Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

Wow... in so many ways.... Hopefully this can help some of you:
1.5 years ago I was in Hell. I think some of you may FOR SURE rememebr me and I was a mess. First thing I did was fall in love, which elevated my chemicals and gave me someone to go out to dinner with LOL. But I wouldn't have gotten better if I didn't get on Lexapro.
I am super organic earthy lalalala... and I didn't want to get on it... but I honestly believe it saved my life at this point. And I am grateful that I was abe to use it exactly as I intended to- to get me out of the whole I was in and give me enough energy and drive to do all the things I knew I was needing to do. And then get off of it after 4 months.
After that, I began a graduate school program in counseling psychology. I was able to explore my anxiety on a deeper level. I had a few therapists and then got the best therapist of my life about 5 months ago who has helped me view myself as "a person with anxiety," which has really shaped my life in a different way... I know recognize my anxiety and try to control it if possible.
I also have some amazing friends that help me keep my anxiety in check. I have become more spiritual through them and also through my own practices, such as yoga, being grateful for things, listening to amazing music, dancing, etc.
Anxiety, at least for me, means that something in my life is out of balance. So by correcting those things, my anxiety goes away. At the time of my worse phase, I was getting ready to leave the city i had lived in for 7 years, I had a new boyfriend, I was going to start grad school... I WAS HORRIFIED. When my situation changed and I saw that new wasn't scary but actually much better, my anxiety went away.
Sometimes we can't change situations in our lives, like if we are not making as much money as we want or someone has recently passed away in our lives or our partner has left us... so in that case, the only thing to do is learn how to cope. Learn skills for calming yourself down.
The other thing, which I find to be the MOST IMPORTANT, is to make sure you have things in your life that you absolutely love. Friends, funny movies, dancing, beautiful music, food that tastes amazing, awesome sex, a craft or talent, a yoga class, running, WHATEVER IT IS, make sure you have at least SOMETHING that provides you with fun and enjoyment. Because you cannot be anxious and relaxed/having fun at the same time. This is of the utmost importance in my book.
Let me know if this helps. If you have specific questions, feel free to ask!

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