Tuesday, May 18, 2010
If your heart is racing, hands are sweaty, and muscles are tense, you may be experiencing anxiety. Anxiety is a state of worry and nervousness which triggers the "fight or flight" nervous system-the sympathetic nervous system. Once triggered, these nerves tell many organs in the body what to do in or...
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Yesterday was a terrible day as far as having to deal with anxiety from the chronic pain that I have suffered with for the passed nine years. I just simply did not know what to do with myself while at the same time feeling as though I could just jump out of my skin at any moment. I was dog tired and as long as I was sitting up I would doze off for a few minutes only to wake up more tired and stressed than before. So, I would go and lay down at which time I became wide awake, more frustrated because I just knew that if I could lay down and nap I would feel better. I did everything that I know to do, take a warm shower, relaxation, deep breathing, cold packs, heating pad, having a good cry, but as the day progressed all I really accomplished was anger that just kept building and building. I am currently on lorazapam 1mg twice daily but there are many times that it doesn't help like it use to. What can I do????
The feelings of fear, frustration and anger only make the pain worse and add to the suffering. These feelings are signs of poor mental health. Ultimatley, your question is: How can I improve my mental health?
Obiviously, you can seek professional help though a psychotherapist, counselor, or clergy. Or you can turn to some self-help resources. One of my favorite books about mental health is called: The Resiliency Advantage. One of my clients recently recommended a book called: Managing Pain Before it Manages You by Margaret Caudill. Knowledge is power; with it, you can overcome.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD