If you’re outside of the US, you’re certainly missing one of the most contentious and controversial political elections in a very, very long time.
I have definitely opinions on it all- which is fine. The problem is that I’m letting my upset really work me into a frenzy. My friends and I talk about it- get mad about it- speculate on it. I was so frustrated yesterday that I almost started crying.
That was when I realized that the election is a trigger for me. I know, it sounds crazy! But when someone affects my sleep, that is when I have to back off. If I find myself getting too excited over something, I have to back off. I have learned this-upsetting world events are too stressful for me to jump in and get involved.
I called my most political friend and told her I had to stop talking about the situation. I am not watching television or combing the internet for stories and pictures. And I feel better.
Is it upsetting you? Are you having trouble sleeping? Are you arguing with anyone on the topic? It’s only going to get worse in the next two months, so take a good look at your mood…. staying stable so that you can vote is the goal!
Julie
Archive for the ‘anxiety’ Category
Bipolar and Political Stress
Thursday, September 4th, 2008Bipolar I: My Friend Sherri
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008My friend Sherri has been sick off and on for a few years. She had a bad manic/psychotic episode two years ago and had to stay on quite high doses of Zyprexa to keep the mania from coming back.
I often write about Sherri- I call her my hero.
So, I just talked with her- she is doing SO well. It took a long time, but the real Sherri is back and she sounds great. Her doctor wants her to stay on a low dose of the Zyprexa as there are no serious side effects. She still takes her lithium.
Sherri saw her doctor yesterday. She talked about her anxiety – the doctor said, “Sherri, you have to find ways to deal with anxiety without using the Klonopin.” Sherri knows this is true- but it’s hard. Sometimes the anti anxiety meds are not what works the best- we have to find ways to reduce our anxiety on our own.
What does a person do to reduce high levels of anxiety? That is the question Sherri and I are going to explore the next time we meet. I have a lot of ideas. I will write about them soon. Right now, I make a promise to myself that I am going to tackle the 215 email in my inbox. The anxiety of not doing the task is getting worse than the actual work.
Julie
Julie Fast Radio Show listener call in
Sunday, June 1st, 2008Hi there,
As a reminder, I’m having a call in radio show for the first time today! If you scroll down, there is a blog entry with all of the details. You can read all about the radio guests and today’s show at www.juliefast.com/radio
I’m having my typical pre show anxiety. It has been quite awful for months now! No matter how much I prepare or how well the shows go, I have the anxiety every time. It’s a physical thing.
In celebration of this anxiety, I’m going to offer my anxiety treatment tips throughout the show today. I have to laugh at it and make the changes needed. The show must go on!
I hope you can call. Julie
