Nobody enjoys the feeling of being on edge, and anxious...
Anxious for the reply about the business deal. Anxious for the update on your
loved one’s health. Anxious for confirmation of the loan approval, etc. We have
all been there.
Recently, I felt anxious. However, my anxiousness could
easily manifest into mania, a condition that perpetuates excessive energy. It
was subtle at first. I brainstormed a few plans, and focused on different
approaches to execute the agenda. I began to minimize my sleep to work on the
plan. This load of ideas transitioned into over-thinking and indecisiveness. My
anxiety built momentum to the extent that I had to check myself. I started to
redirect my focus to develop patience. I did not want to experience mania at
its worst, and produce negative outcomes.
I began to be mindful of my sleeping pattern and diet. I was
making a conscious effort to maintain better self-care. I reached out to a
couple of people without reply. In response to the over-excitement I focused on
relaxing my mind. I practiced a lot of coping skills. I walked around my
neighborhood to clear my thoughts. I listened to soothing music to ease my
mind. I also completed house chores to concentrate on easy tasks, and to stay
productive. However, my mind was still racing. Therefore, I tried to rest.
Thankfully, my friend called.
Finally, I felt much better. Fortunately, my coping skills
worked. I won the battle and my anxiety did not spiral out of control into
extreme highs of mania. In other words, I caught it, checked it, and changed
it. I learned about “Catch It. Check It. Change It,” in the certified peer
specialist (CPS) training a few years ago. A CPS is a peer with a diagnosis who
models recovery and offers peer support to encourage others. Now I feel more confident
about my ability to fight symptoms by catching the warning signs, and applying
my coping techniques.
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