I try to make sure my self-care is half decent and do something that I love. I have been doing it for a long time and it helps to have something very familiar I can move in and out of when I am going through a struggle. I work in a unionized environment and it helps that there are supports in place for time away from work as needed. I have never needed to take long blocks of time at once but do have regular absences due to fatigue, exhaustion and mood/PMDD.

Years ago I challenged myself to try out for the job I am doing now.I had anxiety attacks for months daily while I got used to the job. I am so glad I pushed myself to do something that I knew I was capable of doing, while struggling with severe anxiety. In those days, I used to listen to taped relaxation scripts on the way to work, at work, and on the way home from work. I did yoga and relaxation at home. It was a very hard time but I was without children then and could do those things. I was not on meds in those days. I don't think I could do it now.