i was doing great for the two weeks leading up to christmas, but i think i took on way to much. i was doing the shopping for my whole family not just for myself. plus i took on the christmas dinner duties. i was out in the middle of the malls and madness for the entire week leading up to christmas. i was feeling great, full of energy. i was tackling alot of my problems head on and feeling very confident. then once christmas passed i guess i just crashed. i started getting depressed and anxious, hyperventilating and having those intrusive negative thoughts. i dont feel like this is a letdown from the holidays but i dont know what it is. i feel terrible right now. i feel frustrated because i thought i was making progress, but now i feel like im back at square one. this seems to happen in cycles. anyone else have a similar experience. any advice.

thanks,
nate

My emotions and ability to deal with life have varied greatly from day to day, especially during the holidays. One minute I hate everything to do with this season, then I hate myself for feeling this way and casting a pall over the holidays for my family.

I am relieved to see the holidays pass. There are enough challenges for me in every day life without the added expectations.

I've noticed that I take on too much and then end up crashing afterwards, also, Nate. I think this is 'normal' for us. It takes time to learn our limits. You certainly did a LOT more than I did this season!

Nathan,

Sometimes it's one step forward, and then two back. I think we get to feeling a little better and we push ourselves too hard and then we are back at square one. It's ok, just ride the wave for a bit. it will stop and then you will be ok again. I think it's the body/minds way of saying enough is enough, and not too much.

Hope that you feel better soon.

It does go in cycles. Realizing that helps me accept that my symptoms aren't going to disappear completely, and also helps me get through the rough times, because I know they'll pass, too.

thanks everyone! im actually feeling a bit better today. this passed week has been really bad and yesterday was the height of it. thanks for the warm wishes. i hope everyone has a healthy and happy new year.

nate

Sounds like you did very well with the season in many ways. You know I think its like when someone has had surgery or an injury. You are doing better and recovering and then you want to do so much that you hurt yourself and take steps back. Then for a few days or a week you have to rest more and actually can do less than before because of doing too much. I think it is possible that may have happened with you Nate. You havent slid back. I think your worn out emotionally and need some rest and recovery time. Try not to be discouraged. Ive done the same thing plenty of times myself. Take care of you.
Eagle

thanks eagle, i think you hit the nail on the head.