Being Squeezed to Death

Another day of the Pineapple Express and it was raining harder than yesterday and expected to be like this all weekend. Hmm ..I hope to keep my emotions positive and that the outings I have planned will not be stressful free.   I'm going to a family event tomorrow attended by my parents, siblings and extended family, where I will bring a few coping strategies keeping me focused and calm.  Wish me luck! :)  A book to read, doodling & writing paper and my husband who is my biggest support.

Family events is the most stressful activity I encounter and makes me very anxious when left out of conversations and/or, if there is any heated discussions.  I am doing much better with my depression lately, but always have an escape plan if I can't cope and/or take a anti-anxiety pill which calms me down. I have alternative plans also which includes; escaping to a guest bedroom, deep breathing, meditation and listening to music on my MP3 player.

When I experience stress and anxiety; it feels as if a knot has developed in my chest and a wave of tightness spreads throughout my chest, down to my stomach and up into my neck.  It is like I'm being squeezed to death and everything around me seems like I'm in a dream state with halo's forming around people and things.

Well, I'll stop here and get ready for tomorrow....   See more below picture for Anxiety Information lnks...

Anxiety Information Links

• AnxietyBC - http://www.anxietybc.com/
• Anxiety on Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety
• Anxiety Disorders CMHA - http://www.cmha.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/anxiety-disorders/
• Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada - http://www.anxietycanada.ca/english/index.php

Rain & Shine

This is a great quote that I'm going to use as a inspiration for me on rainy and windy days...

“It’s not what happens when the sun shines that defines you. It’s what you do when it rains.”

—Kute Blackson

 I saw this on my facebook feed under: Positively Positive  (https://www.facebook.com/positivelypositive) and found this quote helping me to get outside of the apartment for a few hours today...

More unde picture

picture from: http://www.positivelypositive.com/2013/02/27/its-time-to-come-out-of-the-closet-and-quit-hiding/

I made it out of my apartment and was pleasantly surprised to temporarily see the sun peaking from the overcast skies realizing that I would of missed it if I stayed inside.  I also enjoyed a cup of herbal tea (raspberry) at one of my favourite coffee stops and was able to handle my anxiety when someone came in and started talking very loud and made a bit of an disturbance.  I have learned in the past  to help my anxiety by doing the following: deep breathing, practicing mindfulness and/or listening to the radio on my cell phone and doing some activities like writing and drawing.