chowchowgrl wrote:Hi. This is my first post, having just joined the forum this morning.
What a lot of great advice here! Several wonderful suggestions. Here are a few things that help me.
If you are around animals at all, you observe that they respond to the moment. They enjoy sniffing the weeds, sleeping in a patch of sunshine, chewing on something tasty. Their "life plan" is to keep living their lives, maintaining their intent for survival but making the most of each opportunity for comfort.
Along those lines, and speaking as a retired nurse, seek out what makes you happy. Feeling happy is healing to the body. You like football? Watch some every day. You like driving? Go! Flood yourself with pleasurable moments.
Finally, make use of the "break the cycle" trick. You know how at public gatherings somebody will clink a fork on a glass to get everyone's attention? If two pets are squabbling, clanging a metal pan will stop them dead. You can do the same thing to yourself when you feel yourself in a spiral of depression or overwhelming anxiety: physically do something to break the spinning. Go outside if you're inside. Go eat something with an intense flavor that totally distracts you. Put on some loud music that makes you dance. Make a head out of clay and punch it. Call up a friend who gets what's going on with you.
You know yourself best so you can enjoy experimenting with different techniques that change your immediate feelings. Your emotions about your condition are normal and to be expected, but you have the power to keep them from overpowering you.
Oh, yeah, one last thing. About the couple of little spots the doctor mentioned? Contact the doctor and ask questions! You don't have to be left hanging!
Good luck to you.
chowchowgrl
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