It’s no secret that emotions
affect our bodies. Anxiety and depression are no exception. I know this
firsthand from (mostly) past experience.
For blessed little me,
leaving outside employment eradicated all but
some social anxiety. Severe attacks do raise their tremulous little heads now
and then, though, and sometimes for no apparent reason. Last Sunday during a sunny quiet morning, a rather severe attack hit.
Why? I have no idea. But it
exhibited the old familiar signs, dampening my motor skills and tightening my throat. It
got so bad that I didn't trip and fall but my handwriting took on the appearance of a palsy patient’s.
Fortunately, driving a car in
light traffic while blasting screaming death metal (!) often helps calm me, as
does exercise. So, I forced myself to get ready and go for a swim at my
favorite YMCA natatorium.
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| Founder & Lead Singer of Nu Metal Band Otep |
On the way there, symptoms
took a scary turn, affecting my judgment. I took a wrong turn down a one way
street to find myself facing two lanes of oncoming traffic. We have lived in
this neighborhood for twenty years.
I am happy to say my quick correction
prevented an accident, even saving me seeing strangers’ faces of angry shock. Good
thing the swim and ongoing whispered and screaming lyrics of singer Otep
Shamaya eased me back to a peaceful state.
Does music calm you in times of duress?
Does music calm you in times of duress?
I'm sorry to hear that you had an attack, but glad to hear that you avoided a potentially nasty accident. I can't say that I turn to music, but I know that walks do help when I'm feeling stressed. Take care :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind word. Walking is a great response! Be well.
DeleteSo sorry you had such a rough time. I have a huge issue with anxiety, been going on since college and I am now 66. Music doesn't help to calm me when I am feeling anxiety, but music is a big part of my life. What works for me when anxiety grabs me is self talk and finding something that diverts my thoughts and keeps me busy. Reading blogs and watching a rescue cat site called Tinykittens helps beyond belief. I like your label for this post... Self Care.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you have suffered so long. :( Thanks for the tip on that cat rescue website. I'm sharing with my SO. ~grin~ And I appreciate the kind words.
DeleteI'm so sorry. I remember the first time I ever had an anxiety attack, I ended up in the hospital thinking I was having a heart attack!
ReplyDeleteOh, wow! I'm sorry that happened to you. Mine aren't so severe, at least not in regards to heart rate, I'm happy to say. My throat is still a little tight today, two days after the main event. I suppose it takes time for the chemical balance to return to normal.
DeleteI have never encountered an episode of runaway anxiety. I am lucky.
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of screamo music, which most find surprising, due to my age.
I am sorry you had to endure such a challenging situation the other day. I am glad you were able to maneuver through it so successfully.
I'm lucky, too. Anxiety plays a small part in my life and writing is huge. Hurray for music! Thank you for the kind words. Be well!
DeleteA wonderful pill called Effexor keeps me calm, without it, I would not even leave my house. Petting my cats keeps me calm too.
ReplyDeleteOh, bless you. You have such beautiful kitties, too.
DeleteYikes, I'm so sorry. I hope that was just a passing thing. Glad you had your "calm" music to help.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words. I hope my confession helps others. Be well, my dear!
DeleteThat's so scary. I'm glad you are ok. I get anxiety attacks in the night but only if I've eaten too much, seems to press on my kidneys or wherever the adrenal glands are, if I'm kind of bloated. I guess you might call those false anxiety attacks though.
ReplyDeleteI think your attacks are as valid as mine. ~hugs~ Hope you're well today!
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