Allowing Anxiety to Derail Me Is the Worst Case Scenario

Finding Vivian Maier

Of all the awful possibilities, what’s the worst possible thing that could happen to you today? Now this is an interesting question during Mental Health Month. Some folks can provide a list of things that cause anxiety and others just have a general sense of dread. Setting aside the loss of a loved one, the […]

Chest Pain Sent Me to the ER at 43

anxiety pittsburgh

I have an anxiety disorder that I treat with medication and therapy skills. I’m to the point now where I rarely have a full-fledged anxiety attack, but when I do it is physically awful. My chest hurts. I feel dread and adrenaline coursing through my body. I have trouble breathing. I usually cry and I […]

Five Things I Did To Make Myself a Merry Christmas

donation coat and blanket

I answered the daily prompt about writing a note when I’ve visited a new place. This year, I worked hard for Christmas. Not shopping, cleaning or cooking. I worked hard on my attitude. And it paid off. The holidays are really hard for so many of us, an emotional flashpoint for anxiety, depression, addiction and […]

To Sleep Or Not To Sleep

The Prompt: How long does it take you to fall asleep? I’m starting this post wide awake at 11 while everyone else is asleep. That in spite of the fact that I am still sick and felt bone tired earlier. And I take bedtime meds that are slightly sedating. Typically, I fall asleep soon after […]

Jump!

The Prompt:  Which is better to jump in: a leaf pile or a puddle? I’m not in the mood to answer this or even consider the distinction. Last night, I jumped up on a park bench with a megaphone and spoke to a crowd of 100 or so LGBTQ folks and allies who had turned […]