For a while there it seemed like depression and anxiety had decided to tag team me. There would be multiple days where I would feel anxious and on the verge of a panic attack over stressors, I could not identify. Then almost as soon as I had managed to get these episodes under control, here comes depression. Depression and I are old friends so it’s not as much of a mystery and most times I can maneuver through its web, but after battling anxiety, well my reserve was pretty much tapped out. This made it twice as hard to recover.
So now here I have to get creative. I do not want to have to work harder. I do not want to deplete myself completely. I need a balance. A way that I can continue to do my work, be the mother and wife I should be to my family and still be victorious over these two.
It’s a balancing act really.
I have utilized all of my regular tools, exercise, photography, music, reading, meditation, etc. But I have also added a new tool to that box. Cold showers/baths. Yes, sounds nutty I know. I got the idea one day when I was with a client and decided to dip my toes in the cold September waters. This led me to do some research on the benefits of being in cold water. I decided to give it a shot. Not only has the battle with my old-time friend depression and my new found friend anxiety seemed to lessen. but I am not sleeping better and feeling more energized.
— Crystal Miller
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