Help me move forward from an emotionally tramatic year....
May 9, 2011 5:45 PM Subscribe
How can I restore my mental health/sanity after one stressful hell of a year? Additionally, any suggestions for starting to heal as a surviour of emotional abuse by a parent?
To say the least, its been one hell of a year and I am physically, spiritually and emotionally dead. I have been previously diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and am on Lexapro to manage this and some chronic depression I have been struggling with over the past few years.
The really ugly....
In the past year (currently a college student)
- My alcoholic and emotionally abusive angry idiot of a father (but not physically abusive until one incident last summer) father came after me with a hammer last summer threatening me....I left shortly afterwards to move back to my university hometown and am still struggling to deal with the repercussions of this
- Came to realize that I am a survivor of some nasty emotional abuse from my father after a couple years of denial that something is wrong....being afraid to go home because of getting threatened for leaving the garage door open = definitely something wrong at home
- Good friend was sexually assaulted and suffering from PTSD and have been struggling to help her through this
- School and maintaining my course load was extremely stressful - had to drop a few classes due to the stress
- 3 family members/friends were in near fatal accidents
- My grandparents, who I consider to be my parents at this point are not doing well physically and showing signs of aging (not sure how to deal with this)
- Faithwise, have been struggling with extreme doubts and anxiety over who and what God is in my life/the world (from a christian ish perspective)
- Extreme anxiety over other events
- Multiple family issues relating to past events and my dad's ongoing issues with alcholol, my parents are currently considering divorce
etc.
- Moved away from my best friends and support network to a city where I know no one (living with my grandparents near Toronto) to work fulltime for the summer in suburbia. Good for saving money, but hate living in the area.
The good:
- I am moving abroad to study for a year in Norway in August, been looking forward to this since high school
- Have a great relationship with my boyfriend, moving towards marriage at some point after I graduate university in 1.5 years
- Have a good extended family and friend network (immediate family is sketchy at best with the exception of my wonderful Mom)
- Was seeing a not very helpful counselor since December for some help and am very open to seeing another one
I am so far deep into the mess that is this past year that I can't seem to pull myself out. I'm suffering from anxiety and depression despite the medication, and have no idea where to go from here, and am fundamentally not happy right now.
So, the question is, what can I do to stabilize my emotional health over the next three months prior to moving abroad? What can I do to give myself time to grieve, breath and nurture myself before moving again? Additionally, how do I move forward on healing from the scars of being emotionally abused?
Bonus points for a reality check : I worry that I'm taking this all way too dramatically and that its not been as big of a deal of a year as I feel it is. Does this sound like normal (i.e am I crazy over nothing?) or has it been a crazy year?
To say the least, its been one hell of a year and I am physically, spiritually and emotionally dead. I have been previously diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and am on Lexapro to manage this and some chronic depression I have been struggling with over the past few years.
The really ugly....
In the past year (currently a college student)
- My alcoholic and emotionally abusive angry idiot of a father (but not physically abusive until one incident last summer) father came after me with a hammer last summer threatening me....I left shortly afterwards to move back to my university hometown and am still struggling to deal with the repercussions of this
- Came to realize that I am a survivor of some nasty emotional abuse from my father after a couple years of denial that something is wrong....being afraid to go home because of getting threatened for leaving the garage door open = definitely something wrong at home
- Good friend was sexually assaulted and suffering from PTSD and have been struggling to help her through this
- School and maintaining my course load was extremely stressful - had to drop a few classes due to the stress
- 3 family members/friends were in near fatal accidents
- My grandparents, who I consider to be my parents at this point are not doing well physically and showing signs of aging (not sure how to deal with this)
- Faithwise, have been struggling with extreme doubts and anxiety over who and what God is in my life/the world (from a christian ish perspective)
- Extreme anxiety over other events
- Multiple family issues relating to past events and my dad's ongoing issues with alcholol, my parents are currently considering divorce
etc.
- Moved away from my best friends and support network to a city where I know no one (living with my grandparents near Toronto) to work fulltime for the summer in suburbia. Good for saving money, but hate living in the area.
The good:
- I am moving abroad to study for a year in Norway in August, been looking forward to this since high school
- Have a great relationship with my boyfriend, moving towards marriage at some point after I graduate university in 1.5 years
- Have a good extended family and friend network (immediate family is sketchy at best with the exception of my wonderful Mom)
- Was seeing a not very helpful counselor since December for some help and am very open to seeing another one
I am so far deep into the mess that is this past year that I can't seem to pull myself out. I'm suffering from anxiety and depression despite the medication, and have no idea where to go from here, and am fundamentally not happy right now.
So, the question is, what can I do to stabilize my emotional health over the next three months prior to moving abroad? What can I do to give myself time to grieve, breath and nurture myself before moving again? Additionally, how do I move forward on healing from the scars of being emotionally abused?
Bonus points for a reality check : I worry that I'm taking this all way too dramatically and that its not been as big of a deal of a year as I feel it is. Does this sound like normal (i.e am I crazy over nothing?) or has it been a crazy year?
Best answer: First, you're not crazy. Even if this series of events sounded normal to someone else (and note: it really doesn't), the fact that it traumatized you is obvious. You're entitled to your own feelings. Plus, as I said in the parenthesis, this would be a rough year for anybody.
I see two very good things in your message, though. First, there is a definable end point (when you leave for Norway); second, you're open to seeing a counselor. I encourage you to find a good professional counselor that you have a rapport with.
The other strategies that have worked for me in tough times include:
* Vigorous exercise. Everyone likes a different form -- I like Bikram yoga, brazilian jiu jitsu and rock climbing. Some people enjoy running. Whatever. The point is, find something that a) you like doing, so you'll stick with it, and b) is intensely challenging to your body, so you have to focus on the task at hand rather than the emotional stuff. You'll also sleep better and get the health benefits of exercise, so it's a double bonus.
* Pay attention to nutrition. Healthy food really helps my mental state. Although I enjoy alcohol in moderation, I swear off it when I'm in a rough patch. This is so I can focus on getting my body healthy, continue the exercise regimen, and not quaff a depressant. Your father's alcohol problem provides all the more reason to abstain if you don't already. Note: I'm not saying never drink again, but during times of emotional crisis I tend to find eating well and drinking a ton of water make me feel a lot better even than having a beer with friends.
* Perhaps turn to art and music. Things like making inspiring playlists help me out. In your case, I'd suggest one that includes the Mountain Goats' "This Year."
* Focus on the fact that it gets better. In your case, there's a date coming up when something very exciting is going to happen for you. Perhaps indulge in activities that remind you of that upcoming date, like language classes, cultural experiences, etc.
Best of luck to you. As an observer who doesn't know you and just hearing your story, I can tell you that you've objectively been through a lot. Give yourself time, space and tools to heal, and it will get better.
posted by jeffmshaw at 6:07 PM on May 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
I see two very good things in your message, though. First, there is a definable end point (when you leave for Norway); second, you're open to seeing a counselor. I encourage you to find a good professional counselor that you have a rapport with.
The other strategies that have worked for me in tough times include:
* Vigorous exercise. Everyone likes a different form -- I like Bikram yoga, brazilian jiu jitsu and rock climbing. Some people enjoy running. Whatever. The point is, find something that a) you like doing, so you'll stick with it, and b) is intensely challenging to your body, so you have to focus on the task at hand rather than the emotional stuff. You'll also sleep better and get the health benefits of exercise, so it's a double bonus.
* Pay attention to nutrition. Healthy food really helps my mental state. Although I enjoy alcohol in moderation, I swear off it when I'm in a rough patch. This is so I can focus on getting my body healthy, continue the exercise regimen, and not quaff a depressant. Your father's alcohol problem provides all the more reason to abstain if you don't already. Note: I'm not saying never drink again, but during times of emotional crisis I tend to find eating well and drinking a ton of water make me feel a lot better even than having a beer with friends.
* Perhaps turn to art and music. Things like making inspiring playlists help me out. In your case, I'd suggest one that includes the Mountain Goats' "This Year."
* Focus on the fact that it gets better. In your case, there's a date coming up when something very exciting is going to happen for you. Perhaps indulge in activities that remind you of that upcoming date, like language classes, cultural experiences, etc.
Best of luck to you. As an observer who doesn't know you and just hearing your story, I can tell you that you've objectively been through a lot. Give yourself time, space and tools to heal, and it will get better.
posted by jeffmshaw at 6:07 PM on May 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
Best answer: See if you can find a better counselor than the "not very helpful" one you're seeing. It's great that you're seeing someone (which can be a big roadblock for those suffering from depression), but your life right now as you describe it sounds like the type of situation where you need the absolute best professionals around you who can help.
Take all the time and resources you can, and don't judge yourself for how well or badly you think you're handling things. Healing from abuse can take a long time, and if you're not entirely "better" by the time your trip comes, that's okay. You're on a path, and that's what matters.
posted by xingcat at 6:16 PM on May 9, 2011
Take all the time and resources you can, and don't judge yourself for how well or badly you think you're handling things. Healing from abuse can take a long time, and if you're not entirely "better" by the time your trip comes, that's okay. You're on a path, and that's what matters.
posted by xingcat at 6:16 PM on May 9, 2011
Best answer: Yeah, you're not crazy. It just feels crazy because you're finally looking at it from a self-preservation perspective instead of a how-to-make-them-happy focus.
I do think it's worth your time to recognize how damaging this abuse has really been for you, in a therapy setting. When you grow up with negligence/abuse as normal, there's a LOT that becomes part of your functional programming that carries forward into adulthood. It may be worth examining what was vs. what wasn't normal. It may be really reassuring for you to know that YOU can identify all the abusive stuff from the normal parenting mistakes (so you know you're not overreacting, or being a horrible child, or anything of the sort).
Reading books and other people's stories has helped me come to terms with my own negligent/abusive parents. Toxic Parents is a really good book to start with. Emotional Incest Syndrome might have some relevant bits too. Alice Miller's Drama of the Gifted Child and other books speak very specifically to the effects of abuse and their connection to health and depression. Even if these do not pertain directly to your situation, but it may help you make sense of some of your family's overall behaviors.
Also seconding a period of no-contact with the abusive family member. Even if you make progress, in the end both you and your dad can still be arguing "right". What is a big deal to you IS a BIG DEAL to you, but it may always be a small deal to your dad. And that's okay that you have different perspectives. But it sounds like you need some support that your perspective IS right (for you), and that's where some work with a good therapist would help.
You're not overreacting. Be patient with yourself, and if you're really wanting to tackle this, prepare to accept a healing time >3 months. Mentally it would be great to heal on a timeline that fits our lives, but you may find the body doesn't work like that. Be kind and gentle with yourself, and listen to what your gut is telling you. From what you've shared, it sounds like you're doing quite well... Keep it up!
posted by human ecologist at 6:28 PM on May 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
I do think it's worth your time to recognize how damaging this abuse has really been for you, in a therapy setting. When you grow up with negligence/abuse as normal, there's a LOT that becomes part of your functional programming that carries forward into adulthood. It may be worth examining what was vs. what wasn't normal. It may be really reassuring for you to know that YOU can identify all the abusive stuff from the normal parenting mistakes (so you know you're not overreacting, or being a horrible child, or anything of the sort).
Reading books and other people's stories has helped me come to terms with my own negligent/abusive parents. Toxic Parents is a really good book to start with. Emotional Incest Syndrome might have some relevant bits too. Alice Miller's Drama of the Gifted Child and other books speak very specifically to the effects of abuse and their connection to health and depression. Even if these do not pertain directly to your situation, but it may help you make sense of some of your family's overall behaviors.
Also seconding a period of no-contact with the abusive family member. Even if you make progress, in the end both you and your dad can still be arguing "right". What is a big deal to you IS a BIG DEAL to you, but it may always be a small deal to your dad. And that's okay that you have different perspectives. But it sounds like you need some support that your perspective IS right (for you), and that's where some work with a good therapist would help.
You're not overreacting. Be patient with yourself, and if you're really wanting to tackle this, prepare to accept a healing time >3 months. Mentally it would be great to heal on a timeline that fits our lives, but you may find the body doesn't work like that. Be kind and gentle with yourself, and listen to what your gut is telling you. From what you've shared, it sounds like you're doing quite well... Keep it up!
posted by human ecologist at 6:28 PM on May 9, 2011 [2 favorites]
I'm taking an opposite track. You made it through, and you dealt with things as they popped up. (Dropping courses? Not important in the big scheme of things.)
Rather than make lists of all the shit, make a list of what went right, what was good, what was nice, what was wonderful. In short: count your blessings, including those blessings you caused to happen.
It's over. You don't need to face this particular set of events ever again, and frankly, I'd wave goodbye. Your friend will deal with her assault, family members with their accidents, your parents with their marriage. You're a good person to be concerned, but in reality, you can't change anything, nor can you really do very much.
So, facing forward, you might prioritize what you need to do to have a great year abroad. New therapist, exercise routine, whatever--but I think that ultimately, one deals best with the past by moving beyond it.
posted by Ideefixe at 6:58 PM on May 9, 2011
Rather than make lists of all the shit, make a list of what went right, what was good, what was nice, what was wonderful. In short: count your blessings, including those blessings you caused to happen.
It's over. You don't need to face this particular set of events ever again, and frankly, I'd wave goodbye. Your friend will deal with her assault, family members with their accidents, your parents with their marriage. You're a good person to be concerned, but in reality, you can't change anything, nor can you really do very much.
So, facing forward, you might prioritize what you need to do to have a great year abroad. New therapist, exercise routine, whatever--but I think that ultimately, one deals best with the past by moving beyond it.
posted by Ideefixe at 6:58 PM on May 9, 2011
Best answer: Fish oil tablets, sunshine, exercise, hydration. Get good rest. Be with friends. Watch funny movies and laugh.
You've done the hard work already. You have survived. Now is all about the selfcare and enabling your physical self to handle and heal from the affects of the stress you have been under.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:03 PM on May 9, 2011
You've done the hard work already. You have survived. Now is all about the selfcare and enabling your physical self to handle and heal from the affects of the stress you have been under.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 7:03 PM on May 9, 2011
Vacation. Someplace warm.
And I say this as a "cold weather person." After an absolute trainwreck of a year, I quit my godawful, low-paying, long-hour, backbreaking, cold, outdoor night-shift job, and flew to South Carolina for a week by myself, at the invitation of an extended family member. After surviving the cold November New Jersey nights, the balmy 70° weather, palm trees, and relaxed attitude of the South were like paradise to me. Best fucking week of my life.
When I got home, I was reinvigorated, sent out a gazillion job applications, got back together with my ex (bad call there, but it was awesome at the time), totally nailed the first job interview and with it, my first "real" job, moved to a new city, started a new life for myself, and cut all of the ties to my past that I didn't want to keep (Yes! You can choose!). I haven't looked back since.
posted by schmod at 7:18 PM on May 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
And I say this as a "cold weather person." After an absolute trainwreck of a year, I quit my godawful, low-paying, long-hour, backbreaking, cold, outdoor night-shift job, and flew to South Carolina for a week by myself, at the invitation of an extended family member. After surviving the cold November New Jersey nights, the balmy 70° weather, palm trees, and relaxed attitude of the South were like paradise to me. Best fucking week of my life.
When I got home, I was reinvigorated, sent out a gazillion job applications, got back together with my ex (bad call there, but it was awesome at the time), totally nailed the first job interview and with it, my first "real" job, moved to a new city, started a new life for myself, and cut all of the ties to my past that I didn't want to keep (Yes! You can choose!). I haven't looked back since.
posted by schmod at 7:18 PM on May 9, 2011 [1 favorite]
Start the sauna habit, especially as you prepare to head for Norway. Saunas are great for body and mind detox, and for cultivating a deep feeling of clarity and serenity. I've had a hell of a year too. Saunas help.
posted by lakersfan1222 at 7:52 PM on May 9, 2011
posted by lakersfan1222 at 7:52 PM on May 9, 2011
I am starting to sound like a broken record in threads involving alcoholism and addiction, but here goes: Al-Anon. It has nearly saved my life. I balked for ages because my own perceptions concerning its perceived religiosity and my complete absence of a 'higher power', but I can tell you now - it has saved pretty much saved me from a complete meltdown. Addiction has plagued me from the time I was born, so much so that I had no idea what a role it had played in shaping what has turned out to be a very people pleasing, codependent personality. Al-Anon has helped me come to grips with the pain, frustration, grief, rage and insanity that comes with dealing with an alcoholic. Just being in rooms with other people who have gone through the same thing - or worse - is tremendously comforting.
It's not for everybody, but here I am, stumping for it once again.
Finally, good for you! Recognizing that your traumatic year has taken a toll on you mentally and emotionally is a big deal. I hope that whatever path you take you find the peace and stability that you need. Good luck.
posted by msali at 8:15 PM on May 9, 2011
It's not for everybody, but here I am, stumping for it once again.
Finally, good for you! Recognizing that your traumatic year has taken a toll on you mentally and emotionally is a big deal. I hope that whatever path you take you find the peace and stability that you need. Good luck.
posted by msali at 8:15 PM on May 9, 2011
Best answer: Get the book Toxic Parents. It really helped me with a lot of issues with my parents. The first step in all of this is you realizing that the situation you had is not healthy. Sometimes it is difficult for us to see that, especially when it comes to those closest to us. If you keep that mindset, that you deserve better, you can definitely build your own inner strength to face a lot of things that come up with those people, and others down the road, as the bigger person.
You have a choice in every situation you face in life. You can choose to participate in it (and being inactive and letting people do what they want is still acting and participating) or you can be free and choose not to be involved. I do not mean cut people out of your life, but (and this is how I handled my parents) choose to not give anyone the power to upset you. When people are being cruel and irrational, try to mentally step outside of it and say to yourself, "they have the right to be angry and upset, but they do not have the right to treat/speak to me in such a way." I cannot tell you the power these two sentences have on one's mental state of the moment. Acknowledging people's anger and distinguishing it from their unjustified behavior towards you is key to keep your sanity!
I second those who have mentioned Al-Anon. Support groups are crucial at this time. In terms of religion...God never gives you more than you can handle. I always joke that He has too much confidence in me by throwing so many things to me at once, but there's a reason for everything. I think as children, especially those with Christian backgrounds, we tend to deify our parents. However, no matter how great our parents are, they should not be placed in the same position as God (who is quite jealous). For parents who have addiction and abusive tendencies, the deification is only created through fear and guilt, neither of which are healthy. I've been down such a similar road and have found that the more we doubt God and what our purpose in life is, the more we should speak to a religious representative to clear the noise in our lives. I hate to sound preachy, and am trying not to, but if you are trying to reach out religiously, I suggest Psalm 27. It's helped me quite a bit, especially with my parents.
I wish you well!
posted by penguingrl at 10:05 PM on May 9, 2011
You have a choice in every situation you face in life. You can choose to participate in it (and being inactive and letting people do what they want is still acting and participating) or you can be free and choose not to be involved. I do not mean cut people out of your life, but (and this is how I handled my parents) choose to not give anyone the power to upset you. When people are being cruel and irrational, try to mentally step outside of it and say to yourself, "they have the right to be angry and upset, but they do not have the right to treat/speak to me in such a way." I cannot tell you the power these two sentences have on one's mental state of the moment. Acknowledging people's anger and distinguishing it from their unjustified behavior towards you is key to keep your sanity!
I second those who have mentioned Al-Anon. Support groups are crucial at this time. In terms of religion...God never gives you more than you can handle. I always joke that He has too much confidence in me by throwing so many things to me at once, but there's a reason for everything. I think as children, especially those with Christian backgrounds, we tend to deify our parents. However, no matter how great our parents are, they should not be placed in the same position as God (who is quite jealous). For parents who have addiction and abusive tendencies, the deification is only created through fear and guilt, neither of which are healthy. I've been down such a similar road and have found that the more we doubt God and what our purpose in life is, the more we should speak to a religious representative to clear the noise in our lives. I hate to sound preachy, and am trying not to, but if you are trying to reach out religiously, I suggest Psalm 27. It's helped me quite a bit, especially with my parents.
I wish you well!
posted by penguingrl at 10:05 PM on May 9, 2011
I take it from the fact that you're not graduating for another year and a half that you're not too far out from living with your parents full-time and that being the only world you know. My dad is also an emotionally abusive alcoholic, and though our relationship is Not Good, I found that once I was on my own in the world for a while, interacting with functioning, healthy adults (I consider my friends more family than my family, because I chose them, and they have always been there for me), that I was able to see him and his illness for what it is: an illness.
Not everyone in the world is a kind, balanced person. Almost everyone in the world has children. Your parents are only human, and you're at the point where you get to create the kind of life you want to live.
Keep as much distance as you need to maintain your own happiness, and do things that excite you. It looks like you're doing all the right things. Make the most of your time abroad. It'll change your life, and help you even more with gaining perspective on how small your childhood world really was. I promise that you are strong enough to overcome your awful year.
posted by petiteviolette at 10:20 PM on May 9, 2011
Not everyone in the world is a kind, balanced person. Almost everyone in the world has children. Your parents are only human, and you're at the point where you get to create the kind of life you want to live.
Keep as much distance as you need to maintain your own happiness, and do things that excite you. It looks like you're doing all the right things. Make the most of your time abroad. It'll change your life, and help you even more with gaining perspective on how small your childhood world really was. I promise that you are strong enough to overcome your awful year.
posted by petiteviolette at 10:20 PM on May 9, 2011
I'm a bit concerned by statements that God never gives us more than we can handle. I think the origin of this is the phrase "God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb", which is not Biblical. What the Bible does say is that God will not tempt us (to sin) beyond what we can bear, specifically in the context of persecution for belief, which is a bit different and not really applicable to the OP's situation.
What is Biblical is that "all things work together for good". For the record, I do not think that getting attacked by a hammer-wielding father is a good thing, but I do think it's right to trust that the ultimate story of a life lived for God will be a story of bearing good fruit. The modern way of expressing this is to say that "everything happens for a reason". I think this is true, though I am cautious about saying it, because people who hear it may want to punch me as it tends not to be terribly comforting in the moment.
In my opinion, having a parent assault you in the manner described is more than enough all by itself to put a crimp in your year, and you are in no sense overreacting. Pray for guidance (this is what has always gotten me through) and lean on your friends (ditto) and make the most of your trip to Norway. And do everything that everyone above has suggested. Good luck.
posted by tel3path at 6:03 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
What is Biblical is that "all things work together for good". For the record, I do not think that getting attacked by a hammer-wielding father is a good thing, but I do think it's right to trust that the ultimate story of a life lived for God will be a story of bearing good fruit. The modern way of expressing this is to say that "everything happens for a reason". I think this is true, though I am cautious about saying it, because people who hear it may want to punch me as it tends not to be terribly comforting in the moment.
In my opinion, having a parent assault you in the manner described is more than enough all by itself to put a crimp in your year, and you are in no sense overreacting. Pray for guidance (this is what has always gotten me through) and lean on your friends (ditto) and make the most of your trip to Norway. And do everything that everyone above has suggested. Good luck.
posted by tel3path at 6:03 AM on May 10, 2011 [1 favorite]
You definitely went through some trauma. Good for you for acknowledging it and seeing a therapist. I had to go through a lot of therapists before I found one that I worked well with and she has been a total lifesaver.
Here's something that I am learning: I cannot always be the grown-up in my family. Eventually I get more and more depressed and end up in bed in the fetal position. If you are not dealing with your stuff and have to be the savior for your friend and the caregiver for your grandparents, and the shoulder for your mother, you will burn out.
Boundaries are exceptionally important. You cannot take responsibility for other people's stuff, even if you love and adore them and sometimes, even if you really want to.
Take care of you.
posted by Sophie1 at 10:25 AM on May 10, 2011
Here's something that I am learning: I cannot always be the grown-up in my family. Eventually I get more and more depressed and end up in bed in the fetal position. If you are not dealing with your stuff and have to be the savior for your friend and the caregiver for your grandparents, and the shoulder for your mother, you will burn out.
Boundaries are exceptionally important. You cannot take responsibility for other people's stuff, even if you love and adore them and sometimes, even if you really want to.
Take care of you.
posted by Sophie1 at 10:25 AM on May 10, 2011
I found it validating to take a stress inventory after a recent crazy year. It confirmed pretty objectively that I wasn't just being a big dramatic wuss.
This one is pretty quick and easy, but the options don't exactly fit some of the stuff you've gone through. Several options pop up if you google "stress inventory".
posted by momus_window at 11:11 AM on May 10, 2011
This one is pretty quick and easy, but the options don't exactly fit some of the stuff you've gone through. Several options pop up if you google "stress inventory".
posted by momus_window at 11:11 AM on May 10, 2011
Response by poster: I don't know if anyone will still read this, but I wanted to thank you all for your wonderful insights and taking the time to help me out. As an update, I'm been going to Alnon (wonderful!), taking yoga classes, and am in the process of figuring out a bunch of medical issues that were contributing to my anxiety. This year took a heavy toll on my health, its been good to get some time to focus only my health and wellbeing and working a slightly crappy job but well paying job. Thanks again everyone.
posted by snowysoul at 6:54 PM on June 6, 2011
posted by snowysoul at 6:54 PM on June 6, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Blasdelb at 6:05 PM on May 9, 2011