'Tis the Season (to feel anxious)

[Lauren_R]

Hi all,

First of, let me introduce myself. My name is Lauren Rosen, I'm a licensed psychotherapist (LMFT) and one of your AthletaWell guides. I specialize in the treatment of OCD and Anxiety Disorders. As it so happens, the holiday season is often ripe with opportunities for anxiety to get kicked up a notch. 

• Perfectionism and her friend comparison can really rear their ugly heads as we decorate, wrap, and try to find the "perfect" trinkets and gifts for everyone on our lists. We may find ourselves worrying that we're not "good enough."
• All of the busyness can leave us depleted. A lack of sleep and missing meals can leave us vulnerable so that when anxiety pops up we get lost in a spiral of overthinking.
• Sometimes we're worried about navigating tricky family dynamics and might find ourselves ruminating about how that party or dinner or celebration will go.
• Even if we're excited to spend time with our families, it can also bring up old patterns that we've worked hard to shift. For instance, if you're a people pleaser who's working on boundaries, being around your family might lead you to fall into the well worn path of self-sacrifice and your own expense.
• We might get anxious that we're not happy enough and that we're ruining what are supposed to be joyful occasions because we can't make ourselves feel "in the spirit."

There's much to be done to navigate this anxiety more effectively. If you're worried you're not "good enough," you might check out my video There is No “Right” Way to Live or do this meditation  Live Life on Your Terms: 5-min Mindful Meditation. If you're struggling to prioritize basic self-care, check out my video How to Find a Wellness Routine That Fits Your Unique Needs.  

Anyone experiencing holiday driven anxiety? You're not alone! I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below. ❤️

[AveryE46]

Hi Lauren, My name is Avery and I recently have been diagnosed with OCD! But I am on medication right now and I am doing a lot better. If anyone is struggling with OCD and needs some advice I am happy to help. I am not a professional but I know quite a bit and I would love to be here if anyone needs it!

[Vanessa]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience @AveryE46! How did you know to seek professional help? Happy to know that you're feeling a lot better 🙂

[AveryE46]

Hi Venessa, thanks so much for your reply! I knew that I needed to get professional help when my everyday anxiety started to control my life. I was tested and diagnosed and I soon got on medicine and that was one of the best things that could happen to me and I knew that I did the right thing. Have a great Thanksgiving! ❤️

[Lauren_R]

Hi @AveryE46 - thank you so much for sharing about your experience. How wonderful that you’ve found ways to support yourself on your journey and that you want to help others navigate their journeys, too. Banding together and being open and vulnerable is how we forge connections and grow.

I, too, have lived experience with OCD and anxiety and love sharing about the fact that it’s possible to live such a full and rich life with these disorders. Facing my fears, accepting uncertainty and learning to accept thoughts and feelings have been the biggest gamechangers along my wellness journey. I’d love to hear about any other approaches that have helped you. ❤️

[AveryE46]

I have been going to therapy for around 4 years which has helped tremendously! I love my therapist and I don’t know what I would do without her! Once you are able to find someone you love and trust, you will feel so much better. I know that it is hard to share about your life with other people but I promise that is worth it in the end! Thank you so much for your response and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[Lauren_R]

Having a clinician who you trust can be so critical. I’m so thrilled to hear that you found someone to support you on your journey. Happy Holidays to you and you’re ❤️