use my voice to help others, then it’ll be worth it to tell my story. I thought about posting to my social media account, but decided against it. Maybe someday I’ll be ready.

So here’s my story. I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder GAD in my early 20s. I had my first panic attack at age 24; I thought I was dying and wanted to call an ambulance but was frozen in fear. My anxiety has been a dark hole for most of my life but manageable, living in the back of my head, buried....until recently. When it reared its ugly head, I didn’t recognize what was happening to me. It was all so different than what I remembered from my 20s and seemingly, more dramatic. The panic attacks re-emerged, sometimes dozens a day. In addition, I’m dealing with complex PTSD and the likelihood of seasonal affective disorder SAD (big surprise from this Texas girl). I’ve discovered that I, too, held a stigma. Apparently it was OK in my mind to have anxiety but not depression. Well, guess what, I’ve 3discovered that I was depressed. Those dramatic episodes of crying uncontrollably were depression. I fell into that deep, dark hole. I cried so much and just wanted out of the hole. The more I tried to climb out, the well just seemed to get wider. It’s been a slow process for the last few months. I’m proud to say that with the compassionate help of my doctor and my therapist, I’m out if my depression. My anxiety, well that’s another story. I have to face a few “triggers” and fears before I can return to my life as I knew it. For so long I avoided public places and even my closest friends. I am blessed beyond belief for my supportive and understanding husband who has literally picked me up off the floor and held me up. He’s been patiently waiting for the wife that he knows to return. Today, he gets glimpses of that person daily and is enduring the emotional roller coaster. Every day, I’m getting better and better. I’m truly grateful for all the people who have checked on me, stayed with me, phoned me, and texted me to check on me, no matter my mood, even if I tried to ignore them. I’m grateful for who best friend who came to see me after I ignored calls and texts for a few days. I’m grateful for my mom who flew up to spend a week with me. I’m grateful for my therapist who has listened to me without judgement and with her guidance, is helping me get out of this fog. I’m grateful for a doctor who didn’t brush me off and truly listens to me. I’m grateful to the person who took over my position until I can return. I’m grateful for a boss who is empathetic and understands and HR dept who have been genuine and not pressuring me to return. 

I have learned so much through my recent mental health journey. I’ve learned I cannot put myself on the back burner. I must set boundaries and be true to my authentic self. I must take “me time.” I’m building shame resilience (thank you to Brené Brown’s books). I will continue to heal. 

I always thought I was a person who didn’t care what others thought of me. Truth is, I do care. I probably care too much. I’ve been very worried and anxious to return to my position and face many of the people that I really do care what they think of me. 

I’ve always wanted to make the world a better place. I think I was and am but now in addition to that, I have a new cause to add to my plate....when I’m ready.

I will not let anxiety define me. I will make it through this dark place, and I truly hope I never see that dark place again. If it wasn’t for my husband, I’m not sure I’d be as far as I am. I cannot thank him enough. He’s steadily getting his wife back. 💕

Trying to Get Over the Feelings of Guilt and Shame

I know...it's been awhile....

After the Christmas holidays, my family and I went on a cruise. It was the kids' first week back at school, technically, but we just kept them out another week. While the cruise was beautiful and amazing, I found myself being, quite frankly, bitchy during the first few days of it. It just seemed that everything and anything would set me off. As I am losing my mind over meaningless crap, inside I genuinely feel awful about it, but just can't seem to make the madness stop. Sadly, most times when I was feeling stressed out and anxious, I was thinking about my job and feeling guilty being away. Ugh. I haven't posted about my job as of yet. Deep breath...

I am on stress leave from my job. There I said it. It's hard for me to admit as the emotions of guilt, shame, sadness, fear, anger, resentment clash with the pride, happiness, excitement, love, and hope that I feel when I am at work. So what is my job? Well, I am a teacher. A damn good teacher. Under "normal" circumstances. I have wanted to be a teacher since my kindergarten teacher asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I changed majors in college a few times, but teaching was always there in my head and in my heart. Last school year was a very difficult and challenging year for me...to put it mildly. I struggled a ton with my anxiety and panic attacks last school year that continued through the summer months. I thought I had conquered my anxiety many years ago, but again, it reared its ugly head. Any time I thought about school, I would go into panic mode. I knew I wasn't ready when September came along. I knew I was still struggling to keep my head above water. It wasn't a surprise to me when I crashed. What was a surprise to me was how I only lasted six weeks into the school year but how hard I crashed. I was at the bottom of a well and no matter how much I tried to get out, the darkness stayed. The well only got wider and deeper. It was brutal and a very scary time in my life. I desperately wanted out. I would tell my husband over and over again that I wanted out of this hole.

During my crash, which happened over the course of a few days or maybe it was a week or two, I contacted my therapist. She diagnosed me with complex PTSD. I was not surprised. I had already Googled it and had all the symptoms. 😕

Today I faced a fear of going back into the school I work at (and where my own children go to school). I had gone into the school before Christmas Break only to meet with my principal. Today I deliberately went into school to pick up my own kids early. I walked back to my kids' classes to get them. Unexpectedly, I saw some of my students. My heart was warm, and I was happy. I got lots of hugs and was introduced to a new student in my class that came while I was away. One of my students said to the boy, "This is our real teacher." Warmed my heart that they hadn't forgotten about me. 🤗 I feel confident that I will be able to continue my healing and gradually go back to work soon for at least a few hours a day. 💗

List of Self-Help Books that Have Helped Me So Far...

These books are noted in the order I have read them. This is not an order that was suggested to me by anyone. It is just the order I have had them recommended to me or order I have discovered them. This is a list of books that are helping me get "out of the well," "relight my pilot light," and "rev forward" with my life. This post will be updated as I read the meter high (or for my American friends about a yardstick high) stack of books that are on my "to read" list. 
*Please note that the pictures taken are originals by me (do not judge my photography abilities please) of my actual copies, unless otherwise noted. Any imperfections of the cover are due to my own carelessness, that they are second-hand, or lent to me by a friend. Thank you kindly. 

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life BEFORE 8AM by Hal Elrod

A few weeks after I knew I was spiralling out of control a dear friend of mine, ND, said I have a book you need to read. She said she has read it many times and recommends it to anyone having anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. When I told her my situation, I knew she would understand being that I knew she struggled with anxiety as well. This book was a quick read and one in which if it was my personal copy would be written and highlighted all through it. She did buy me a journal, so I used that to write all my notes in. I can tell this book has been read many times and is well-loved! 

I liked the premise of this book; however, it wouldn't have been one that I would've chose to read first. The author talks about six activities that you should do in the morning before doing anything else. With kids and a husband who is out-of-town frequently, I need to be more flexible. Yes, I could get up an hour earlier like the author suggests, but with my poor sleeping habits (...still *sigh*), I feel I usually need that extra hour. However, I typically do about  4-6 of the ideas daily, just not in a specific order or time. It does help that after my kids are at school, I have the day to contemplate my future and to literally work on myself. The house is quiet, and I can truly focus. Attention and focus are typically daily obstacles for me, especially when my anxiety and panic is at its worst. The Miracle Morning (at least doing the mediation portion) is something I would like to do before I do anything else upon waking it. Like most new habits, it's easier said than done. 


Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown

About a month after starting therapy, my therapist (who is amazing BTW) suggested I read this book. She lent me her copy; I quickly realized that I needed my own copy. This book has been underlined and highlighted all through it with my personal notes in the margins. There were a few parts that were particularly powerful and meaningful to me. I also read this book after my new meds had kicked in and I was completely off my old meds, which definitely help me embrace her message with a level head (literally). 

The author talks about ten "guideposts." Guidepost #1 was especially powerful to me. It is called "Cultivating Authenticity: Letting Go of What People Think." It made me realize A LOT about myself and saddened me as to the person I had become. I will likely talk more about this in a future post. 

BTW, I have ordered another one of Brené Brown's books, which I haven't read yet. 

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson 

OMG I laughed and I cried. An uplifting, light book that I read before bed or when I only had a few minutes. Honestly, there were parts that were so relatable I thought she could be my new BFF (sorry to my actual BFF...nothing against you...I am sure you'd love her too). A friend lent me this book about a week after my initial crash into the spiral abyss (does that even make sense?). I was at her house bawling over my constant and intense anxiety and panic attacks. She has a beautiful book collection, so I asked her if she had a "feel good" book she could suggest. This was the one she gave me and wow, it was perfect! Thank you LI 💛 It honestly helped me understand that I truly am not alone...despite several people telling me this, including my therapist...but having a published author (and BTW this book is on several recommended booklists) write about this, somehow made it more relatable. 

Get Your Shit Together: How to stop worrying about what you should do so you can finish what you need to do and start doing what you want to do by Sarah Knight

I was at my BFF's house a few weeks ago looking at a few books she has. She's notorious for reading self-help books, so she's read (or I should say listened too as she enjoys audio books) MANY of the books I have been reading. This one was on her shelf. I flipped through it and saw it would be a quick read. While much of it would've been extremely helpful to my 20-something self, there were some things I was able to take from it for my current self. 

Mind Over Mood: Change How You Feel by Changing the Way You Think by Dennis Greenherger, PhD & Christine A. Padesky, Phd 

My therapist (have I mentioned how amazing she is yet?!) suggested I get this book. We are currently working through this together, taking it chapter by chapter, and not moving any faster than my brain and body can handle. It is a workbook, so I have to do this when I am alone and able to fully focus (usually when my kids are at school and husband working). Funny enough, when my therapist recommended this book to me, that same friend that lent me the first book on this list, lent me this copy too. However, since it is a workbook, I ordered my own copy as it will be one I refer to throughout my life when anxiety and panic hit me like a brick wall, which I hope never happens again, but I know all too well now how these disorders work. They love to sneak up on you, play brain games, and turn your life upside down, usually when you're least expecting it or when you think you finally have a handle on it. *sigh*

It's Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too) by Nora McInerny

While scrolling through Pinterest one day looking for memoirs on mental health, I came across this book. I immediately ordered it. I laughed and I cried and read it in just a few days. I couldn't put it down. I love the author's writing style, so "right up my alley" so to speak. Like her husband, my dad died of stage IV glioblastoma brain cancer. I could relate to a certain degree. My dad passed ten months after his diagnosis almost seven years ago. Did I ever think I would lose a parent in my early 30s? Never. Her story was inspiring and raw. She reminded me (and even kind of looks like) my high school BFF and coincidentally is from near where I grew up. I think she could be another BFF of mine, if we were ever to meet in person. 

No Comfort Zone: Notes on Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by Marla Handy 

Wow, could I relate to the author's experiences in this book. There were so many "aha" moments, I am still trying to sift through them all. Again without going into detail (perhaps when I feel ready I will write more), I understand how childhood trauma can rewire (or wire) your brain. I have been doing a lot of research on PTSD, specifically complex PTSD, since becoming diagnosed a few months ago, not really understanding what it meant. My dad also had PTSD, but I am pretty sure that his was war-induced. Reflecting back though, I am pretty sure my dad struggled with anxiety and depression, possibly panic disorder, although I am sure he never sought help for it. If he did, I highly doubt anyone would ever know. Who can blame him either? I wouldn't have dared to let anyone know about my own anxiety and panic until a few years ago, so ashamed of being on medication since my early 20s. I asked my husband the other day how long we were together before I told him I was on anxiety meds...I am sure it was at a least a year. I asked my BFF when she knew, she said she distinctly remembers me telling her nonchalantly. It was that "shocking" that she remembers it. I look so strong and so confident everyone says....well that's just the daily armour I wear to protect myself. 

There ware parts of this book that I am still digesting and just need some more time before I hit these demons head on in my own life. I am just not there yet. After reading this book, it has helped me immediately realize that my "quirks" are likely from PTSD and trauma. For example, my panic after hearing (and not expecting) a loud noise such as one of my kids screams, something crashing to the floor, etc.). Just today my daughter dropped the TV remote control on the wood floor. My heart rate immediately shot up, and it took several minutes before I felt "calm" again. I immediately yanked my head around in the direction of the sound and wanted to know what made it. I tend to "snap" when this happens reacting strongly. It is very odd....but now I am understanding that this is a symptom of complex PTSD. It is very different than say, having a near miss in a car accident, which actually happened yesterday to me. 

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook, 3rd Edition by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D 

The crazy thing about this book is that I owned this book about 13 years ago. I worked through it during a summer off from teaching when I was contemplating going off medication. My husband (then boyfriend) were together maybe two years. Sadly, during the summer of 2016, I was going through a "downsizing" phase where anything that I hadn't used in ten years was being purged. I had a cabinet with all sorts of photo albums, baby albums, etc and this book. It wasn't proudly displayed on my book shelves with all my other books, but it was safely stored at the back of a cabinet in my bedroom that hadn't been looked at since we moved into our house eight years prior. I honestly forgot all about it. I flipped through it rereading parts of my "previous self" or so I thought. Since I had written in it, I recycled the book thinking "I haven't needed it in ten years, so I won't need it again." Boy, was I wrong. I just found it at a second-hand bookstore so while I haven't begun working through it yet, I will be when I am ready. 

The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by Gretchen Rubin 

This was a good book to read over Christmas Break going into the New Year! The author describes resolutions and goals that she sets for herself each month for one year. I admire her strength, courage, and commitment to herself and her family. The parts on family and marriage resonated with me the most. This book helped me identify some areas in my personal life, family life, and marriage that needed some tweaking. 

Go A Memoir of Wanderlust and Anxiety by Sara Moss

I absolutely loved this book! While it's not necessarily a "self-help" book, it is the author's personal journey. Through several parts of the memoir, she describes physical symptoms (nausea, rapid heart beat, sweats) which I resonated with completely. I recognized the symptoms of anxiety. The adventures the author goes through is truly amazing! It reminded me a lot of my late teens and 20's...I had the same wanderlust mentality but also the anxiety that I didn't recognize as anxiety until my mid-20's.

I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't) Making the Journey from "What Will People Think?" to "I Am Enough" by Brené Brown

I've just started this one, and I cannot put it down! I am eagerly taking notes and jotting down my thoughts and feelings. I feel like this book (like her other one I read) will be very helpful. 

Mindful Moments

One thing that I feel I have always been good at is being mindful. I literally stop to smell the roses. Notice the shape and delicacy of snowflakes. Pay attention to the shapes clouds make and remake. Listen to the breeze. Now that we are in Florida, I feel like my senses are on overdrive. My therapist told me awhile back or maybe I read it in one of the many self help books I have been reading, wherever I found it, I have decided to give it a try on this trip. Write my mindful moments down. Honestly, this is something that I can and will refer back to when I am feeling anxious and worried.

One of my favourite things to do is to get up before my family, make a lovely dark roast coffee, and go on the patio of our condo. It's my favourite way to start my day, even though  I feel that it's a bit selfish (like I should be making a five course breakfast with fresh squeezed juice for my family). I love those few moments of calm. This morning the breeze was exceptionally calm, the blue sky clear. It was chillier than it has been (maybe 21C/70F). The palm fronds were gently swaying and making a "swoosh" sound that I know I have heard before but too often don't pay attention to. It was that moment that I watched the palm in front our condo for several mixtures. Listening to the gentle breeze, watching the swaying just as a small bird landed on its frond, and then as quick as it came, it left. The fronds splitting at the ends almost hair-like. The sun was just coming up over the fence, and I could already feel its warmth. 

Even as I write this now in the late afternoon, with the sun shining just above that same palm, it is not as quiet as this morning. But to be aware, to be thankful, to see the beauty of nature is to be mindful. 

*Please excuse my crappy photography capabilities with my iPhone from inside my lanai. I would like to note the orb in the top pic...no matter how I positioned my iPhone, it was there, meant to be. 

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My family I came from the beach, one of my most favourite places. The sensations are powerful. The heat of the sun, the wind in the air, the gentle crash of the waves, the tinkle of the shells hitting each other, the taste of the salt in the air. After going on a lengthy adventure with my son looking for sea glass, to which we did not find a single piece, I lay on the blanket with my husband while our kids play in the surf. We embrace the moments when they actually enjoy each other's company and are not arguing. They stand together on the sand in the surf. My daughter grabs her brother's hand every now and again when a big wave comes to hit them, her mermaid-like hair swaying in the breeze. It's moments like these that make my heart melt and today, is my favourite mindful moment from the day. I love those kids to pieces. Like I have said many times, I am so blessed for these kids and my husband. 💓💓 Embrace the moment.

January 2, 2019, our fave beach in Florida.

Accountability

I haven't posted in awhile and honestly, I feel like I have gone "off track" slightly. Not relapsed into a depression but not stayed on my healing journey either. This time of year is busy with family and friends. It has kept my mind busy to be around other people, plan family dinners, finalize winter break travel plans, and pack for my family's time away. However, it has also kept my mind busy from focusing on my healing journey. Posting in this blog has helped me maintain accountability to myself to continue on my healing journey. While I'd love for people to read my blog, give me feedback, comment, and help anyone along the way, I am content at the moment just knowing this is helping ME. Pardon my selfishness.

Since my last post, my family celebrated Christmas. We are not a religious family per se, and are more spiritual than anything. I feel guilty that my children think Christmas is all about Santa, decorating a tree (who on Earth decided that was a good idea?!), and getting/giving presents. We have tried to teach them that it is more than that. Now that they are getting older and are able to understand more about the world, we are teaching them how to give back to nature, others, and the greater good. I dislike Christmas time greatly, most due to a crappy childhood memories, but alas, I'm not getting into that now. My husband has said we need to make new memories for our children, and while he is 100% correct, it is easier said than done. Sometimes I find myself zoning out and crappy memories creeping into my mind for no apparent reason.

So what have I been doing since my last post? On Christmas Day, I finished up the packing while the kids played with new toys. We were flying out the next morning to sunny South Florida to our condo. We've been at our condo since December 27th, my happy place. We bought our condo a few years ago, and renovated it top to bottom. It is our sanctuary--calming, quiet, and relaxing.

Often I feel selfish, guilty, and ashamed for having anxiety. My husband often asks me, "What will make you happy?" And honestly, I am happy, but something is missing. I am truly blessed. I have an amazing and supportive husband (together nearly 15 years), happy and healthy kids, and financial security (we have a condo and we're in our early 40's). Sometimes I feel extremely guilty about being anxious....like what on earth do I have to worry about?! Plenty, but often, I can't even put my finger on what is (literally) keeping me up at night. The one thing that is truly my biggest worry is my career...or at the moment...lack there of. More on that later....off the the beach for some family fun time.

Facing the First of Many Fears

From the day I stepped out of my classroom two months ago, I hadn't been back inside my classroom or school. Simply driving by the school (we are rural and unless I take a nearly 45 minute detour, I must go by the school) caused me nausea to the point of nearly vomiting. The thought of going back caused such intense fear in me that I even skipped my kids' Christmas concert (see prior post), which caused major mom guilt. Thankfully, my amazing husband went to the concert and taped my kids' performances. These fears of being back at school overwhelmed me to the point I couldn't even pick up my kids early from school two weeks ago for dentist appointments. I ended up cancelling the appointments and rebooking for after school so my kids could just take the bus home. Avoidance is so much easier.

I had been talking to my therapist about these feelings of fear, guilt, shame, and disappointment for a few weeks now. I had been wanting to talk to my principal, but the fear was overwhelming and avoidance is my temporary medicine. What would I say? How would she react? Would she respond to my email or text? Would I be welcomed back? Would I see any of my students? Other teachers? My own kids? My brain is a professional at the "what if" game.

At my last therapy appointment, I sobbed opening up to my therapist about several traumatic events from early childhood. My earliest memory is a very traumatic one; I believe I was about three years old. My patient therapist (no pun intended) listened and empathized well over my one hour time slot. Once I started pouring my heart out, I couldn't stop. I felt relieved to get this out and have someone indeed agree and validate that these examples were traumatic and abusive. It was my normal so up until a few years ago, I just thought we were a "dysfunctional family," but then again, most families seem to have their dysfunctions. I now have confirmation from a professional that this is not the case. Even though my own personal and professional experience in the education field knew that this was "abusive," I had someone validate that for me. Had I heard some of these stories from my own students, I wouldn't have thought twice about calling Children's Aid Society. My "logical brain" knew that these were abusive and not normal experiences. My "illogical brain" made excuses for my parents.

So back to facing my fear. With the encouragement from my therapist, I emailed my principal. She answered me the next day, ending some of my "what if" scenarios, but it opened up a whole new set of "what if" scenarios. I wanted to meet her after school hours, but with the impending holiday coming up, I knew that would be difficult, if not impossible. To my surprise and then immediate worry, she asked if I could meet her during the day. It was better to just get it over with and move on with my day.

With my detailed list of things I wanted to talk to her about in hand, I headed out to my school, about a 15 minute drive. I cried nearly the whole drive there, and the closer I got, the more rapid my heart rate became. Pausing in the parking lot, doing some deep breathing, and positive self talk, I headed in the school. I pushed the buzzer to be let in...no answer. OMG, one of my "what ifs" I missed. Damn it. I probably said something a little more colourful in my head, but you get the point. After a few more attempts at the buzzer, nothing. Either I was going to sit on the floor behind the solid metal door so I remained unseen or go back to my truck to text her. I decided with the latter, and thankfully I did, because shortly after the mail lady came in....probably not the sanest thing to see at a school. I texted my principal and went back in, taking in a few more deep breaths and feeling intensely hot (temperature hot), she saw me and opened the door. I bolted right into her office.

Thankfully, she was extremely receptive and let me get out everything on my list. She was kind, empathetic, and reassured me that my students were in good hands. She was thankful and appreciative for my forward thinking so she could plan appropriately for my absence. Despite not wanting to cry, of course, I sobbed right away. Obviously, it was apparent I would need more time off to continue my healing process. Upon leaving, she gave me a hug, which touched my heart and meant a lot.

Driving back home, I cried a lot more. I felt an immense weight lifted off my shoulders and the fear of going back to my school lifted...somewhat. Being back inside the building was a huge first step, but there will be a few more first steps to go before I feel 100% ready to go back to work. Baby steps.  I faced a fear, and for that, I am proud of myself. My worst fears did not come true, thankfully. Avoidance will continue to occupy me until I feel ready to face those next fears.

Anxiety is exhausting When I arrived home, my husband wanted to know how it went. I had no energy to explain to him, only mumbling that it went well. I went to my bed and wrapped myself up in my duvet and had a rest. At that point, I hadn't had a good night's sleep in a few days. Anxiety is mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. I needed an hour or so of just stillness.

My therapist would be proud that I faced this fear, but moreover, I am proud I faced this fear. I feel like this was a huge step in the right direction towards my healing. I still have a long way to go, but I am getting there. Avoidance is no doubt easier, but when one is ready, facing fear is necessary to heal.

Idling...but Making Progress

Roughly two months ago I hit rock bottom in a mental breakdown. I don't like the term "rock bottom," preferring metaphors like "spiralling out of control," "falling to the bottom of a well so deep there was no light," "my pot simmering and boiling over putting out my pilot light," or "treading water while holding my breath trying desperately to keep my nostrils above water." Each of these metaphors have been extremely helpful for me during different parts of my healing process. Currently, I am "idling." I am not revving, but I am not in reverse. Progress. 

Looking back, the breakdown was bound to happen eventually. I knew I was spread way too thin, although I wish I could say I was literally thin 🙄(I had gained nearly 20 pounds over the course of two years...and at barely 5'2 that's like two sizes 🙄). I had way too much on my plate for way too long. I knew my pot was on simmer for quite a few months and was bound to boil over. It was just a matter of time. I did not pay attention and/or choose to ignore the consistent panicky feelings and constant anxiety as just "my mind being my mind" whenever I thought about work. I should have listened, but then again, knowing me, I would still be "high functioning" and doing too much, had I listened. Or worse yet, playing the "what if" game or listing the "pros and cons" in my own head, which can go on for seemingly hours.

I am not in the mood to go into details as to the events that led up to my pot boiling over, but I am sure I'll eventually get there. However, I think it is important to note that this was not the first time I have had to deal with anxiety and panic. It had been nearly two decades since I had dealt with the severity of these issues previously. Although, do not assume I was all peachy for the last two decades...anxiety is a demon that crops up sometimes when you least expect it.

The feelings of despair, shame, hopelessness, and guilt were so overwhelming and intense at the time, I never thought I'd find my way out of the downward spiral. The physical symptoms from anxiety and panic attacks were so skewed that, at times, I have to look back at my journal to remember the exact sensations my body and mind were going through. I guess that is how our minds protect us from "trauma." Or at least, how my mind helped me glaze over the severity of my situation at that time, like I was looking through a opaque glass. Perhaps if I'd kept a journal over the last few years, I could have referred back to those feelings and realize I was crashing. Now I refer back to my journal when I crashed a few months ago; it gives me perspective as to how far I've come. It also gives me credit for the progress I have made so far.

Coming across A Simple Mental Health Pain Scale while mindlessly scrolling Pinterest a few weeks after my meltdown was incredibly helpful. It was an "aha" moment of sorts because it really helped me identify the severity of where I was, where I had already come about three weeks after going on sick leave from my teaching job, and where I am now. Daily fluctuations are a part of my "new normal," but nearly two months later, my present self has come so far. I am also hopeful that I will get out of that well; I can finally see a glimpse of light at the very tippy top. I understand that it likely won't be anytime soon, but it will be eventually--considering I was at a level 9 (minus the self harm part) but am now functioning at a consistent level 6 with moments of a level 7. I am okay with that. I know now that this will take time to get back to a healthy mindset. It's kind of like gaining that 20 pounds...I didn't gain it overnight so I can't expect it to leave overnight. However, this turmoil I've been through over the last two months I did lose ten pounds, so I guess it's only ten pounds to go...or not. 😏

A Simple Mental Health Pain Scale 

Now to get back on track...this is kind of my style...drifting from topic to topic or thing to thing. My wonderful husband often calls me "Sally" as in "Sidetrack Sally." This pain scale is something I have forwarded to several friends and family who have struggled with mental health. I find solace in knowing that I am NOT alone in this struggle and that if I can be a face for mental health and it can help others, then so be it. I'm over the self consciousness of the stigma of mental health.

--Sally a.k.a. SeekingCalm