It Does Not Define Me

Some great coping mechanisms posted here. Check it out!

As mentioned, I’ve developed some coping mechanisms over the past few years that have helped me deal with my anxiety.

1. I avoid my triggers. I hope one day I’ll be able to drive or that I can go to the dentist without sedation, but people pushing me to do it automatically makes me put up a wall and shut down. I have to get there on my own.

2. It’s important that I and those in my immediate circle give me permission to not feel guilty about not doing things. Usually I’m fine, but every now and then I’ll tell my husband that I just can’t handle going to my dental appointment that week, so I’ll cancel it. I also have odd times where I feel hyper emotional and can’t handle being around a lot of people. The slightest thing can make me cry, so I’ll usually opt for a quiet day at home. I need to be supported and reminded that that’s okay. It’s just one day.

3. I require a lot of sleep. Like, nine hours is ideal. As you can imagine, having a child not sleeping can become an issue for me very quickly. The worst amount of anxiety I’ve ever felt (and the only time I’ve gone on medication for it) was in Asher’s first year of life. My hormones were off and I wasn’t sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time. I couldn’t cope, but with the help of medication I was able to get through it. I know this next time around that I need to do whatever I can to get in that extra sleep, even if it means calling in a sitter.

4. My faith in God is also a huge coping mechanism. When something is bothering me, I give it over to Him as much as possible. I know that no matter what happens, He’ll get me through it. He always has! I know I can rely on Him always and that He won’t forsake me. That’s a huge comfort!

Click here for Carolyn’s blog.