What I Can Do Now...

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2003
What I Can Do Now...
1
Tue, 12-02-2003 - 1:55am
Hey There

For a breath of fresh optimism, I want to post a list of the things I can do now that I am on an anti-depressant, exercising regularly, eating better, sleeping better, and taking multi-vitamins. Here are the improvements that I've noticed since changing my lifestyle. If you are so inclined, I'd like to see some of your improvements, too.:o)

I can:

__Get honked at in traffic without getting that tight feeling in my chest that feels like I'm going to explode. I don't take it personally anymore.

__Remember appointments better. I keep a schedule of events and I am not so busy and overwhelmed that I miss them all the time like I used to.

__Sleep throughout the entire night, and get some REM. Sometimes I have fun, erotic dreams instead of nightmares, and even my nightmares are more manageable. I have lots of travelling dreams now, like I'm actually going somewhere great.

__See a frown on someone's face and not automatically assume it has anything to do with me.

__Ask questions that I was previously afraid to ask because I was afraid of what repsonse I would get. Now, I can handle just about any response, even if it is one of anger, disagreement, or disappointment. I don't take it personally.

__Give presentations at work. Before I would get so nervous and forgetful that I thought I was going to pass out. I was so worried the worst would happen, it frequently did. Now, I envision finishing successfully, and before I know it, I'm there.

__Talk to my husband about serious issues such as finances, family, etc. without getting emotional and ending up crying when we didn't see eye-to-eye. Now we have disagreements and I can actually communicate and accept our differences. For that, there is more respect on both ends, and we actually compromise better.

__See a better future for myself in the short-term and in the long-term.

smaudking





















Lilypie Baby PicLilypie Baby Ticker

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-09-2003
Tue, 12-02-2003 - 3:01am
Smaudking,

I love all of those things you mentioned. That's incredible that you are training to be in the San Jose Marathon. Wow! Running is such a great way to get endorphins and a lifted mood. I've really missed it since I injured myself last June.

I feel the same way about not getting upset or taking it personally when someone honks at me in traffic.

Now I don't lay in bed and feel bad for not having the energy or desire to get out of bed.

The best thing is just being happy as I go through my day. Happiness is what I've always wanted. Now I have it, at least for periods of time. And thanks to Cognitive therapy and antidepressants, I have the tools to get it back when it goes away.

I love your positive energy! We always can use it around here. I'm in California, also. I live down in San Diego.

Take Care,

MariaC