Help with dealing with anxiety

[Jamisonp]

This is my first post other than my intro so if I'm doing it wrong sorry. This question was what actually pushed me to make an account, I've only seen like one or two other threads discussing this topic so I wanted to see if I could open up the discussion a little more. As far as mental illness with birds and other pets go I think it's safe to say that a lot of us have had healing experiences with our animals and that they are beneficiary as a whole which I can attest to personally. But, and I don't know how common this is with others, sometimes having these really delicate animals in our homes can cause some anxiety and nervousness. I have personally been experiencing a lot of this lately, likely due to current world circumstances I have been a lot more anxious in general and it feels like all of my anxieties have been focused on my birds almost entirely. The real question here is, how do you deal with it if you have also experienced things like this? I've tried refocusing my attention, double checking their cages, the temperature in the house, etc etc. But nothing eases my feelings. So below I ask that if you guys have advice to share your wisdom and if you have similar experiences to share them and get them off your chest. <3

 

[Scott]

We have a long running discussion concerning mental health and living with parrots, but your question is specific and deserves a unique thread. Might be helpful if you have not read it: http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/74949-mental-illness-owning-parrots.html

I am not a mental health professional but wonder if some of your anxiety is subset of OCD, (Obsessive Compulsive) given repetitive checking and concern for safety of your birds. A certain level of OCD is beneficial, too much becomes hindrance. Without a doubt, global issues are weighing on our minds as never in the past decades.

While not diagnosed per se, I've had significant anxiety during my life and learned to live with it reasonably well. I'll defer to other members who have greater experience with potential treatments.

 

[Jamisonp]

thank you for the link, I'll be sure to check it out. And as far as the ocd things goes you're actually spot on, sometimes with stuff like that it is hard for me to balance what comes from that and just generalized anxiety. But thank you for the response!

 

[bigfellasdad]

It is hard at the moment...... How do you normally deal with anxiety? Are you looking after yourself correctly?? Are you keeping to a normal (or as normal as you can routine?)

For me its getting outside, an isolated walk in the rain, chatting to neighbours from a distance, video calling my friends etc??

This is all not going to last forever and keep that in your mind. Noramallity, what ever that looks like will return.

Thinking of you!

 

[SailBoat]

Scott, my good friend, anyone who sits in the pointy end of those Aluminum tubes floating in the 33,000 to 37,000 ft. range has IMHO a right to having a bit of anxiety. Its those days of shear boredom, punctuated by moments of shear terror that support my opinion!

Regarding easing the backdrop noise of 'today's World,' I recommending turning off the News Channels and the morning, noon, evening and late night News on your local channels and if you want to watch TV, target movies, DYI, travel, etc... You will be pleasantly pleased with just how much that single choice will soften the backdrop tension.

Excellent suggestions above...
If you are on medications, assure that you are taking them as directed.

I'm really not much help as I suffer an extreme case of Hopeless Optimism.

 

[Scott]

Scott, my good friend, anyone who sits in the pointy end of those Aluminum tubes floating in the 33,000 to 37,000 ft. range has IMHO a right to having a bit of anxiety. Its those days of shear boredom, punctuated by moments of shear terror that support my opinion!

Regarding easing the backdrop noise of 'today's World,' I recommending turning off the News Channels and the morning, noon, evening and late night News on your local channels and if you want to watch TV, target movies, DYI, travel, etc... You will be pleasantly pleased with just how much that single choice will soften the backdrop tension.

Excellent suggestions above...
If you are on medications, assure that you are taking them as directed.

I'm really not much help as I suffer an extreme case of Hopeless Optimism.

Totally agree my good friend! I've learned to compartmentalize my anxiety, for instance a fear of heights! Doesn't bother me in an aircraft, but looking downward from a second story balcony gives pause.

Reducing the constant drum-beat of information is critical. I like others keep my smartphone nearby and used to wake up in the middle of the night and scan for news, visit FB, etc. Bad idea as it stimulates the brain and triggers all manner of anxieties. Some recommend ceasing any activity requiring a video screen one to two hours before bed time. I try, but am only human!

 

[Inger]

Oh hi. So one of the ways my anxiety manifests is intrusive thoughts often centering on my animals dying. So I totally get it.

First and foremost, I’ve worked with my doctor to get the correct meds to bring my brain closer to normal. Nothing habit forming-I’m a recovering addict so those are out of the question. Just a couple of anti-depressants, bit very inexpensive, makes a world of difference.

Next, as someone suggested, turn off the news. I did that sometime around 1988. Turns out if something really important happens, I’ll find out. I have been checking it more lately and it is NOT helping.

Breathe. Lots. Just deep breaths and because you *know* it’s anxiety-driven, tell yourself just that. Also sometimes I literally tell my anxiety-brain to HUSH. And “No, Bumble isn’t dead just because I can’t hear her from outside the door.”

Hobbies that promote mindfulness or kind of simulate a meditative state help. I knit and crochet-repeating the stitches over and over is very relaxing. I also dabble in Zendoodle (google it it’s easier than it looks) and do a bunch of other crafts that require me to sit still and focus on something.

Get plenty of sleep. When I’m tired my anxiety increases. Drink lots of water and eat as well as you can.

Apparently exercising can be helpful but I have very little personal experience with that [emoji28]

And be kind to yourself. There is a lot going on right now and it’s hard.


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[Jamisonp]

Normally I just get out of the space that's causing me the anxiety to focus on other stuff, which hasn't been an option for me recently unfortunately. Honestly I am guilty of not really looking after myself as much as I probably should but I've been taking steps in the past week to really try to focus on my own health so I can be there for the birds and for everyone else that needs me. Since things have gotten out of wack my schedule has been off too, so maybe that's a good first step for me is to rework my daily schedule. Thank you for the kind words and advice! <3

 

[Inger]

Feel free to PM me if you want to chat any time. I know how difficult this struggle is!


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