For awhile now I have felt not quite right. And although I recognized it, I didn't do anything about it. Instead I took a watch and wait approach. Sort of like, "Hmmm. Not feeling great, but am I really depressed? Nah, I don't think so. Let's see how I feel next week." And it went on like that week after week because although I knew I was feeling not quite right, I wasn't sure if it was bad enough to seek help.
Kind of like a persistent low-grade fever, I've had a persistent low-grade depression.
Well, with the start of the new year I decided it was time to act. This post of Shana's helped motivate me too.
First, I decided that I needed at least a month to focus on me. Me time. So I told my part-time job that I wouldn't be available for any projects for awhile.
And then I called my therapist. The last time I saw her was early in 2007. But we'd discussed that if I felt like I needed to see her some more, she'd fit me in.
An aside about therapists...I love my therapist. I think she's fabulous. But the first one I saw about a year and a half ago bugged me. He grated on my nerves. And I didn't connect with him. I'd watch the clock and count the minutes to the session's end (and yet I still dutifully scheduled one appointment after another--and showed up too!). So after I used up my free EAP covered visits, I never went back. A few months later I knew I needed to see someone, so I called the therapist that my dear, sweet neighbor recommended. One visit with the new therapist and I knew I'd found the right one for me. Like I said, she's fabulous.
Anyway, I went to see my therapist again.
I've also started Yoga Therapy. This is something suggested by my therapist after I mentioned the idea of enrolling in a yoga class. The woman I see for Yoga Therapy has some small classes, but she also has one-on-one sessions. I opted to start with some one-on-one sessions. And for the past two-weeks for 90 minutes in the morning, I've had my yoga time.
Between my talk therapy and yoga therapy I'm getting the help I was looking for. Although external stressors and pressures haven't changed, I'm working on myself and how I cope. I'm dealing with my stress and anxieties and not feeling so worn down by them. I'm adding peace and serenity to my life. Re-centering and re-focusing.
I like it.
6 comments:
Good job! I'm so glad you could see that there was a problem and and find some things that help.
PS: don't stop taking good care of yourself when the month is over!
Good for you, Peanut! Finding solutions feels good. I would love to hear more about your yoga therapy!
Amen on the good job and the don't stop taking care of yourself. Plus I wish I could do yoga with you. I love you!
I like that you are doing that! It gives me strength to read this. Thank you so much for sharing it, and for sharing the ways that you are taking care of yourself. And for letting us all know that it is not only OK to take care of yourself, but it is so necessary! Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post. Will you post an update in a few weeks?
It was only a few years ago that I learned about self care and the blessing it is to me and my family members. It helps me not feel guilty to take time for just myself because it helps me be a better wife, mother, and just plain person. I am so glad you are taking care of yourself. You are so worth it!
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