September/October Mental Health Challenge

[malkin]

I know it's a crazy idea.
I'm crazy, so no surprise that I have these ideas.

I was just thinking that it seems to work out for the weight loss people, so maybe it would help me be a little less crazy. Or even if I am just as crazy, maybe I could hide it a little better and act a little more like a normal person.

What do you think?
Anyone else?

[indysteel]

I'm all for increased sanity, but what's entailed in "the challenge"?

[badger]

I'm crazy, too, but I don't think there's much hope for me!

It's only a matter of time before I become that woman on Simpsons, uttering jibberish while waving half a dozen cats.

[limewave]

This would truly be a challenge.

[azfiddle]

Maybe people could share ideas about what is helping them relieve stress, get out from under depression etc.

[ny biker]

A friend posted something on facebook recently about avoiding stress. One of the things mentioned was "Stop trying to fix people." And I thought, YES. I need to do this.

Inconsiderate people who think the world revolves around them really piss me off. People who are supposed to help you because they work in customer service but they just can't be bothered to care really piss me off. Somehow I need to learn to just shrug it off when I encounter these people. Because being really pissed off too much of the time makes other people think you're just crazy and bitter. And it does not feel good.

Sorry if that's not what you had in mind. But it's something I've been thinking about lately, in part due to lph's post about the funeral for the woman who nobody liked. I want to focus on positive instead of negative, but it's not always easy to do.

Also sorry if I'm not making much sense. This all connects in my mind, but I don't know if I'm explaining it well.

[badger]

part of my problem is overthinking. Ruminating. Chewing it over. and over. and over.

OCD, I guess. I'm going to try inositol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inositol) and see if it makes a difference.

[Catrin]

OCD... I resemble that - but prefer to refer to it as "being detail oriented" :cool:

It actually works well with my job, and my friends are welcome (and do) to tell me when I start over-thinking - my trainer does this as well.

I have noted that my life "with bike" has become less anxious and am far more of a relaxed person than I was. I attribute this to the stress relief from exercise in general, and all of the lovely endorphins from cycling.

I think a lot of it is stress relief - and that we set ourselves up when we become too sedentary - not that any TE women do this! I was a slug for years - working huge numbers of hours and killing myself from workaholism - but only my fingers/brain were working, the body wasn't

NY Biker I think you made perfect sense - it is hard to write this stuff out...hopefully my post makes some kind of sense.

[DebSP]

Yes I could use this challenge too! My job has been way way too stressful for the past three to four weeks and I am snapping at everyone! It doesn't help that my ex husband also sent me a distressing e-mail 3 weeks ago! I sleep two to three hours and then lay awake the rest of the night thinking about work or being angry. I need some sort of chant or mantra I can use! LOL What do you have in mind? Some sort of build ourselves up discussion? I can tell you that I booked a day long women only mountain biking clinic that includes lunch and yoga for tomorrow and as much as I am looking forward to it, I feel guilty spending the money on myself! I just keep telling myself that I deserve a day to indulge myself and hopefully help de-stress.;)

[badger]

oh, and don't talk to me about guilt! I'm the queen of guilt, as in feeling it with everything. Feeling I should do everything and feel guilty if I say no or can't follow through on something due to circumstances.

I think it's fabulous you're doing your workshop, and don't feel guilty about it, it's all good!! (note to self: do as you preach).

[malkin]

Oh--the things I have in mind---in my mind--no, we don't need to dwell on those things.

As for the content of the thread--I'm wide open to anything...this is the internet after all!

I like what everyone has said so far. No specific details of a challenge, although if you have any ideas, I could be game. Maybe, anything would help.

Personally, I have spent most of the afternoon drinking beer and playing piano, and I'm feeling pretty all right for the moment.

[OakLeaf]

I could use this challenge too! But how do we make it small and manageable? Not everyone ran 24 miles today ... and I sure didn't do anything with my mental health other than my run. But if I were going to log something it would be on the order of "got off the couch for something other than my run." :rolleyes:

Suggestions?

[indysteel]

I desperately need to get back to some semblance of an exercise routine. I've had nearly every reason to avoid it over the last year: moving, buying and selling a house, multiple issues with pets including losing a beloved one and getting a new one, getting married, taking a honeymoon, increased workload, a new and long commute, minor health problems, a bum hip, and one of the rainiest Junes on record, followed by one of the hottest July/Augusts.

I went from riding over 5,000 miles a year to being lucky to do 50 a week. I do make it to yoga once a week, but I'd rather make it twice. Riding used to be my social life, but I rarely see my cycling buddies anymore because I live so much farther away. I miss them badly.

In short, something--actually multiple things--needs to change and fast. I have my DH's support, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to do some things without his full cooperation. Next summer, I need to get up earlier and ride without him if necessary. By late morning, when he finally gets his but in gear, it's just too hot. And I need to ride with my friends more. Fundamentally, I just need to ride.

Last winter, I had some eye problems and was told I couldn't run for a spell. I have no excuse this winter. I also need to rejoin the Y. I let my membership lapse because I wasn't able to get to many classes. This year, I just can't use any excuses.

Life changes really throw a wrench into our routines, but if my life is going to work, then I'm going to have to figure it out.

[FunSize]

Be careful Indysteel.

You have a laundry list of things to do, but trying to do them all at once can be overwhelming. Make gains in a couple, or even just one, goal at a time, otherwise you run the risk of failing and feeling bad again. I think a good idea to start would be to schedule that second yoga day in. That's totally doable!



I sleep two to three hours and then lay awake the rest of the night thinking about work or being angry.

Deb,

I worry a lot, running through the worse case scenarios in my head, along with my to-do list for the next day. Sometimes it helps to get up, write down whatever it is that's going on in your head and try to go back to sleep. Often I'm up worrying about forgetting to do something the next day. If it's written down, i don't have to worry about forgetting it.

[indysteel]

I sort of agree FunSize, but I've already let myself off the hook for a year. Nothing on my plate right now is going the change anytime soon. It's time for me to get used to it. For me, exercise is second only to talk therapy in keeping my mood and anxiety in check.

There are things I could do to make time for exercise, the first and foremost being making better use of my weekend mornings. It's just too easy to sleep in.

I likely won't ever--or at least anytime soon--have another 5k mile year. If I could even do half that, I'd be happy.

[indysteel]

After years of therapy, my first order of mental health business is to check in with myself. How AM I feeling? Honestly. What small thing can I do for myself almost immediately to ease whatever anxiety/sadness/frustration/negative thought pattern that I'm having? Is there anything more significant that I need to do? The fundamental belief that I can take care and nurture myself--that I DESERVE to do that--is at the heart of how I approach my daily life.

This week, I found myself hitting a wall as far as my various time commitments. One particular semi-professional commitment had been weighing on me for some time as something I just didn't want to do anymore. So, after a lot of thought, I finally contacted the people I needed to and told them I was bowing out. What a relif.

[Catrin]

Indysteel, congratulations for making that decision to drop something that just wasn't working any longer - that kind of decision can be so hard to make. I think the hardest thing to do to get back into regular exercise is to start making those schedule changes, bit by bit.

This past year I have been shocked at just how far regular and intense exercise has gone to manage my anxiety level and mood - it has been both freeing and sobering at the same time. Talk therapy was only useful to me to a certain point, the right kind of exercise has taken me much further. Of course, it could also be that the talk therapy got me to a place where I could really take advantage of the exercise.

This last week I've had to return to my old workaholic days out of necessity and it has not been a good place to be - am greatly looking forward to a charity ride tomorrow to blow the cobwebs out of body, soul and mind.

I am in! Always looking for more balanced/healthy ways of dealing with stress - had problems with post-traumatic stress a few times in my life so I try my best to keep my stress levels at least below a low roar...I am finding the bike is a cure for many things!

[redrhodie]

I'm in. I'm going to try to cut out my biggest depressant, chocolate. This is an ongoing problem, and I keep falling off the wagon. It took me years to figure out that if I don't eat chocolate specifically, and sugar in general, I'm much happier. Why I keep forgetting/ignoring this is beyond me. Maybe this thread will help me stay focused.

More sleep would be nice, too. I wish I could figure out how. I'm lucky to be in a position take naps, so I'm going to try to use them more to make up what I'm missing.

I know I'm facing some big stress in the near future since my dad is not well. No time like the present to get ready to go through the wringer.

Good luck everyone! We can do this.

[malkin]

That's weird about the chocolate.

I made a tentative shopping date with my daughter for next weekend. She needs a suit for med school interviews. It seems like something a normal person would do. :)

[malkin]

Hey--maybe the challenge works like going to Hogworts (10 points for Gryffendor) or playing Candyland.

Great bike ride: Move forward to the next happy square.

Spend 3 hours looking for old business card and boy and girl shaped hole punches: Lose a turn.

Clear off top of dresser to prove I've stopped looking for the above: + 5 points
Find old business cards on dresser: +5 irony points

[redrhodie]

That's weird about the chocolate.



Of course, I had to see if I'm alone in this, and of course, there's a study http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/short/170/8/699 saying I'm not. While looking for this study (before I knew it existed), found lots of articles about the anti-depressant properties of chocolate, so there you go.

I haven't had any today, so +5 for me. Had a good bike ride +5, but got annoyed by a couple who passed me -5. Didn't sleep last night -5. Took a nap +5.

I could do this all day! I'm up 5, but I feel about even. :)

[malkin]

I think even is really good!

Recreating my business cards is a proactive step for me, not quite looking for a whole new job, just thinking about drumming up a few private clients on the side.

[jelee1311]

I think mental health challenge is an interesting idea, we gotta a lotta crazy round here so here goes. Be present and ride. I rode today even though it rained about an inch in 1 hour and I saw the leaves changing, the last of the master gardener who lives 3 houses up amazing flowers, the kids on the next block jumping in puddles. All I could think is being off my bike gave me such a jones for it and now I could do it ,these silly little things make me feel good and I missed them. Being on my bike gives me perspective

[DebSP]

Well I went to my Mtn. Biking clinic yesterday. It was great! Took my mind off work for a whole day +5. Relaxed and had fun +5. Didn't regret one minute of it and so the guilt just disappeared +5. It wore me out and I slept all night last night +5 again! It was all good.:)

[malkin]

+5 Went with Brewer to the State Fair. Had fun talking to the last hold out group of dairymen there about where to buy unhomogenized milk. Bought tiny waterproof container to carry relics of St. Tiger (the dead cat) with us on tandem rides.

+5 shopping out in the world at all my favorite discount places (Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Tuesday Morning) and the grocerystore that is in the same neighborhood as the discounts.

Bad Allergies, Good Coping: +5
Do you think my steroid nose spray will be performance enhancing for cycling?

Dreading work week: -25 (performance evaluation this week)
Sick feeling from remembering bad dream about this: -5

[marni]

my father used to have a mental list of 7 items he tried to do every day. He said it helped keep him sane, balanced and human. the list is below:
1. do something mental
2. do something physical
3. do something spiritual
4. do something you have been putting off
5. do something you want to do.
6. do something for someone else
7. do something for yourself.

It seems to work for me.

marni

[emily_in_nc]

my father used to have a mental list of 7 items he tried to do every day. He said it helped keep him sane, balanced and human. the list is below:
1. do something mental
2. do something physical
3. do something spiritual
4. do something you have been putting off
5. do something you want to do.
6. do something for someone else
7. do something for yourself.

It seems to work for me.

marni

I really like this. Your father is/was very wise!

[Crankin]

Good list.
Give yourselves permission to do something for yourself; no guilt allowed! Banish it.
Ah, it's normal to be worried about a performance evaluation. Nobody "likes" to be evaluated. But, it helps to look at it as an opportunity to improve your skills and set new goals for the year. And use some good stress reduction techniques... deep breathing, take a walk, go for a ride!

[malkin]

My perf. eval isn't really like my performance will be evaluated. Neither of the 2 people doing it really understand what my skills are or even what the point of my job is. The place is a dead end for me, and in many ways, it isn't even much fun anymore.

For me this time around, I'm looking for information about whether I should resign immediately or wait until spring.

+5 Planning to ride tomorrow.

[redrhodie]

Feeling really good from this morning's ride (I'm rating it a +10 because it was perfect)....but, I just ate an eclair, so -5 for that. For lunch I had really healthy soup with kale and butternut squash and loads of other colorful veggies in it, so that's got to count for something, +5. Oh, and I had a GREAT night's sleep! A rarity for me. +5. I'm up!

Good luck, Malkin. I hope work becomes fun again.

[indysteel]

I'm going to yoga tonight, which for me is always a big +10. Even when I have to cut nearly everything else out of my schedule, I try to make it to my mat. Plus, it helps me sleep like a baby, so that's another +5.

So far, the week's going well. I don't feel nearly as crazed as I did last week. I took the kitties to the vet last night (have I shared that we have a new kitten?). They're both doing well. I'm in love with the kitten; she is bringing me much joy at the moment. I can't imagine life without pets. They are my calming influence. So, I'm going to take another +5 for them.

DH and I leave on Saturday for a much needed trip vacation. We're spending five nights in Oregon. Two in Cannon Beach and three in Portland (from there we're doing some hikign). I am so excited about seeing the ocean. It's been a long time since I've walked on a beach.

It's been a long year. In some ways, it was one of the best ever. In other ways, it was one of the hardest. I look forward to a chance to reflect on it with DH on our trip.

[malkin]

+5 I made simple and direct statements in the middle of a $@#^ storm.

+5 I also made playdough with kids.

I liked the playdough better.

[redrhodie]

Things got worse after the eclair, but I'm not pointing any fingers. A certain kitty broke my '50s lamp. I'm okay with that, I can even fix the shade, but it was a cfl bulb, and it shattered. I swept it right up, then did what I should have done first, looked up what to do if you break one. Turns out you're not supposed to sweep it up. Oh, well.

I then followed the recommended procedures, followed by a Karen Silkwood bath. I even washed Twiggy's paws, just in case. Slept okay, but not good enough for points.

Today, fun rides, and helpful people. +5. Work was a -5. I don't handle criticism well.

[jelee1311]

Indysteele have you been to oregon before?I live in vancouver,wa we are supposed to have great weather this weekend so hopefully it will be sunny for you. Cannon Beach is one of favorite places in Oregon. Lots to do in pdx this weekend,Saturday market, cyclocross,and I think a grand fondo in the gorge. Have fun. Jenn

[Catrin]

115 hours at work in the last 13 days.

This only happens once or twice a year but this is the most intense phase that I can remember...

Major sleep deprivation -25.

Get to take tomorrow off, go view my new apartment and then go ride my bike +25

Even is good :)

It is a catch-22, if I weren't on the OCD side I wouldn't get roped into working like that, but if I wasn't on the OCD side then I wouldn't be able to do this kind of work...so there you go.

[indysteel]

Indysteele have you been to oregon before?I live in vancouver,wa we are supposed to have great weather this weekend so hopefully it will be sunny for you. Cannon Beach is one of favorite places in Oregon. Lots to do in pdx this weekend,Saturday market, cyclocross,and I think a grand fondo in the gorge. Have fun. Jenn

We haven't been to Oregon before. We're mostly planning to hike. We have a handful of hikes picked out (Eagle Creek and Ramona Falls in particular) once we're in Portland. Our itinerary for Cannon Beach is a little looser. If you have any favorites to share, just let me know.

Thanks!

[indysteel]

115 hours at work in the last 13 days.

This only happens once or twice a year but this is the most intense phase that I can remember...

Major sleep deprivation -25.

Get to take tomorrow off, go view my new apartment and then go ride my bike +25

Even is good :)

It is a catch-22, if I weren't on the OCD side I wouldn't get roped into working like that, but if I wasn't on the OCD side then I wouldn't be able to do this kind of work...so there you go.

That's a lot of work, girl. I hope Friday is an enjoyable day off.

[malkin]

Brewer & I played all morning like kids on bikes. +10

[redrhodie]

I've been eating really well (no sugar) and slept really well last night. Family is all good. +10

I fixed both the lamp and shade! +5 for being handy!

I don't have any minuses today.

[malkin]

Way to go red!

Brewer reminded me this morning that it is way better to have a chaotic work and a wonderful home than vice versa. And home is great right now.

Well, apart from the cat being dead. And he was sick for a while and that was hugely stressful. And we're still sad. And since he (the cat) slept on our bed pretty much every night for the last 15 years, we are completely unable to manage the covers without him. It's been almost a couple months. I may put a weight where he used to sleep.

[DebSP]

Do we get plus points for Fridays? The sun is shining, that should be worth something! I went for a bike ride for an hour and a half yesterday with DH. That is definitely worth +5.:)

[malkin]

+10 for a lovely ride in sprinkley rain.

- about 50 million for how I feel about work. The 2 people who have undermined my work have really turned out to be very successful.

+2 for just noticing it and wondering about what comes next. Whatever it is, it has to have health insurance.

[redrhodie]

I'm about even again. I had a few minuses this week, but no major stress.

Malkin, I'm so sorry for your job situation. I hope it gets better, or a new one comes your way soon.

[Catrin]

This was a pretty good week for me, though the work pressure is going up again - but that is why it is called work... If I could ride like I want to that would help a lot.

Malkin, I am sorry to read that, and hope that you are able to work out the best solution for you.

[malkin]

I'm working on my resume and a BIG reframe for the current situation, to see if I could possibly "get back to the garden."

Besides, yesterday's retail therapy resulted in new boots that are in style and beyond comfy and brewer is all about celebrating my birthday (all month).

[redrhodie]

I'm working on my resume and a BIG reframe for the current situation, to see if I could possibly "get back to the garden."

Besides, yesterday's retail therapy resulted in new boots that are in style and beyond comfy and brewer is all about celebrating my birthday (all month).

Oh, yes, retail therapy! I rewarded myself after my physical this week with some Ibex (the med tech was a little creepy, and made me feel deserving of something warm and fuzzy). What kind of boots did you get so lucky with?

[malkin]

The brand is Cordani.
They are brown suede with a buckle at the ankle.

My work reframe is ok, at least a temporary fix; I picture myself as Sgt. Schultz...I know nossink, I see nossink, I hear nossink. Sgt. Schultz and the 3 wise monkeys.

[indysteel]

Ugh; I'm feeling really off kilter again of late. I always struggle when seasons change, but this season feels particularly hard. I just feel sort of hassled all the time; like everything is a monumental pain in the butt. Last night, I had a mild meltdown over the soup I made for dinner. It was a recipe I'd never tried and I didn't care for it at all. DH thought it was okay, but all I could think is that I'd just wasted money and time on something that I got zero pleasure from.

I'm going to yoga tonight, which should provide a modicum, in the very least, of release, but one night of yoga does not for sanity make. I need to do something--perhaps work another night of yoga in--to keep it together.

It doesn't help that there is no good indoor gym option for me in the winter. My town is devoid of a comprehensive gym, which is a serious problem. Sadly, there are few workout facilities south of Indy at all. While we have a town rec center, their offerings are minimal. The serve on the downtown Y's board, but even that isn't convenient. Their class times would require me to stay late after work, which just makes for a very long day.

Ugh.

[solobiker]

Mental health challenge, huh?

How's this: everyone's driving me :mad::eek: insane!

There now.

Ditto!!

[redrhodie]

This thread needs updating! I've been doing pretty well. I have managed to stay pretty stress-free for this time of year. Christmas has become nicely low key. Since my cats are still young and crazy, we can't put up a tree because they will climb it, and it's a huge relief not to deal with it. As much as I love Christmas trees, they require some effort, and are messy, and I don't miss dealing with that.

I also have kept gift buying to a minimum. I got a few things I know people want or need, and baked cookies. Now I'm done. I sent out cards, and that was actually a nice boost to my holiday spirit.

I asked my father a couple of years ago not to spend money on me anymore, and that was a great decision. This might sound mean, but his presents always left me feeling annoyed. He'd get me gift cards to stores that I boycott, or food I don't eat. It was wasteful and depressing. This year, he sent me a few pictures. So much better!

Now the bad--I ate chocolate yesterday. I feel like I drank 6 cups of coffee. I hope it will wear off soon. Other than that, things are good.

ETA: Ha! I didn't realize this thread was for sept/oct. Never mind ;)

[malkin]

Hey--I'm all for mental health any time!

I'm hanging in there too. Of course, now and then feeling waves of sadness and bawling about...well, all that stuff, but then just letting it go by and feeling good about the good stuff.