Anxiety, dissociation, Mental Health, Panic Disorder, Trauma

Recognizing Symptoms of Dissociation

Feelings of dissociation can be terrifying. On top of the already horrific acute, prolonged panic symptoms I was suffering, in an out-of-body utter state of confusion, I looked at my husband and asked, “Are you going to have me committed?” Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.

Feature image by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder, Trauma

Does Therapy Still Make Sense for Me?

I’ve written many blogs this past year about my struggles late last summer with weeks of acute panic and anxiety that left me traumatized. I attended weekly therapy and worked hard for almost a year to get to a point where I could finally revisit the place where the worst of the trauma occurred, which I did, successfully. With that said, I’m wondering if therapy still makes sense for me. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.

Feature image by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder, Trauma

A Successful Return to the Place Where Trauma Occurred

For almost a year, I have been going to therapy to work through the trauma associated with the debilitating episodes of acute panic and anxiety I suffered late summer of 2021. In recent weeks, I have been practicing my anxiety-mitigation strategies and testing my resilience to anxiety triggers in preparation for a return to the location where the apex of the episodes occurred. With extreme gratitude, I’m happy to say that revisiting the place was a tremendous success. Continue reading on HealthyPlace.com.

Feature image by Persnickety Prints on Unsplash.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Intrusive thoughts, Mental Health, Panic Disorder, Suicide, Trauma

Where Thoughts of Suicide and Intrusive Thoughts Converge

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.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder, Trauma

Preparing to Revisit the Scene of a Traumatic Event

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.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder, Trauma

Reaching a Milestone in Trauma Recovery

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.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder

How My Late Pup Helped Me Through Mental Illness

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.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder

Using the Physiological Sigh to Manage Anxiety

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.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder

Managing My Anxiety When Medical Tests Are Pending

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.

See more of my posts here.

Anxiety, Mental Health, Panic Disorder, Trauma

How Having a Hobby Helps My Anxiety

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

See more of my posts here.