Welcome to this safe space, where I write about my experiences with Mental Illness, Aphantasia, Medical Cannabis, and other Random Ramblings.
Trigger warning: This post involves a frank discussion of suicide and intrusive thoughts.
I’ve considered suicide in the past, several years ago. More recently, I’ve had disturbing intrusive thoughts. Having experienced—and survived—both, I know how intrusive thoughts can easily bleed into thoughts of suicide. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by Eric Ward on Unsplash.
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On August 10th, 2022, I wrote about how I reached a milestone in my trauma recovery, specifically, how I managed through a potentially high-triggering event without incident. The most significant milestone comes this weekend when I return to where the worst part of the trauma occurred. I’m trying to be proactive in my preparations by taking stock of the panic- and anxiety-mitigation tools I have at my disposal. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by Ian Taylor on Unsplash.
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Almost a year ago to the day, I crashed headlong into weeks of crippling panic and anxiety that left me terrified and traumatized. I sought out and found a trauma therapist who could help me get beyond the trauma so I could be myself and get back to living. I’m delighted to say that last week, I reached a significant milestone in my trauma recovery. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image taken by me on Bigwind Lake, Ontario.
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It’s been over a year since I said goodbye to my sweet pup, Cannelle, a cocker spaniel. I adopted her when she was 18 months old and was blessed to have her by my side for 13 years. Throughout that time, Cannelle helped me in ways that she, of course, could not comprehend, not the least of which included helping me through bouts of mental illness. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image of Cannelle taken by me.
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Like most people, when I’m having a hard cry—very emotional, sometimes overwhelming—I do a double intake of breath. It’s like a hiccup, but not. My therapist told me that this is called the physiological sigh and that it helps reduce stress by balancing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in our bodies. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by Fabian Møller on Unsplash.
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I’ve never considered myself a perfectionist. My handwriting is messy, and my closet is cluttered. I can’t cook or draw. I sing off-key, and I can’t visualize. I accept that, as a flawed human being, I am not perfect. Why, then, does my anxiety spike, and I feel as though I am to blame when things go wrong or when I perceive myself as having disappointed others? Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by Photoholgic on Unsplash.
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I am a relatively healthy person, apart from having anxiety and the physical symptoms associated with it. I’m lucky. Like a lot of people, I take my physical health for granted. Sure, I try to eat right and exercise almost daily, but on the whole, I go about my days assuming my health will continue to serve me as it has. Very recently, however, I heard from my doctor that I need a special test where cancer is suspected. Managing my anxiety while waiting for my upcoming appointment has become my latest challenge. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash.
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I never really had a hobby, per se. I married young and had three kids. That, plus a full-time job, left little time for me, let alone hobbies. I write—this blog, for instance—and read, but I don’t consider either of these hobbies. As a creative outlet, and with the hope that I could channel my thoughts and energy into something that wasn’t all about my trauma and residual anxieties, I decided to try pottery. Happily, this hobby helps my anxiety. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by Natallia Rak on Pexels.com
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Late last summer, I went through weeks of acute panic and anxiety. I was very sick, and the mental and physical symptoms I endured were traumatic. I am in treatment to address those traumas, including the guilt and shame I felt from being sick and the residuals I feel to this day. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by Julia Taubitz on Unsplash.
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“I am innocent of the illness that befell me. I am strong. I am brave. I am worthy of self-compassion”. These are a few of my positive affirmations, said aloud or in silence, to help (re-)train my brain. When I started therapy to treat trauma-induced anxiety and panic, these words were hollow and represented nothing more than wishful thinking. As my treatment progresses, adaptive thoughts, similar to my affirmations, are integrating themselves into what I believe about myself. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.
Feature image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash.
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Cascading Insights 