Name: Cath J.
Message: I've always been a pretty anxious person. I've just recently started medication for it. I feel amazing. What do I do with my new found love for life?
Dear Cath J,
Congrats, girl! Welcome back to the world of the living. I’ve been there, and that feeling is wonderful. It’s impossible to know how life altering severe anxiety is until you’ve experienced it. I am so so happy for you! So what to do now?
EVERYTHING! Do all of the things that were hard before. Take a spontaneous road trip. Go on public transportation. Eat raw seafood. Stay up super late. Go back to school. Adopt a puppy. Go speed dating. Learn how to surf. Go to happy hour. Meet new people. Reconnect with old friends. Go to therapy and work on your coping skills. Plan a vacation. Take on more responsibility at work. Try new foods. Attempt something you may very well fail at. Drive with the windows down and blast music. Be honest even if you’re scared. And share your story!
There are people out there scared to go on medication, scared to go to therapy, and scared to tell their family and friends that they have anxiety. Let them know it’s okay. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. You did it, and they can too.
And most importantly, enjoy! This is a fresh start for you and it’s absolutely wonderful. -TM
REWIND to this...
Wheat - Little White Dove: When my anxiety was at its worst I was working at the beach. It was my summer vacation. I had literally nothing to worry about, and yet I wasn’t eating or sleeping. And I was hardly working. I called out constantly, had panic attacks while I was there, and more than once a family member had to come get me and drive my car home because I just wasn’t capable. One thing that will stick out in my mind about that summer and about my recovery was the album “Every Day I Said A Prayer For Kathy And Made A One Inch Square” by Wheat. This album was so comforting to me, and especially this song. And wait for the end- it gives me the chills every time.