Hi everyone,
happy thoughts and vibes to you all. I just got a moment to myself and have sat down with a nice cup of cammomile tea with some honey (mmm it tastes so good ) so hopefully I can relax a little while I sit here writing to you guys.

These past few days I haven't walked a lot but I have watched my fat intake as best as I can and have dine heaps of housework. I haven't gained any weight either which is great.

My anxiety is getting me down a little though - I have been feeling a bit more jittery than usual but have perservered with my daily duties, I'm still driving (thank goodness for that) and getting out and about but with a definite feeling of unreality and real tiredness.

I read somewhere about the importance of good nutrition when coping with anxiety and it's so true, what I eat affects my mood.
Next week I am booking myself in for a massage - I need one badly! Hopefully I can make it a regular habit and not get to the point where I am desperate and all hyped up before I need one again.

Jennifa,
I have to agree with you - about no such thing as normal and there is certainly no such thing as perfect I have found out too.

Take care everyone - enjoy your weekend!

MyGirl

I was going thru some old magazines and found this great article on food that helps to beat stress, thought I'd share them with you all.

bananas
extraordinarily good food to keep on hand. Stress hormones tend to strip the body of magnesium, leaving tired and weak. Bananas are rich in magnesium, they also contain potassium and tryptophan, essential amino acids that produce serotonin (the brain's feel good chemical).

cammomile
good remedy for insomnia and nightmares. It is so gent;e that, in diluted form it can even be given to babies. It is also a tonic that supports the adrenal and other endocrine glands. As an essential oil cammomile can be sprinkled onto a handkerchief for a calming fix.

milk
contains amino-acid tryptohans, necessary for formation of serotonin.

lavender
excellent for easing tension headaches and as a strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A drop of lavender essential oil on your pillow can gently send you into a natural sleep. Dried lavender leaves can be made into a tea and sipped thru the day.

Of course there are many more but these were the ones I liked most (and had teh timeto type out)
hope this is helpful

MyGirl

Hi MyGirl, glad you are back! Thank you for the wonderful post with the helpful foods and herbs. May I add that there are herbal eye pillows you can get with chamomile and lavender oils in them. I really like them.

It's good to get out and see people and how NOT normal they are! I have to take issue, though, with your comment about perfect - I think the folks on this thread are as close as you can get!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, but the good news is I'm actually and FINALLY losing weight. The measuring tape confirms it; lost 3 inches off the waist and 2 off the hips. Woo hoo! I'm on the Perfect Weight (Chopra) thread if anybody wants to check it out. I also stick a bit with the WW program, but it's more of whatever I want, which is nice!

Chamomile tea sounds great! Never heard of lavender tea, but will look for it next time I shop.

Jennifa
216/197/170

Happy Monday everyone,

Well, I been off the Buspar for a week now and so far so good. My counslor thinks it is ok I went off it as I can always go back on. Hopefully I won't have to. I am trying more natural things like the stuff MyGirl mentioned and of course positive thinking. My weight continues to be an issue, I find myself falling into comfort eating every once in a while so that has to stop. This week I am trying to exercise more and make better food choices.
Way to go Jennifa on losing weight, sometimes it seems like it will never happen!! MyGirl thanks for the info,we need all the help we can get.
Hi to everybody else who we havn't heard from in a while. Have a relaxing and peaceful day.

Daytona

hi all just dropping in quickly!

daytona,
good to hear you're off the buspar! hang in there you can get past this without the meds...good idea to try going off them.

don't worry too much about your weight loss effort waning this feeling will pass, trust me and you will approach it with renewed enthusiasm, sometimes we need the lows to make the highs even better!

I found this site recommended on another thread, it's vegetarian and some vegan recipes but all are low fat! there are so many recipes and categories to choose from, everything from soups, salads to desserts! check it out www.fatfree.com

I haven't made anything from it yet, I am still searching thru all the great recipes.

have fun & stay happy!

MyGirl

I haven't been on for about 10 days, but thought I'd try to catch up while my boss is away. The thread would only let me see through 7/25 (yes, I'm on the 2nd thread) and if I tried to go forward it would tell me there are no further entries. It also wouldn't let me see the options that are usually printed at the bottom of the page. Maybe it's just me!

I just wanted to check in, though, and get my group motivation going. I've been on BuSpar for a few weeks now, but I really don't know that it is helping a whole lot--at least not any more than Paxil was when my anxieties and depression began to be more than it was. I think it is because of all the diet and non-diet stresses, though. I can't expect miracles because most of the stresses have to be dealt with one-by-one. I'm trying, but the most important stress, my weight, seems to be the most difficult one to get under control.

I just received my "Chair Dancing" tapes and they look very interesting and certainly "doable."

Well, it's time for my lunch and I'm starved. I actually have a good, healthy WW lunch today--including the WW zero-point soup.

Take care everyone,

Merridy in Baltimore

Hi Everyone. How are all of you doing?

Welcome to the newest members, Aphil and Trinity. Good to have you on board with us. Aphil, don't hesitate in seeing a doctor regarding the OCD. There are varying forms of it. I suffered from it for a very long time. I was embarrassed by it and didn't say anything. Then I had some family members come stay with me for awhile and they noticed some of the unusual behavior. It wasn't until some health problems crept up and I started having panic attacks and severe depression that I told my doctor about the OCD. He told me had I of come forward along time ago with this information, we may have been able to ward off some of the panic or at least the severity of it.

Trinity, you too need to see a doctor. Panic is nothing to mess with. It can turn your whole life upside down if you don't get treatment and counseling for it. I can't tell you how much better I am today because of the treatment and counseling. I didn't ever think I'd feel this way again.

Hi all. sorry I haven't been posting. Actually, this is the first time I've even read since I went back to work. I start back with the same company but in a new position and at a new office. It's about 40 miles away. I've been working about 12 to 16 hours a day. My therapist probably won't be too happy with me when she finds out. She warned me about going in too fast. I really don't have much of a choice at the moment. This is what the company needs.

I've been feeling well other than extremely tired. I see my doctor tomorrow and then the Phyciatrist (?) Weds morning before work to go over the Celexa. It really is helping me alot. The last time I saw him he increased it to 20 mg in the am and 40 mg in the pm. It's been a miracle for me. Like night and day. I can't believe I'm the same person. I've only had 1 attack in over 3 weeks. Praise GOD!!!! No more crying either.

I noticed a few were struggling. I keep you in my prayers. Just remember there is light at the end of these awful tunnels

Best get going for now. It's after 1:00 am and I have to be up at 5:00 am for work.

Daytona, I live outside of Richmond on the east side. Hope all is well with you. Great news about being off the Buspar. You go girl!!!!

Mygirl, Thanks so much for the food info. It was very informative. How's it going with you? Sorry to hear you have been jittery lately. Will keep you in my prayers.

Jennifa, Wonderful news on the weight loss. That is fantastic.

Gobbie, Hang in there. You will see better days ahead.

I just want to thank all of you. I can't believe I'm the same person who wrote the first message I wrote. With your help and companionship, I've made it through. I'm just happy to be able to really smile again and actually feel it. The weight loss is also starting to happen. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a great group of people

Jan

I'm working at home today and that always puts me in such a good mood. I can see the sunshine and leaves blowing in the breeze through the tree outside my computer room window. My dog, Gobbie, is sound asleep at my feet.

It is nearly lunch time and yesterday I bought some great things to help me stay legal. I have shrimp, Roman Meal Sun Grain bread (1 pt. per slice), and some 2-pt. yogurt bars. Tonight we are going over to my son and his fiance's house for a Chinese dinner. I've already figured out the points for several different choices.

As soon as I finish this note (while I'm watching Magnum PI on TV) I'm going into the other room and do the "Chair Dancing" tape. I wanted to do that before lunch. This will be my first (absolutely FIRST) real attempt to begin an exercise program and keep it up. As always my goal is to be able to walk Gobbie outside and go back to obedience training with her. I figure if I start losing the weight, that goal will surely come faster--broken ankle, replaced hips, arthritis, etc.--regardless of what I have to deal with on the way to the goal.

Daytona: Congratulations on going off the BuSpar. I just went on it, so I am looking forward to having the success you had.

Oh, yes, before I forget. I wrote last week when I was really depressed about having an unusual argument with my husband. However, all is well now and we are back to understanding each other.

Trinity: Sure sounds like you have anxiety attacks and just plain stress attacks. Please keep working with your doctor; eventually you will find the right combination. In the meantime, this group is really great. I remember years ago, before I began to understand what stress was, I actually cried watching "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" when he was being threatened by the evil ogre. I had my 6 & 9 year old sons watching it with me. I think that was when I first began to realize how bad things were in my head. My kids are now 30 and 35 and I've learned a lot since then, but that doesn't always mean that I've kept my sanity. At times it is overwhelming, but when I feel that way, I know I need a time out and either see the doctor, my minister, or both and talk it out. The meds help me through bad periods, like I am having now, and I believe in having all the help I can get when I really need it.

Aphil, I know about your disorder and feel very sorry for your constant distress. I also know that this is not something you can battle by yourself. It must be very difficult on your entire family watching you fight this problem (or giving in to it). Congratulations for taking the bull by the horn, doing the research, and seeking therapy. I hope you stay with this group while you try to overcome this problem (and begin losing the baby weight).

MyGirl, with your success on the treadmill, I will be using you as my hero while I start my own exercise program. Thanks!

Well, now that I've probably used up all the word length allowed this entire group, I'm headed into the other room. Wish me luck on keeping my head and goals in sight.

Hugs to all of you,

Merridy in Baltimore
& Gobbie ("I'm on a diet now, too, so I'll help you out mom. Lots of pumpkin and carrots. Yum!)

Gobbie:

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

Janney, thank you for the words of wisdom (WOW)! Sometimes I think the things we write on here are more helpful than we can imagine.

MyGirl, how are you doing? I hope everything is going well with you.

Aphil, have you decided to see someone yet? It is a tough decision.

Daytona, hope your weigh-in went well.

Trinity, how are you doing? Please check in.

As for me, I'm amazed at how much of a factor stress is in the day to day mood indicators. I am proud of myself for sticking to my plan; I did have a setback last night, but it wasn't anywhere even close to the volume of food that I used to have. I bought some of those little Pyrex bowls that all the cooks use for ingredients on TV. Turns out they are sometimes too big for all the snacking you really wanted. Back OP today, and enjoying it, and wishing you all the same.

Jennifa

hi all,

just a quick note

thanks for the words of encouragement jennifa and gobbie.

I'm going to be away from my computer for the next few days, feels weird I know so thought I'd let you know that I am doing ok life is much better now-a-days!

I have to keep up my walking routine.

See you soon

MyGirl

Hi everyone,

MyGirl, you are right about wt loss, sometimes the effort doe's wane but I usually do get back my enthusiasm!! Thanks for the vegetarian site. Glad you are keeping up the walking - all exercise helps. Post when you get back, are you taking a little break before school starts?

Gobbie, Dealing with stress has to be done one thing at a time or it will over whelm you into doing nothing. Just remember every little success- a food not eaten, a few extra steps, better choices on a menu brings you cl9oser to your wt loss goal. Be kind to yourself. I like the ww zero pt soup, do you? How is the chair dance tapes going? Don't you just love your dog? I would be lost without mine, they are so much company.

Janney, I was glad to see you back and in real good shape as well, congrats, you have come so far. I can't believe 12-16 hour days??? Just be careful you don't stress yourself out to much!

Jennifa, I agree, stress has a major effect on my daily moods. Good for you sticking to your plan. Even when you blow it now it doesn't seem to be as bad as before- at least it is like that for me since I been dieting. Good job.

I am still off the Buspar and things seem to be good. I really think this board has a lot of healing factors. It is wonderful to hear from all of you and share our successes and concerns.

Have a relaxing and fun day.

Daytona

HI everyone,
how are we all doing? I am happy to say that these days I have been moving past my anxiety with amazing ease, I am not on any medication and the changes in me have been encouraging!

I really believe that having the anxiety had helped me to refocus and to really appreciate the small (and big) things in life. I no longer take things for granted and have learned to take time for myself! Now that didn't come easily especially from someone who was so used to putting herself last!

It has been a re-awakening if you like, almost a reminder from God for me to stop the craziness I was in of overworking (12 - 14 hours a day) and hiding from reality...I guess this was my way of coping and trying to deal with the anxiety, but in the meantime I also began to put on weight, things snowballed and now here I am !

I have come full circle and life has a way of doing that. I am not cured yet but I have made so much progress, have gained a huge understanding of what it means to be really anxious and what it means to be in the throws of a panic attack...and only people who have had panic attacks know what that feels like.

I owe a lot of my progress to YOU all. They say a problem shared is a problem halved right? well judging by this thread the problem has been didvided by at least 8-10? lost track of how many of us there are here. (hmmm...I'll have to check that out later).

I really do appreciate you all...this is my special "me" time to relax and pour out my soul and occasionally offer some advice.

This week I plan to do a few things for myself eg; get my hair done, walk, get pampered at a day spa and just curl up reading my favorite romance novel.

Here's to a wonderful week everyone!
Take care,
MyGirl

Hi everyone,

Wow you are well on the road to recovery MyGirl, congrats, isn't it nice when the anxiety becomes more in the back of your mind and not always controling your every thought?? I too am happy to say things are good. We went away for the labor day weekend, we had intentions of walking the Mackinaw bridge but the weather didn't make it possible!! I am afraid of heights anyway so just as well. Are you back teaching? My weight isn't too bad, just up a couple pounds so I am trying to get back in control before the holidays are here. Fall is my favorite time of year so I will be out enjoying the weather.
Where are all the rest of our group? Hope everyone is doing great, must be we are all doing a lot better, we arn't posting near as much. I will take that as a good sign.

Have a great weekend and post soon.

Daytona

Hi everyone!

Guess you all must be doing great that explains the fewer posts.

Hi Daytona,
nice to hear from you - yes I am doing a bit better, thank God, but my weight still needs some attention...my walking has been good but my healthy eating not so great, I can't stick to a low fat eating plan for too long... I am much too tempted by all the goodies surrounding me...and I lose control or just conveniently forget my goal. I tend to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the bigger picture....yikes I feel so weak sometimes!

I'm back at school...I missed it more than what I thought!

I was thinking of joining WW (again) but my real problem is being committed 100% I usually start off fine and then drop off after
2-3 weeks - I start to deviate from my plan!

Anyway one thing is for certain, I won't ever give up trying.

Take care,
MyGirl

Just pulling up our thread! How are you all?

I'd love to hear from you.

MyGirl