KK

#AnxietyTalk -- Round Two!

Jun 20, 2014

AS
Stage· 259 messages
Jun 20, 2014

Last month's anxiety tawk was so popular, we decided to make it a regular thing! Anastasia is back to co-host; if you'd be interested in moderating with me, hit me up on Twitter.nChat info:n"Most of us have issues -- some last a lifetime; some are temporary. Despite being common, intense stigma pervades our culture & we hide everything from childhood trauma to eating disorders, hoping people will think we're normal."

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:30 AM

Hi, everyone! Thanks for coming to "Anxiety Talk -- Take 2!" (new ProTip: there’s a mobile app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tawkers/id791417999?mt=8 )
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Hello”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:30 AM

Welcome Welcome!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:30 AM

Real quick, if you’re new to Tawkers, Anastasia and I will be chatting on the left. And if you’re signed in (it only takes two minutes to set up a profile!), you can add comments/questions on the right. Interrupt any time with questions!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:30 AM

Also, definitely use the “arrow” icons to share comments on social media & ask people you know will dig the discussion to join in.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:31 AM

**Trigger Warning** for this tawk, just in case we wander into territory that’s personal, confessional or possibly, well, triggering for some. Also, my tawks are a safe space.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:31 AM

Ask questions, share — but no abusive language will be tolerated. If you need to mute someone, click the “ … “ under the thumbs in their comment or click on their profile.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:31 AM

With the disclaimers out of the way, "Anxiety Talk -- Take 2!" Thanks so much for co-hosting again, Anastasia!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:31 AM

You're welcome, thanks for having me!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:31 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“hi”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:31 AM

I'm excited to be here!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:31 AM

I basically think of this recurring chat (there’ll be another one in roughly six weeks) as one part support group, one part informational, one part strategy session and one part whatever you need it to be.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:32 AM

This week, Anastasia and I were chatting about the hurdles to treatment even if you have healthcare and decide to seek it out. Diagnosing and treating is such a time consuming process.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:32 AM

Because there definitely are quite a few!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:33 AM

And we all know how hard it can be to balance seeking/receiving the care you need while keeping up with work and life
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:33 AM

For sure. Also, if you weren't at the first Anxiety Talk, we definitely don't limit the conversation to that particular issue. It's just how we got started. Full on disorder solidarity round here!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:34 AM

Hear Hear!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:34 AM

Just figuring out what it is that's going on can take so long and be such a frustrating process, that just basic life things like having a job can get in the way.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:34 AM

★ Spotlighted from Alexis Marie

“I think it can be difficult when you're not diagnosed because for me, I like to know specifically what the problem is, not just that I need to fix something.”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:35 AM

You're right, Alexis, that's a great point!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:35 AM

Totally, Alexis. I think that process discourages a lot of people from seeking help. It seems really far away -- if attainable.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“*flops down in chair* evening people! :-)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:35 AM

I was misdiagnosed several times in my early 20's. It's FRUSTRATING
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:36 AM

I think part of the difficulty in obtaining the correct diagnosis can also be complicated by the patient therapist relationship!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:36 AM

★ Spotlighted from Alexis Marie

“It is completely. It also discourages from solving the problem because not all mental health disorders can be treated the same.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:36 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“can i bring up how debilitating migraines are? as i am a frequent sufferer”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:37 AM

Lucy makes a good point -- a lot of us juggle mental health and physiological health issues. Sometimes they're related and sometimes they're not -- which can make treatment a challenge even for good docs.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:38 AM

Especially, as Alexis pointed out, if your doc has a specialty in one area, but not the other
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:39 AM

Yeah, I'm pretty lucky to finally have a great primary care physician who was willing to dish out a ton of referrals, but will coordinate my care with regular visits to go over all my other meds/docs.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:39 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i was SO looking to forward to this tawk as the anxiety i was feeling about my migraines and the pain. i was going "going out of my mind" - for want of a better phrase”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:39 AM

And that is great, but can be hard to find.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:39 AM

Physical discomfort can definitely exacerbate other issues. I know my anxiety is way worse when I'm having a particularly bad physical week. Like right now.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:39 AM

(Angie's List is how I found her, btw)
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:40 AM

And, theother way, my anxiety can be triggered by my physical discomfort
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“its like a never ending circle. (sighs)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:40 AM

Even with a good doc, though, if I didn't work as an independent contractor, there's no way I'd be on my 12th doc visit of the year.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:40 AM

Mine too!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Alexis Marie

“I think the other hard thing is getting settled with a doc and having to move. I'm a college student and I don't go to college in-state. I have one at home and two at school because the one I had on campus can't fulfill my needs anymore.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:40 AM

Ugh -- yes. Consistency is so key.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:40 AM

As though college isn't a stressful enough time.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:41 AM

Exactly, let's just add to that heap of stress!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:41 AM

((Can I plug the need for self care here?))
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“Alexs, I hear you, I've moved about every 9-12 months for the last 8 years”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:41 AM

Always plug!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:41 AM

SERIOUSLY SELF CARE EVERYONE. It is not indulgent!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:42 AM

Taking time for self care has made me feel guilty over the years -- increasing the anxiety. Such a vicious circle. It's something that hourly employees especially deal with.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:42 AM

If you had to take off to go to the doctor, you can be stressed about making that time up. I'm really lucky to have the flexibility I do right now.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:42 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i had the best doctor ever. he talked to me like i was an adult and not someone who was below them. he he wonderful and very up to trying to "cure" the migraines. sadly he left.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:42 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“also coincidentally i became intolerant to the strongest meds you can have for them lol”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:42 AM

LIkewise, I'm very lucky that I was able to take time off to take care of my health, and still come back to a job
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:43 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Poor sleep, poor scheduling certainly seems to up my anxiety about social management...and yeah, that makes the anxiety about taking time away from anything the same for me. Never seems to be enough time, despite eliminating sleep.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:43 AM

Yeah, and eliminating sleep really causes extra problems.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:44 AM

I typically end up choosing not the healthiest course, but the one I think will cause the least discomfort.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:44 AM

What have been other people's barriers to care?
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“@katie - me too. screw whats the healthiest at that point. your comfort comes first”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“*sticks up hand*....i've had no barrier to my care. altho that may be because of where i live. this being a small island”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:45 AM

I think it's important to also note that what may be healthier for some, isn't always healthy, or comfortable for you
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:46 AM

Totally. I just definitely know that I often trade long term healthy options for short term discomfort alleviation.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“thats true. each to their own”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Cultural stigma ... while I don't know if I've ever really needed professional care, in this Korean family, well, it's not something we talked about or encouraged”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:47 AM

Cultural stigma is definitely a huge one! I know it kept me from seeking the level of care I needed
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:48 AM

And, now that I'm going back to work, it's adding to my anxiety
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:48 AM

Being part of a community that's skeptical of therapy or not "into sharing" is a HUGE barrier.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:48 AM

Yeah, that's why I started talking about dealing with anxiety. It can be hell inside my head, but that doesn't mean there's anything "wrong" with me. It's pretty common.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:49 AM

But we don't like hearing about other people's issues -- it's easier to label and stigmatize.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“I agree Michael and Anastasia. Cultural stigma kept by family from really accepting my sister's mental illness. She went through years of being misdiagnosed because of it, and suffered terribly. Hard for my parents to even say the word schizophrenia.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“sorry for the typo”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:50 AM

Thanks for sharing, B. It's so true that mental illnesses are family illnesses; stigma often keeps family members from being able to find support either.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:51 AM

And that doesn't help the situation either, especially if you don't have a good support system, say, locally, because you move around often.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:52 AM

It can be hard if your insurance situation and job situation changes when you move.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:53 AM

Re-explaining to a new boss or teachers what the situation is (ugh, that there IS a situation) can be terrifying.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:53 AM

BEEN THERE
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:53 AM

Done that!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“I think we put so much pressure on each other and others to be and act perfect, we are setting ourselves up for failure”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:53 AM

Totally.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“people are not perfect, nor should we be expected to be”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:54 AM

I've noticed through treatment that perfectionism tends to be pretty common among people with high levels of anxiety,
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“@Rachel - thats something i am always trying to tell myself.”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:54 AM

I'm not saying it's causation...
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:54 AM

Hearing other people be honest about their insecurities and "problem issues" makes people uncomfortable -- it's like looking at things they're trying to run away from.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“we are so hard on ourselves trying to set a standard that doesn't, in reality, even exist.. normal doesn't exist”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:54 AM

Correlation ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:55 AM

Yeah, a lot of only children and over achievers <<raises hand for both>>
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“you know,i hate talking about my problems,mainly cos i feel others have it worse than me.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:55 AM

Yeah -- Lucy, that's a big thing. We think our problems aren't "bad enough" to get help or talk about.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:55 AM

That just piles on the guilt!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:55 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“There's also this concept from Korea called 'han' that's difficult to explain in English...something like "feeling of unresolved resentment against injustices suffered, a sense of helplessness because of the overwhelming odds"”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“"Han" is sort of a collective cultural acceptance of a form of pain”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:56 AM

Michael -- that's definitely something activists go through. "AM I DOING ENOUGH??" <<panic>>
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“exactly, I had a hard time when I was younger because I talked openly about my issues and emotions, I learned early how scary it is for most people; people don't even understand emotion...”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:56 AM

Openness terrifies most people. It's another barrier to care.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:57 AM

If you aren't taught to or learned yourself how to make yourself vulnerable, therapy is a bitch.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“i think there's also this American cultural 'norm' that if we work harder and do better, then life will be better, and that's sadly not so true anymore (sorry, computer troubles over here)”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:57 AM

I can't tell you how many times I've been told it's not okay for me to have such and such an emotion
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:57 AM

YES, Clarice -- the personal overcoming the odds story! Doing it yourself! Bootstraps!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“burn out,i think its called,right. the times i have wanted to talk to someone. and i just cant get the courage to do so”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“and to me that is so sad Katie, people don't know what they are missing - they are huge pieces of the puzzle we call life, and who's to say these "disorders" aren't just another way of looking at ourselves and life?”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Alexis Marie

“It was hard for me this past semester because I started to have physical manifestations of my anxiety to an extreme point and I couldn't control it at all so it was a real humbler.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“ugh Anistasia, I was taught that growing up, to hide everything, makes being a teen and adult more difficultu”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:58 AM

With you both -- "Calm down."
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:58 AM

-__-
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:58 AM

"just breath"
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:58 AM

MY EMOTIONS ARE VAID
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:58 AM

"Why are you so angry/sad/happy"
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:58 AM

Totally.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“My mother is explaining to me right now it comes historically from Korean women subsuming their pain deep inside their heads in light of their powerless marriage”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:59 AM

Woah. There's a forced stoicism in that, @M
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“"speak quitter. don't cry in public. no one wants to hear about your problems," etc”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“because are living and feeling life”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“@clarice -i have heard that SO many times when i was younger”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i so wanna get a punch bag fitted in my house,just so i hit it whenever i feel uptight”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 1:59 AM

@L -- having an outlet is really important.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“psychologically speaking anxiety means you have an overactive central nervous system; you respond quickly to potential danger, in the wild we would be more adaptive than most I think ;)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:00 AM

If you are physically able to be involved in an activity, it can revolutionize mental health.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:00 AM

YES! But in our current culture...
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:00 AM

...it just leads to our brains overassessing every possible outcome.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Christine Cugino

“It's like the Legos movie song. Everything is awesome and don't anyone say otherwise. ”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“meditation is brilliant tho. calmed me down just a smidge”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“we are supposed to sit down and be quiet for most of the hours of the day.. :p”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“and life can (and often is) painful. and I think even more so when dealing with emotions can't be done constuctively”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:01 AM

It's really amazing how many dystopian novels have that message, and that we still call them fiction. Just noting that...
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“@Clarice 'Rachel - me either!! lol”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“I is a curse Clarice”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“Rachel, indeed.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“exactly Anastasia the best thing that calms me down when I start having anxiety is to get outside barefoot and in the grass, feel nature and the wind..”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:03 AM

A lot of cultures it seems have created a myth or requirement to ignore discomfort.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“@Katie, especially for women”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:03 AM

Because if we're stoic and stolid, we're strong.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:03 AM

In a different way for different genders.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:03 AM

Men aren't supposed to feel and therefore should have the issues.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:03 AM

Women are supposed to suck it up and be quiet.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Anything to anesthetize ourselves...”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“when in reality when you ignore pain it usually causes more damage... physical or mental”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“@Katie, exactly”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“whatever calms you down. me its hitting something or my art”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i have to say there are some great people around who have helped me get this far. and none are doctors”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:04 AM

Exactly, Rachel, for many (myself included), and I know Alexis mentioned it earlier, anxiety can lead to physical discomfort/harm
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“I have that complex, I swear I would go to the grave than actually tell someone I am hurting”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:05 AM

What are some coping mechanisms you all have developed for dealing? Lucy has art as an outlet. I bitch online -- I mean, build community... ;
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:05 AM

;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“@Lucy, i have also been fortunate to have close friends who can call me out when I don't want to talk, and then (the most important part) listen!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“the people who care about us take the most care of us... I already distrust doctors... so again, my stubbornness lol”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“lol @Katie”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“lol @katie”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:05 AM

Hey now, Katie, we never would have this great community if we both didn't "Bitch online!"
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:06 AM

Just poking a little fun at myself. Humor is one of my coping mechanism. Emphasis on the inappropriate sort.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“playing with my nephews and hanging out with them as much as I can; they show me why it is important to get past it I have always been a worrier to a compulsive point and I have to remind myself 9/10 times everything is fine”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:06 AM

@R My niece is good for that.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“also talking about the attack can help, get someone to talk to you until it goes away; someone supportive”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“ah yes humour. nothing like a good belly laugh to take your trouble away”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:07 AM

I definitely try to use humor, unfortunately, some times people don't find it as funny as I do. I tend to work out my anxiety by running.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:07 AM

Or baking/cooking.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“dancing is a fun way I found helps :)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“for me it is a good swim and then of course being a part of a great group of clinic volunteers always helps me”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“@Rachel - love dancing! especially when no-one is watching”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:08 AM

Yes, B, I might say that volunteering is my self care!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:08 AM

Yes! several of those are about "Play" -- a concept we're supposed to shun as adults.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Alexis Marie

“I find it's helpful to have someone who knows your issue and how to deal with it is great because then you can always go to them and not worry about hiding it.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“@Michael my anxiety started hardcore when I quit smoking, it seemed to come out of nowhere until I realized that smoking was my outlet it is tough”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“@Lucy - that is the only time I dance. haha”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:09 AM

So it seems like we all talk, or engage in "childlike" behaviors!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:09 AM

Alexis -- I find that having people I can go "not talk" with is really helpful. I'm still developing that network in NYC.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:09 AM

Yes! That's about letting go.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“heh, yeah, video games”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:09 AM

Yanno, a sense of abandon!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:09 AM

Exactly. I like not talking too (I did it this afternoon!)
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:09 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“something that "grounds" a person.. that is what I think of, our anxiety carries us a way, I need to find ways to stay grounded”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:09 AM

It's especially important for those of us who are super wound up.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:10 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“"not talk" is just as important, Katie - it's rare to be able to just hang out with someone and feel better and safer”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:10 AM

YES -- Safe spaces are SO important.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:10 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“it helps to know what you personally can and cannot handle, introversion might play a hand in anxiety”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:10 AM

Yeah, knowing yourself more and knowing that your personality type can play into your anxiety triggers is so huge.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“absolutely. I've started getting back into the art I had to quit when my joints where so badly painful (likely at least partially a stress manifestation as there's medically 'nothing wrong')”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“yes I don't know how people don't have at least one sanctuary for themselves, self-care is something I am just learning is so important”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:11 AM

I had forced self care yesterday. I saw on twitter that a friend was looking into super silly late trains back to DC from NYC and was like "Yo, that's silly. Stay with me."
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:12 AM

It accidentally came with a concert ticket, so we hung out all evening. Being forced to have fun is necessary for me -- and something my friends know to impose on me.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from Alexis Marie

“Having things that are inconvenient and uncomfortable but not really fixable because there's nothing medically wrong is one of the most frustrating things.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:12 AM

Yeah, finding a diagnosis can be a major relief.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:13 AM

I'm going through that with the breathing problems I have. Just finally FINALLY finding a doc who said "Oh, this is real. It's physiological. I don't know how NONE of your docs ever caught it" was like tears of relief for a week.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“just knowing what it is you suffer from and that you aint alone can enough”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“@Alexis, thanks. it's been to varying degrees since I was 5, and more consistent since i was 15”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:13 AM

I'm definitely hoping for that relief with some of my physiological issues now, I'd love to drop that stresser
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:13 AM

Frankly, if your doc tells you "nothing is wrong" and shrugs you off, that's new doc research time.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:13 AM

Word.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:14 AM

Eliminating a stressor -- any stressor-- is huge.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:14 AM

I think knowing that I'm not alone has been one of the best things in my recovery
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:14 AM

Totally.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“very true. usually life gets really busy, and I only commit 6 serious months to it when i can't function”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:14 AM

Yes. I'm all for cutting off stressers
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:14 AM

Consistency is really hard in long term issues.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:15 AM

What's really unfortunate is that with "physical health" issues like diabetes, no one (employer/ourselves) would expect us to "suck it up" and put treatment on hold.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“love reading. the escapism”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:15 AM

But we separate mental and physical health in this country. We shouldn't.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“books can be a good method of a bit of relief. it's a way to 'get out of my head'”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“yeah silly me, I am SUCH a caretaker... I need to like step back majorly in my life, but my whole life that is all I have known and where I get satisfaction, but it hurts my actual life”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:15 AM

Exactly, and we've come right back to stigma!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:16 AM

Huzzah! It's the root of so many problems.
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:16 AM

Can I eliminate the stresser of stigma? Is that a life option?
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:16 AM

Can
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:17 AM

Yes please!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:17 AM

Pretty sure that's what we're up to here!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“@Rachel, my most recent move forced me to stop taking care of everyone else, b/c i knew only 1 person here and she had family nearby”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“i don't know how i would have done it otherwise”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“yeah and it is really hard when it is family... I do it willingly, but I need to live my own life too..”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“ugh. yes, very difficult when it's family”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:17 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“oh i love taking care of everyone else...i am pretty far down on my list of things to do...”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:17 AM

Which is strange, because talking about it is a stresser in itself, but it also can make it better
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:18 AM

Remembering that you are a more effective caretaker if you take care of yourself can help with that.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“If the Myers-Briggs scale has any basis in fact, then yeah, my problem is spreading myself sooo very thin with other people's problems”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“yes that is what I have been trying to do, draw boundaries, and spend time just with myself and for myself..”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“now whenever i feel like i need a break i have the voice of Katie saying "self care" in my head.”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“I think the stigma is starting to weaken a bit in certain circles, and the more we can network like we are doing here”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:19 AM

Setting (and enforcing) boundaries are huge in eliminating stressers!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“because let's be honest... there are only so many hours in the day... and in a lifetime”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:19 AM

Yep! And if you don't take time, you develop resentments and don't end up helping anyone, yourself included.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:19 AM

We've got about ten minutes left, so I don't want to forget...
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“very therapeutic tawk! :)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:20 AM

After the first one of these, it became pretty clear we needed to do it regularly. So, it'll pop back up in about six weeks. :)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:20 AM

I have a couple co-hosts who want to shoulder the duties of facilitating -- I don't want Anastasia to burn out!!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:21 AM

When you're dealing with anxiety, even something you love doing can cause problems when it feels like an obligation.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:21 AM

BEEN THERE
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“sounds great! :)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“be good to have a place to sound off on stuff”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:21 AM

Eliminating possible stressers! (not that this is stressful, but it could be!)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“http://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Where-You-End-Begin/dp/1568380305/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403230861&sr=1-7&keywords=boundaries”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:21 AM

Yep, totally.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“Thanks Clarice :)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:22 AM

So, if you follow me here or on twitter/FB, you'll see the next one. And if anyone ever has a direction they want us to take, just leave a comment here early (you can do that ahead).
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“That's the boundaries book I mentioned. it's a quick read, and worth reading a few times.”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:22 AM

Although it's been great to have it flow organically too, it's, dare I say, fun when we get moving (and venting)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Yup, I think I'm skipping the clinic escorting this week, heh”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:23 AM

Good! You have to do that now and then.
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:23 AM

For sure! I just want to make sure if people have something causing them stress that we can get them some support. <3
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“This my favorite book about dealing with grief of a very close loved one... http://www.amazon.com/Lifes-That-Way-Jim-Beaver/dp/B003WUYRWW/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1403230956&sr=1-1&keywords=life%27s+that+way”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“it's about love, life, death, and life again.. very powerful”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:23 AM

Exactly, self care everyone!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“the hour is up? where has the time gone? :-O”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“great tawk Katie and Anastasia! :) Thanks everyone! :)”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:24 AM

Right?? Thanks for being flexible with the time change everyone!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:24 AM

Unexpected self care night. ;)
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:24 AM

Thanks for hosting, Katie!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:24 AM

Thanks for co-hosting!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Thanks!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“cant wait for the next one! :-)”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:24 AM

You're welcome, I love these!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Christine Cugino

“Eye opener, thank you all!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“Thanks all, look forward to next time!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:25 AM

Everyone take care of themselves. You can always find me on social media for extra support -- though I'll be off for a couple days. Surgery tomorrow!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“and thanks to Anastasia for being an awesome co-host”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:25 AM

I'm eliminating a stressor. ;)
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Good luck, Katie!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“Good luck Katie”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:25 AM

Thanks everyone, and good luck Katie!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:25 AM

I hear that dealing with anxiety is easier when you are healthier. lol
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“Good Luck Katie!!! :-)”

AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:26 AM

That's what they say!
KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Clarice Piper

“Hey! I've heard that too!!”

KK

Katie Klabusich · 2:26 AM

See everyone next time and thank you again!
AS

Anastasia Scangas · 2:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Alexis Marie

“Thanks for this tawk!”