[seesaw]

I'm not sure where else to post this, because it has to do with all my diagnoses.

I have PTSD, severe, chronic, treatment resistant Major Depressive Disorder, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (it's like a mood disorder except tied to your menstrual cycle and hormones rather than brain chemistry), panic disorder and mild agoraphobia.

I'm at a time in the cycling of my PMDD where the stress really presses down on me. I missed my anti-depressants for two days this weekend, went through some withdrawal and I'm recovering from that. Plus I've been having a lot of PTSD triggers lately - from flashbacks and panic attacks to a full on dissociative episode.

I have a huge event at work that I've been spearheading that happens tomorrow (thank goodness it will be over). I have no idea how I'm going to make it through the event or the day.

My sleep patterns are erratic at best. I'm averaging 3.5 hours a night for forever, no matter what I do. And I've been trying to exercise more to get my weight down and hoping that will help with sleep, and then improve my overall mood, but no matter how much exercise I get during the day, I still only sleep a few hours and now I'm MORE tired.

I don't know if this is something like an extinction burst where I have to push the tiredness over the edge and just keep at it for a while longer, or what.

I'm just trying to take care of myself and really be aware that it's going to be a rough week for myself emotionally and to keep an eye on my behaviors and mood. Try not to allow my mood to get misdirected at anyone that I work with. I'm usually pretty good about that, but I'm worried this week because I do feel it all rather keenly.

Does anyone do anything in particular when they know they are facing a hard week to help cope with it?

Thanks,
Seesaw

[Manaolana98]

Hi, seesaw. Sorry to hear you're expecting a rough week. I hope it goes more smoothly than you're anticipating.

I'd say that keeping an eye on your emotions, etc. is an excellent way to start. Perhaps carve out some time each day to focus on some self-care (that's what usually helps me). Maybe watch an episode of your favorite show, treat yourself to something yummy from Starbucks - something like that. Are you a social person? Maybe plan a get-together with a friend or do some window shopping. Or if you want to curl up on the couch alone, do that! Sometimes creating little "this is my moment to slow down" slots in our schedules can really help us feel refreshed and not as overwhelmed.

And of course, remember to stop and breathe. It will pass.

[seesaw]

I made it through the rough part. But after the event I organized finished yesterday, I did have to take more of a break today. I went in to work for about 5 hours, but also had to just rest...just everything took a lot out of me, and I had an anxiety attack (no clue how it was triggered) this morning.

I want to try and make it through the full 8 hours tomorrow at the office, then get my whole weekend off...will be a blessing.

Seesaw

[Yoda]

I didn't see your post until night. Glad most of it is behind you. Enjoy your weekend and do something that makes you happy.

Originally Posted by seesaw

I have a huge event at work that I've been spearheading that happens tomorrow (thank goodness it will be over). I have no idea how I'm going to make it through the event or the day...

...I'm just trying to take care of myself and really be aware that it's going to be a rough week for myself emotionally and to keep an eye on my behaviors and mood. Try not to allow my mood to get misdirected at anyone that I work with. I'm usually pretty good about that, but I'm worried this week because I do feel it all rather keenly.

Does anyone do anything in particular when they know they are facing a hard week to help cope with it?

Have you undertaken this event yet and how did it go? Ultimately what did you do to face it?

I seem to do better with the more spontaneous demands placed upon me. It is those planned tasks where I may be the center of attention which give me such dread and difficulty.

I use some CBT skills; those specifically which pertain to my problem thinking styles of Catastrophic Thinking, Black and White thinking, and discounting the positive. I actually pull out my worksheets - especially those pertaining to De-Catastrophizing a situation. But I also ask myself what is advantageous to being worried? I make a list and a corresponding one for what are the disadvantages.

One advantage to being worried actually is that we have a heightened sense of being prepared for when things go bad. The challenge then is to prepare ourselves for such without being worried. Again, out come my lists. The De-Catasrophic thinking worksheets are a great help for me with this. If I feel better prepared from the outgo it tends to alleviate that worry.

On the day of, I try to be as aware of everything as possible and practise some mindfulness. I have other tricks too.

Finally, when it comes to expectations. What would be your expectations of someone else in this situation? Do you expect more of yourself? Why? Are you being fair to yourself?