Stress Center Peer Support

Well, I am off and running on session 2. Still working on some of the items in session 1, like trying to cut back on caffeine, journaling regularly and making a healthier eating plan and exercise regimen. Glad to see they are still part of the homework for week 2, makes me think I am not quite as far behind as I feel. The funny thing is, I am not a big coffee drinker (just the occasional mocha from Starbucks as a treat), not do I drink carbonated sodas. However, I am a huge tea drinker, both hot and iced. I have bought a bunch of herbal tea blends that hopefully will help on that front when I am at home, but I am having trouble resisting the urge to order an iced tea when I go out to eat (which, unfortunately, due to my schedule, is fairly often). I suppose trying to work things out so I can eat at home more often would be healthier both diet and caffeine wise, but as a single woman who lives alone and has some unusual work hours, it often times just feels easier to grab & eat on the go, rather than prepare a meal for myself and eat alone at home. So, that will definitely be a hurdle to get over. Another hurdle wil be that, for me, food is my comfort and my drug. I don't drink alcohol, I am not a coffee/soda fiend, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs-my self-medication comes from food and shopping. And unfortunately, those are two areas you can't just quit cold turkey and survive, it's more about finding a balance, and if I were good at finding the balance in things, I probably wouldn't have the anxiety and depression that I do. ARGH! Kind of frustrating. Oh well, it's a prccess, right? And I don't need to be predicting my failure, when I haven't even really started yet. Anticapatory anxiety and catastrophic thinking much? Alright, going to think about the positives. I am starting to feel better. Actually went to work last Friday, didn't have a panic attack. The day actually seemed to go fairly well-at least much better than I am used to. Spent the weekend doing some tasks that made me feel like I accomplished something that required hard work. And working a short week this week, so that is nice. Hopefully will be able to report more progress next week.

Great News, Butterfly girl! I've noticed by changing my eating habits has helped in anxiety symptoms. This involved more prep work, which isn't hard, but wasn't one of my habits. One is having tuna fish on toast and eggs. I have always stayed away from caffeine but chocolate and sweets are a different story! Ugh...Paislee

Hi! The iced tea thing is rough i know. I LOVE IT! Since most places do not serve decaf iced tea, I usually order a decaf hot tea and a large glass of ice when I go out. Poor a small amt of sugar in the hot tea and then poor hot tea in ice. Works for me! Good luck! <3

Awesome!! Maybe you should try keeping bottled water around so that you won't feel like you need the tea.