When it's not just nerves (esperanza magazine)

Living with anxiety can be debilitating. Worrying endlessly about what has happened, what's happening and what could possibly happen plus being riddled with panic attacks can make life very scary.

I've lived with anxiety my entire life. When I was younger, people said I was just a 'nervous girl'. And for the longest time, that's what I believed was wrong with me. I just thought that the heart races/flutters, the extreme panic I felt being out in public, the insomnia (yes, even as a child), all of the worry I was plagued with, and feeling like I was going to pass out when too many people were around was...'normal'. I'd always felt that way an no one around me tried getting me help to make sure so I dealt with it.

It wasn't until I was in my mid-twenties being treated for depression and an eating disorder that I discovered that all of those things I felt weren't normal and that I needed alot more help than I'd believed. I have GAD and panic disorder. Finally, it all made sense.

There is a huge difference between nervousness (a normal bodily response to certain kinds of stress or experiences) and anxiety (a disorder that interferes with how we respond to stress, experiences and situations). They have very similar symptoms (eg: heart racing/flutters, sweating, etc.), the difference is that once the stressful or worrisome situation is over, the body slowly returns to a calm state. Anxiety is a constant feeling of nervousness, worry and panic. It's very important to make sure you seek help if you even think it might be anxiety. Keeping your body in that state for a long period of time can do damage to various organs.

If you aren't quite sure you can tell the difference, esperanza magazine put out a fantastic article on the subject. They also give solid definitions of General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder, which is very helpful. (Click HERE to be taken to the article online.) The earlier you get the help you need, the healthier you'll feel.

Be well!

Guest Post About Domestic Violence ~ With Author STACY EATON

Today's post is a very important one, and involves an issue close to my heart: domestic violence. Not too long ago while doing my blog tour for White Elephants, I met Stacy Eaton. She was a wonderful host and was kind enough to do a wonderful review of the book. So when I had the opportunity to join Stacy in helping promote her new book, Whether I Live Or Die, I jumped at the opportunity.

This is an extremely important book that shines light on domestic violence and gives inspiration to those living with it or trying to move on after surviving it. As someone who has been there, I thank Stacy for being brave enough to share this book with the world.

We welcome her here today on our White Elephants blog to share how this book came to be. Thank you, Stacy, for being here today and for having me be a small part of your book tour.

Get Chynna's Newest Novel for FREE!

Normally, I don't do any sort of book promotion on this blog because the focus here is on those 'white elephants'...those issues we can't or won't talk about anywhere else. But I wanted to give followers the chance to grab hold of my new YA novel, DARK WATER, while it's free on Amazon.

This book is very special to me for three reasons: It's set in West Hawk Lake where I was fortunate enough to have spent every summer of my childhood; it touches on what it's really like to live with and care for a child who has SPD and I shine light on the issue of PTSD. As with all of my books, I try to share information about subject matter or issues that I don't feel are talked about enough. The goal is to educate in an entertaining way, and I think in Dark Water, I've done just that.

If you are interested in YA suspense/paranormal, or know someone who is, and would like to help bring these issues a bit further out in the open, I invite you to download DARK WATER today while it's free. The sale will go on until midnight tonight. You can click HERE to be taken right there.

'See' you again soon!

Knowing the Difference Between Sadness and Depression

Last week, I talked about the importance of understanding your triggers and symptoms, especially in the summer months. For some reason, many people living with bipolar, depression and other mood disorders have a tough time in the summer. Today, I'd like to chat a bit about what can happen when you really tune into those triggers and focus on doing everything you can to keep them in check.

Although I don't live with bipolar personally, I do cope with anxiety and depression. For me, the summer months can be tremendously stressful as I have all four of my kids home demanding attention, getting into trouble, fighting, etc. all at the same time. On top of this, the house never seems to stay clean and organized, I worry about money more and get overwhelmed alot more easily. The key, I've found, is staying on top of my triggers and making sure I turn to my healthier coping methods instead of the old ones (eg: eating disorder, drinking, etc.)

It's things like knowing when you are sad--a normal human response--and when you are falling into depression, because there is a huge difference. It's okay to feel sad and we should allow ourselves to mourn the loss of a loved one or cry when we feel we need to. And it isn't all about understanding your symptoms and triggers, it's also about knowing what you need to do for yourself when you feel yourself slipping down or soaring up.

For example, I have created an intense exercise regimen. I make sure I get enough sleep. I pay very close attention to what I eat and what I don't. I limit my alcohol intake (because, I'll admit...I do love a glass or two of wine occasionally!). These are all things that help with controlling those symptoms as well as how you respond to those triggers.

I found an awesome article from a bipolar 'newbie' who has learned how to cope with her symptoms and deal with her triggers. She is a true inspiration and I think you might find her tips useful. Check out the article HERE.

And take good care until next time.