For my entire life, I've kept forgetting one really important thing: people who love you keep showing up. And if they can't, they make sure you know why instead of just ghosting on you. Let me back up. This weekend, the dude and I had a little housewarming shindig. We've been living together for over … Continue reading On being in the moment
Working while anxious
One of the biggest struggles I've had with this whole anxiety thing is figuring out how to handle it at work. While this is tough for everyone, my job as a teacher has some very specific challenges that make dealing with anxiety really difficult. It's my responsibility to manage and guide the behavior or 30-some … Continue reading Working while anxious
Ending therapy
I had my last session of therapy on Thursday, and it was... awesome. We spent a lot of the time talking about what the process was like, what I've learned, and what worked and didn't work. We ended the session with a hug, and then I left. I thought that I'd be scared to end, … Continue reading Ending therapy
You do you, buddy.
As we're wound down our work together, my therapist and I talked about this whole process and what it's been like(separate post on ending therapy is forthcoming). She brought up the fact that I've been very proactive about it, calling my approach to anxiety "methodical". I started laughing when she said that because yes, I absolutely … Continue reading You do you, buddy.
Stigma, rape culture, and the stanford swimmer
I know this is a departure from an anxiety-focused entry, but I've been finding myself ruminating about this for the past few days and it's just too important not to talk about. There are some tie-ins to mental health issues like stigma and trauma, but I feel like I need to warn you if you're sensitive … Continue reading Stigma, rape culture, and the stanford swimmer
The end, the beginning
So, I have kind of a big announcement. Next week is my last therapy session. It is crazy to me that this is where I am. For so long, especially when I first started, I didn't see myself ever stopping. Therapy is just so awesome; I've never experienced anything like it and it was helpful … Continue reading The end, the beginning
Anatomy of a panic attack
There is a subtle but important difference between the triggers and underlying causes of anxiety, and sometimes it can be hard to recognize this difference without help. Triggers are usually small, specific instances that put you on alert. Underlying causes are more about why you're feeling the anxiety - what you're actually thinking about. Clues to these can often … Continue reading Anatomy of a panic attack
Where we are now
I have to admit, there was a time when I never thought I would make it to where I am now. Anxiety is hard, guys. Really hard. And the healing work is hard, too. Every step of this process has its own challenges, and when I look back on it, I'm kind of amazed at … Continue reading Where we are now
Achievement unlocked: you went to work every day!
GUYS. Something important has happened. The dude is out of town this week, and I went to work every day he was gone. I know this seems like duh, why wouldn't you go to work?, but in case you haven't been following my story for very long, you know I have a history of having to … Continue reading Achievement unlocked: you went to work every day!
Huffpo does it again
Ok guys. Seriously. Huffpo's mental health coverage is basically the best thing ever. Check out this collection of illustrations about anxiety by introvert doodles (@introvertdoodles on instagram). They are amazing and I love them.
it's only fear 