I do tend to talk about things on Twitter and Facebook from time to time, so I'm not silent (most of you probably got here from one of those platforms, so you know). There has just been very little I have required a long-form medium for.
But also, there's been Reason #2:
Before you worry about me too much, don't. My anxiety is relatively mild and hasn't lasted for more than a couple of days at a time (I only had one really bad weekend a few weeks ago). I don't even know that it would count as clinical anxiety. I just know that whenever I thought about writing a post on something, my brain shouted, "HERE ARE ALL THE REASONS YOU SHOULDN'T DO THAT, YOU UTTER SCREW-UP!" and then it would launch a 3-hour marathon of Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen.
Mainly, I just had to remind myself to focus on my work, take a walk, get off social media, and talk to my three-dimensional loved ones (though not all at the same time). I won't say my anxiety is over, because the triggers are all still out there, but I'm coping all right.
Anyway, I'm just letting you know the blog still isn't dead. It may never be (because where else would I post long-form thoughts?), and it's definitely not dead now.
So. How are you guys doing?
And hey, how do you deal with anxiety when it pops up in your life (for those of you in whom it does)?
You're doing a much better job of keeping yours going than I am. :)
ReplyDeleteApparently I deal with anxiety by hiding from the world. I don't recommend this method.
ReplyDeleteI try petting my animals, going for a walk and watching videos of porcupines-eating-pumpkins or my hilarious-grandson-having-the-hiccups. If that doesn't work, I confess to resorting to Valium. But that's only when I feel like I am having a heart attack. Or going to the dentist.
ReplyDeleteI have found exercise to be extremely effective when I'm hit with the ol' anxiety. Like almost ridiculously effective. Give it a go if you feel like it.
ReplyDelete(The subtext to all of these comments is that many of your readers also struggle with anxiety. Remember you are not alone.)
Anxiety fist bump.
ReplyDeleteAnxiety fist bump.
ReplyDeleteThis has inspired me to write a blog post about anxiety. Once, you know, I get past the anxiety of ever posting a blog post.
ReplyDeleteYou guys all rock. I super appreciate your commiseration (and you're absolutely right, MattyDub, and knowing that always helps).
ReplyDelete@Cap'n Heine: That's my first instinct too. For some reason it has the opposite effect intended.
@Steve MC: I hear that! Even after posting this post -- which is entirely innocuous and shouldn't cause any anxiety at all -- I had a twinge of anxiety hit. Garbage emotion!
Happens all the time to me too! I love the idea of allowing yourself to be messy as a creative artist (from Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way). It helps me let go of that pressure for what I publish to be good and to just focus on the process of creating.
ReplyDeleteI don't deal with anxiety. Depression, sometimes, but not anxiety. I completely relate to the first Venn diagram.
ReplyDeleteI can vouch for the exercise thing though. I helps alleviate my depression. And one of my kids has started having bouts of hormone induced anxiety, so fun!!! But when I send that kid on a long bike ride, run, walk, etc. She comes back like her old self again.