This has been a very mixed week for me

[Siwsan]

I've been doing a lot of yardwork, garden cleaning and garlic harvesting, which are a good distraction for the chaos unfolding around us. Yesterday I was in one of my 'tenacious' zones and looked down to see blood dripping down my hand. I have no idea when or how I injured myself. I just try to push everything out of my mind and get as much done as fast as I can. I've had one or two days when I didn't need to take anything but the nighttime anxiety medication.

Today I had to start my day with a 'chill pill'. My first sign of anxiety getting revved up is a tightness in my chest. Not a pain, not a discomfort, just enough of a tightness to ever so lightly be noticeable. Quite often the second sign is when one or more of the kid cats jump up on my lap and cuddle.

And I still don't have an appetite. I try to eat enough to qualify as a medium sized meal, spread out over the day. I had to buy some new jeans and a belt to keep up the old ones.

Suffice it to say that I am trying to keep moving forward but days like today I might just stay stationary. The entire world situation has me terrified because I was raised by a history teacher so I've read actual history and can see what we are facing. It's emotionally exhausting.

[Walleye]

1. Hang in there, you're doing fine, it's a miracle we all aren't catatonic at this point

[FirstLight]

2. I know it's scary, unplugging is ok once in a while...

You gotta work on your own health/mental health or you can't help when we need you!

Working in the yard sounds good, don't forget to slow down and look up at the trees, breathe it in, ground your feet. That may help with anxiety too. I find sometimes jmust taking a few minutes to stare out the window and notice the trees is a helpful way to bring myself back to OK. :hugs:

I am also taking a 'day off' .. haven't slept well the past 2 nights and I decided today was going to be all about music and being gentle with myself. Maybe even take an epsom salt bath??

Hang in there!

[Polly Hennessey]

3. I, too, feel a slight tightening in the chest when I feel anxious.

I gave up long ago worrying about the world’s future. I decided it will happen with or without me. I concentrate on my world and its anxieties. Anything else is exhausting.

"OUR ANXIETY DOES NOT COME FROM THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE, BUT FROM WANTING TO
CONTROL IT." Khalil Ghabran (hope I spelled his name correctly).

[SARose]

4. Me, too

Wednesday and Thursday very high anxiety and very low energy. This catastrophe in the Texas Hill country nearly did me in.

Turned off TV, unplugged phone, NO doom scrolling.

Sat out in the yard listening to the birds. Played ole Waylon Jennings, and read my book.

Much better today!

The kid cats are right - sometimes you need a cuddle and purrrrr!

Light and love

Rose

[OldBaldy1701E]

5. HUGS! to you! (n/t)

[MacKasey]

6. Siwsan, how are you doing?

You have not posted since last week.

[Siwsan]

7. I'm still in motion

Doing yard and garden work does distract me but I also lose track of time so I tend to over do it. I'm pretty much covered with scratches but at least I've avoided the poison ivy.

My appetite is still MIA. I've lost close to 16 lbs. Still trying to get in at least one 'full' meal per day.

I might ask my prescribing therapist if she will consider increasing my Klonopin dose. I just can't shake this feeling of an oncoming catastrophe, even worse than what we are currently experiencing.

My brother, who has been in California for the past 3 weeks, is finally back and is stopping by, this afternoon. If it's not raining, we will take a 'tour of the estate' (as my Dad used to say) so I can point out the projects that need to be done but are a bit too much for me to handle, since a chain saw is needed.

Thanks for checking on me!

[MacKasey]

8. Thanks for the update!

Glad to hear that your brother is back.

My comfort food is egg and cheese on a or English muffin.

Small meals multiple times a day. Even peanut butter on crackers!

Hug the kit cats!

The Pet group misses you too!

You know how much you and your family are loved.

Take care!