Saturday, March 21, 2009

Anxiety Disorder - Self Diagnosis!

I had an epiphany! I figured out that I have Anxiety Disorder. Under that umbrella falls OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Eating Disorders and Phobias. I have all three. I am an obsessive cleaner, etc. We all know I have an overeating problem and I have many phobias, water, flying, claustrophobia and fear of heights. Those are the ones I have figured out. Apparently, Anxiety Disorder is something that has gone awry in the brain. It is not caused by trauma. Anyway, I have done some research on how to manage this with diet.

1. Cut out caffeine
2. Cut out refined sugars and flour
3. Cut out alcohol - although it's relaxing at first it later causes anxiety
4. Exercise
5. Eat carbs
6. Eat 5 to 6 meals a day instead of 3

I am going to add from my own personal experience:

1. Don't procrastinate
2. Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep
3. Face your fears-I recently went zip lining. I was terrified. But I did it and I embraced my fear. Today I rode down the Gondola with my daughter. I was scared. She was kind enough to hold my hand. I did it later in the afternoon and put my faith in the Gondola. I figured mine wouldn't brake because it had a 1,000 lb limit and I'm under 200. I even looked out at the scenery. Not so bad.
4. If you worry about your kids, get them out of sight occasionally. I don't worry so much when I can't see them!

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