It’s late and I spent the entire day watching anime instead of writing. And that’s okay. I did want to write something though.
What I’ve thought about more lately is how I feel better. I feel like there should be question marks after that because things are shit so I feel weird saying I feel better. I do though, feel a lot better. Less panicky, less fearful, and more mad/frustrated/angry. In order to get to this place, I had to change some habits.
I stopped drinking full cafe coffee. I don’t have much self control when it comes to stopping at one cup, and when you’re already anxious, adding more coffee makes it ten times worse. I also decreased my Twitter consumption quite a bit. I love Twitter, but honestly it can stoke those anxious feelings to such a high that I feel fear, sick, and anxiety combined. The last thing I did was start doing more body weight exercises. Indoor activities that have helped me feel more in control and combat how mush I’m eating.
My panic attacks stopped. That feeling like I was going to die, that dense of impending doom, stopped. It’s been a week without an attack. I’ve felt like I can think a little clearer and view things without this fear overwhelming me. I’ve also started writing again and feel this almost jolt of creativity.
I’m supposed to go back to work soon, which has brought up those other feelings of anger and frustration. This situation isn’t going to resolve as soon as everyone is hoping. Well, everyone who is a politician at least. My line of work puts me at heightened risk, and if people don’t continue taking this seriously enough, I could very much be exposed and die. So I’m mad because people continue to be reckless and cavalier.
My therapist says anger is great as long as it serves a purpose and we can do something with it. It’s a lovely protective mechanism because I feel alive. I’d rather be angry instead of sad or anxious. I can move forward if I’m angry, where as sadness and anxiety keep me trapped.
I’m left wondering how next week, next month, a few months from now look. How we’ll all look on the other side of this. I hope having learned something and survived.
Comments
Hang in there. Your work is heroic and I imagine hugely stressful. Thank you for being the selfless, courageous woman you are. I think about you often in these times.
Author
I’m sure it’ll all be okay, but I’m enough of a realist to know it may not be. Time will tell
when its over we are stronger for what we go thru
hang in there sunny days we be here again
Author
Just have to get through it.
Your last line says it all. That’s all we really can do, just have another cup of coffee and chill. I’ve got some things I really should be doing, but I’m just going to read your stories right now, screw it.
Author
Well I hope you enjoy the stories
I too hope there will be some permanent changes in some behaviours when we come out on the other side of this. Maybe all of us have been like a train wreck waiting to happen, and this virus is now causing us to do introspection, and change our ways. Take care when you go back to work, Cara. And thank you.
Rebel xox
Author
Not the way I’d prefer to have to make some changes but many times only something big propels us forward
Take care. Good luck and Stay safe x