Sleep and Anxiety

My sleep is terrible. I’m permanently tired. If I do have a night where I sleep well, it’s because I took a sleeping tablet. I don’t do it often because they can be addictive and I don’t need any other issues. I know it’s not sleep. It’s chemical but desperate times and all that. I …

My Coronavirus diary 16

I am very anxious. NPHET have basically given the Irish government a free pass to end all Coronavirus restrictions here in Ireland. While I freely acknowledge that we cannot and should not live under restrictions for any longer than is necessary, it has just been announced that the Cabinet have given the go ahead to …

Freedom. Rejection and nightmares

A lot has changed since my last post. I am now free having resigned from my job. Actually resigning caused me huge anxiety. It took me a long time first to compose and then to send the email. I hadn’t expected to have that reaction. Several months ago, I would have resigned in a heartbeat …

My dilemma

I’m facing a dilemma. Occupational Health are of the opinion that I am fit to return to work. I however, am not willing to return to the toxic situation that is my workplace nor the bullying manager that caused my anxiety. This is the reality that I am facing. I’m being pressured to go back …

My Coronavirus diary 8

We went to level 3 restrictions here on Wednesday. I wish I was optimistic that it will reduce the prevalence of Coronavirus cases but I’m not. I can see us heading for another total lockdown. To be fair, I think it will be the wake up call that we need. I have spent all week …

My Coronavirus diary 6

I’m not quite sure where to start. My anxiety is strong right now for lots of reasons, Coronavirus included. I am relieved that we did not enter phase 4 of the reopening today as planned. The increase in the number of cases being reported daily is worrying. Not huge numbers, but when it crept back …

Coronavirus

I’ll be honest. I’m not really sure what I’m feeling. 2020 has been a strange year so far. I didn’t anticipate my relationship ending or finding out that my Vitamin D levels are low. While those events were unexpected, I certainly had no idea how much life would change as a result of the Coronavirus …

The not so reluctant gardener

I’m by no means an expert gardener, quite the opposite but I’m learning. I live in rented accommodation so while I have outside space, I’m keeping my garden portable! I started buying plants and pots to put them in when I was off work last year. I started with the herbs thyme and rosemary, two …

Healthy body, healthy mind

Having been overweight for many years, I’ve tried lots of different ways to lose weight (Slimming World, Weight watchers twice, calorie counting, low carb) and having had varying degrees of success losing and then regaining more weight, this time it needs to be different. The run up to Christmas may not be the wisest time …

Finally got my sassy back

As you know, I’m back at work after a lengthy absence. It was absolutely the best thing I ever did; taking my time and listening to my body. I mean really listening to my body. I’ve learned that antibiotics work faster if you rest rather than push through, taking a few days off if necessary. …

Wonder Woman is back

What a difference a day makes. I’ve flipped my attitude on its head and am ready to get back on the horse. I’m going back to work and I’m going to succeed. I had a really good chat with my GP and they gave me some brilliant tips. Which I’ll share with you now. The …

Feeling the dread

This evening, I’m comfort eating after going all day without eating. I have no appetite. I really can’t face going back to work. I’m dreading it. I know I need to go back but I need to look for something else. I can’t do this long term. I’m not 100% sure, I’ll be able to …

The benefit of pets

They say that pets have health benefits, e.g. lowering blood pressure. My cat may not be lowering my blood pressure but he certainly does wonders for my mental health. He may be spoiled rotten – I’ve just had to fix the duvet cover so he can lie down after his breakfast – but in taking …

Reducing the stigma…starting with me

I’ve watched documentaries on the BBC made by Nadiya Hussain (Great British Bake Off winner) about her anxiety and former adviser to Tony Blair, Alastair Campbell about the impact of his depression. It is so powerful to hear people in the public eye who are successful, talk about their mental health. Even this afternoon, as …

Getting my craft on

What I’ve realised since being off work with stress and anxiety is that I need a creative outlet as part of my self-care. I’ve dabbled in knitting – something that I haven’t done since I was a child. I’ve taught myself how to purl and started to incorporate it into my knitting. I’m not likely …