Posted by KaraS on February 15, 2005, at 15:28:19
In reply to Re: Jujube, how are you doing? » KaraS, posted by jujube on February 15, 2005, at 1:21:22
> -- I was the same as you. I was on a SSRI that worked well for me, as well as a small amount of Xanax when needed, for so many years that the devastating anxiety I had lived with for so long was pretty much a distant memory. Social situations, etc., would still be
> anxiety-provoking, but nothing like they had been before I started taking something. As for my father, I shouldn't laugh, but it really could be quite funny at times to witness the theatrics. I think it was a combination of drama and panic/anxiety (my mom told me that for a number of years she had to drive him to the hospital emergency because he was hyperventilating and was convinced he was having a heart attack). Sometimes we wonder if he isn't bipolar because of his extreme mood swings that could, and still do, occur without provocation. Boy, when he went into one of his rages, you ran for cover. But, he's not such a bad guy. He's just a typical type A I guess.
>It's a good thing that you were on something that worked for you in the past. You're more likely to find something that will work for you now.
Your father does sound like a character. Doesn't sound like things were dull in your childhood!
> -- For sure. It can be a real pain. Even when I am well, something can set me off and turn my stomach and I will lose my appetite for a couple of days. But, each day, I am eating more regular meals, so I am glad. As for sleep, it's getting there. I am glad to hear that things continue to improve for you in those areas.
Anxiety is a very formidable foe but even if we have a couple of bad days now and then, it's not so bad - as long as we can function most of the time.
> > > Why is it that we're so much harder on ourselves than we would be on others? Our perfectionism perhaps? Anyway, I'm sure you apologized for the post that concerns you and the recipient probably bears no ill will either. I do think that it is possible to find that delicate balance of being tough when you need to be and yet retain your sensitivity and empathy with others. It's very hard to locate that balance however - but I'm working on it.
>
> -- It's just human nature I guess. I know that ever since I was a kid, I have been terrified of making a mistake, saying something that might result in a confrontation or upset or hurt someone or disappointing or letting people down. I can remember 3 times (including the regretful post here) where I said something quite nasty to someone, and I have a hard time forgiving myself when I do it (2 of the times were like 8 and 10 years ago and, believe it or not, I still think about what I said and how awful I was, and how I wish I could just take it back). That's not to say that I am never b*tchy or moody. Anyway, I have made progress over the years to not be so hard on myself. I am sure you will achieve the right balance for you in good time. But you know, as crass as this sounds, I think some people are perhaps just born with an abundance of the "f*ck 'em if they can't take a joke" gene and a deficiency in the "give a sh*it" factor. Again, a blessing and a curse, depending on how you look at it.
:-) I think you're right. People are born with those genetic predispositions. Those genes you mentioned are probably a blessing for those who have them and a curse for those who have to deal with them!Take care,
Kara
poster:KaraS
thread:456548
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050215/msgs/458263.html