Expectations - Yours & Others
In the attempt to reduce my roller coaster moods with diagnosed Major Depression and Chronic Anxiety, I finally realized that I caused my own frustrations by attempting too many social ventures I could not cope with.
The voice in your head that keeps saying you should join this and that group, then realizing my stress level was too high doing it, and backing off feeling like a failure.
So much advice is based on healthy active relationships, there never is a view that you might be better off caring for your own issues, not expecting others to do it.
Finally I gave myself permission to do what I need for me. Stop reaching for goals that are not desirable or worth the efforts.
There is no sense in feeling guilty or useless because I am different. Since I have tried this, there is a growing calm and acceptance of my life's many challenges.
I take a deep breath now and say, this is where I want to be.
So beautifully said!! Yes, we have to take care of ourselves and saying no to events is perfectly okay. Over extending ourselves can lead to erupting symptoms so putting our health first should always be a priority. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Stay well, Elizabeth (team member)
appreciate your kind words, best to you too.
What a great perspective shift,
! I'm so glad that you've been able to learn to give yourself permission to do what you need for yourself, and with no guilt. It actually reminded me of this article from our advocate about prioritizing herself (which you might appreciate), https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/prioritizing-self-crohns. Thanks for sharing with the rest of the community here. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) thank you for the link, it is certainly not easy to let people know you are vulnerable and let them see the real you.
being vulnerable really is such a difficult thing to do, you're not alone! I hope that you know our community is here for you and welcome the real you. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Beautiful! I did this two years ago and have never regretted it! Yes, guilt was there in thinking I wasn’t doing enough but my mental & physical health are much more important.
I am so glad that you've done this for yourself, and noticed how much it's helped both your mental and physical health! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
