​Want to know what this looks like? Here we go!

• Seeks perfection
• Works long hours and is an over thinker
• Procrastination or Overbooking
• Thrives in a demanding job
• Sleep deprivation 
• People pleaser
• Small things feel BIG
• Difficulty experiencing joy
• Hiding anyway possible how they are feeling 

​      High Functioning Depression ( or Dysthymia) and Anxiety is defined as These are people who are generally unhappy in life but don’t meet the definition of major depression, which is more severe. Dysthymia generally persists for two or more years. 

1. Check out the video: so many celebrities suffer just like we do. and they are what? High Functioning. 
2. So, what can you and I do to help us?
   1. Make a self-care plan
   2. See a therapist if you can
   3. Be as proactive as possible- when you feel it coming on use distraction first, that's what I d.
   4. Gain confidence- reclaim it!
   5. Organize and de-clutter your home.
   6. Find a friend you can DUMP ON! What do I mean? Find someone who will let you RANT, TALK, SCREAM, AND CRY... without them saying a word until you're done talking--- OMG this helps so much for me!
   7. Common triggers for High Functioning depression and anxiety:
      1. ​Life changes
      2. loneliness
      3. death of a loved one
      4. Extreme levels of stress
      5. Financial problems
      6. Romantic relationship loss
      7. Problems in a romantic relationship. 

I'm exhausted, I don't feel my best, homeschooling is becoming a daunting task, and I just can't do Monday morning. I will gather myself and have a better day, but right now I feel so heavy with all of my adulting that's required of me.​ This Monday, I hope turns out better than I imagine. I believe I'll make it through. 

So far this week... I've had so many ups and downs these past two weeks--from losing the best job ever because of Covid :(. I received a call on Monday, September 21 from my boss at Longleaf Law Partners. The reason also is  that I was the last one hired. THEY LET ME GO!  Now, what does a person with a 5 and 6 year old do now? How are the bills going to get paid? Will we be fed? If I have to go somewhere, where is the gas going to come from? I guess my depression and ANXIETY was triggered. Of course it was. Then what happend next is a response that happens to me sometimes. I PANICKED AND starting having multiple a day since last Monday. But I had to get it together, but ya'll I just couldn't. My coping skills went out the window. My journaling went out the window. Self-love and care went out of the window. Why would they call to let me go? What did I do wrong? Did they not think about me and my family? This has been causing so much anxiety its unbelievable. Here is the definition of anxiety: People with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) display excessive anxiety or worry, most days for at least 6 months, about a number of things such as personal health, work, social interactions, and everyday routine life circumstances. The fear and anxiety can cause significant problems in areas of their life, such as social interactions, school, and work. 

So, as for today and the past few days I have not had any panic attacks. I began leaning on my faith and understanding that I'm  not in control of everything. Because I could not continue with the negative invasive thoughts. I began using my grounding method-this helps when you're about to have a panic attack or if you're already in that state. Today I'm a little better, the shock an anxiety gets better everyday. I'm so thankful for my support system because they are helping through this difficult time.  These grounding methods (see image) are techniques we can all use. Use them. Take care of yourself, and help others along the way.