I’m 34 and have a lot of life stuff going on, along with depression (which is being treated with both medication and therapy) – but this isn’t about me.
I want to know what happened when you were finally in the right headspace with the drive and motivation needed to take control of your life and make positive changes.
Was it some “ah hah” moment?
Did something happen that kicked your butt into gear?
Was it something someone said?
I’m hoping someone has some secret sauce they’re willing to share the recipe on 😆
Comments
Cutting way down on alcohol consumption.
Bedtime routine to help truly wind down for enough restful sleep. Started this 3 years ago. Sleep is so important for everything.
Working out in some way every day. Even a 3-5 mile walk.
Being honest is all forms of communication. Feel my feelings and discuss if needed.
Kicked out of the house at 16. So basically I was coach surfing and homeless for almost 3 years. I grew up quick. I also realized that we are basically out here on our own and you have to do whatever to stay afloat.
I’m bordeline autistic, full on Dyslexic but that experience taught me to not rely on anyone.
I’m 29 now and I still don’t rely or trust anyone to protect me, so I do it myself.
I have high anxiety disorder that was triggered by pregnancy! if I dont control it, I will spiral into MDD and OCD. Before giving birth, I was NEVER like this; I was very easy going, relaxed, went with the flow so it was challenging for me to learn/understand my condition and what I needed to do to manage it.
the first thing I learned in psychotherapy was what my triggers were. From there, I learned how to cope.
1)healthy lifestyle. This is my #1 – I have to exercise every day to manage my anxiety since this is the root of my condition that will lead me to spiral if I don’t manage it. Because of this, I book off 1.5hrs every day to workout during the workday. Sometimes it’s not easy since I’m really busy at work but if I dont workout, my anxiety gets the better of me during stressful times at work and then it compounds at night and I can’t sleep properly.
I have a good sleep/wake schedule and I protect it. My anxiety spikes/I get triggered easier when I’m tired so I protect my sleep. Even if I’m out, I will stay out a bit later but when it’s time to go, it’s time to go and IDGAF what people say or if they tease me about leaving early.
2) I need a routine. I learned that I don’t do well when things are disorganized or when I feel frazzled. My daily routine eases my anxiety because I know what to expect. Not to say that I will never go without a routine but if I (mentally) prepare myself that a routine wont be possible (ie. on vacation etc), then I’m ok. I will try to set somewhat of a routine to the best of my ability when I’m away from home like I’ll still wake up early, have my coffee but I wont be able to do things I would normally do when I’m at home.
3) eliminate triggers or at least try to control them. I stay away from people or situations that can trigger my anxiety. I ALWAYS advocate for my mental health and IDGAF what people think. Some people on my husband’s side are super toxic and I dont like being around them so I dont go. I don’t care if he goes but I will not and IDGAF what he tells them why I’m not there.
when it comes to managing your mental health, you must be an active participant in your treatment which means implementing changes to your life and sticking with them even if they dont make any sense to others. Advocate for yourself.
I’m not sure how much alcohol you consume, but since I stopped drinking 6 months ago, it’s like I went from living life in black and white to seeing vibrant colors. Everything is intentional now, because I know how easily and fast it can all be gone. How it IS gone for so many people, literally and figuratively. I live in the moment now and enjoy every second as opposed to living for the hope of tomorrow. That’s my story 😊
Im sorry to be the person who says it happened when I had kids, but it did. I just had this complete emotional transformation where I was like well if it was never enough to do it for me, I’ll do it for them. I’ve changed so much and grown in so many great ways since they came along (they’re 7.5, 5 and 2 now). While I’d never tell anyone to have kids to find some mental and emotional hutzpah, doing it for them has been the most transformative thing I can imagine. And the best part is, now I’m doing it for me too.
I had dealt with my health/ mental health for years. I was tired of being dismissed by drs. Being told that my labs were normal. I got sick two years ago and started having a lot more symptoms. My anxiety was 8/10. I was surviving and could no longer push through. I could no longer function and work. My life became very small. I was crying almost every day due to overstimulation and overwhelm despite not working and doing the bare minimum to keep up with life. I met some one who found a functional Dr. It didn’t work out but I found another one that was everything I was looking for. I had put it off due to finances. We finally had some extra money which was always a huge stressor for me with getting help. We were able to pay it all at once so I wasn’t panicking every appointment. I didn’t have to drive around trying to get supplements and the high prices. It’s all in one price. It’s been the hardest thing I have done. For years I put off changing my diet because I was so scared of relapsing with an eating disorder. Yet I am okay and I’m not obsessing. I am taking the steps. I still haven’t gotten my health back but I also know I have only been at it for a month. I’ve been sick for 15 years so it will take time. Working through some side effects and working on my gut health. Yet I have more hope and really think with time things will improve.
Going into my 30s with the crippling fear of aging, death and eventual immobility led me to quit vaping and start the C25K regimen in January, working out regularly and eating cleaner which in turn vastly improved my physical and mental health
Besides feeling more energetic I’ve also noticed my skin looking fresher and clearer
Still working on it, but managing my anxiety. I have to self-talk my way through stress responses, but it helps.
At my part time retail job, I remind myself, “I’m not paid to think.” As in, I just have to do what I’m told and carry on. The managers have to deal with metrics and nonsense like that. Similar to “Not my circus…”
“Use your words.” Don’t expect DH to know what I need if I don’t communicate.
“Don’t assume bad intentions.” I read this in a post and it’s stuck with me. Somebody seems grumpy? Maybe they just lost their job or they have cramps or their kid kept them up all night. And it has nothing to do with me. It takes a lot of pressure off.
When I had a job where I made enough to not just subsist and it had benefits. Then the place was robbed -on my shift- and I could no longer be in the building. I’ve been trying to get another job like that.
Not struggling to survive is what allowed my mindset to shift, from one of survival to thriving.
Music maturity
Easier said than done i quess music and self awareness woke me up .with therapist help