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Complete Body Shut Down

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Posted 11/20/2007 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone else completely freeze up and shut down when they get stressed out?  I had a particularly stressful two weeks at work, which I handled really well, especially compared to how I was doing around this time last year.  But, now that I have the day off and I'm trying to get all of my personal stuff done before I travel home to visit my family, I'm completely overwhelmed.  I'm just wandering from room to room trying to figure out what to start on first and I can't think straight!  I mean, just the other day, I was directing hundreds of people and now I'm a walking zombie and I need to do my laundry, clean my apartment, pack, and drive over 300 miles by myself.  And I can't focus on any of them.  Help!
Posted 11/20/2007 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Just take a break and sit down and meditate for a while. Get all your thoughts together and then start.

Have a safe trip and a great holiday with family
Posted 11/20/2007 5:27 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, just take a break----sit down, and meditate. I find it useful to have my list of what I NEED to get done---maybe you don't need to clean your apt., the stuff will be there when you get home. Maybe do a small load of laundry (or take it home and do it there--haha)! Take baby steps----

I do understand how you feel---it's like the 'after holiday let-down'--------you are going, going, going, and your adreneline is just pumpin'....then, SIGH---breathe--- you don't know what to do! Just try and take a break for a bit! I know easier said than done------HTH!
Posted 11/21/2007 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you are coming off an adrenalin buzz..I get the same thing after I've finished exams or a tough time at work.  My brain just kind of freezes over and I turn into the zombie you mentioned! I agree that baby steps are the best way to get through it.  That's how I do it, just getting one dish done is OK. Even though it seems hard now, try and focus on seeing your family (unless they drive you nuts!!) and on what you have achieved over the last two weeks. Go You!

Posted 11/21/2007 5:36 AM (GMT 0)
oh man, yeah I've totally been there. Sounds like the advice given so far is spot on. You probably already made your drive. Let us know how you feel when you get back...

dan
Posted 11/21/2007 7:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your kind words and suggestions. I've taken some of your advice. I slowed down and did a few things around my apartment and made sure to take some much needed breaks. But, now my whole body just aches, I'm not sure if I'm coming down with something or if I'm falling into depression. I still need to pack and my apartment is still a mess - I would really like to be able to come home to a clean place, but it's just not possible at this point. Plus, I'm dreding going home. (I think that's where all of this anxiety is coming from.) I don't want to put up with being judged, put down, talked down to, guilt tripped, or just being told how I should live my life while eating a bunch of flavorless food. I'm seriously considering just curling up into a ball and staying here, rather than driving through a bunch of rain and/or snow. But, I just couldn't tell my dad that when I talked to him early - I know he and my mom are really looking forward to me coming home, but I just can't seem to pull myself together to effectively cope with everything that comes along with "going home."
Posted 11/21/2007 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
Sit down, take a deep breath, and when you feel ready..... just make a brief list of what all needs to be done. Make it short and sweet so you're not overwhelmed with a huge list of tasks!

And make a list for what you need to pack.

I wander aimlessly from room to room too feeling insane until I make a list and work on each task slowly if I'm stressed.
Posted 11/22/2007 12:16 AM (GMT 0)

wow, it sounds like negativaty and anxiety are really giving you a hard time at the moment.  Want me to slap them up the side of the head for you?! No seriously, my heart goes out to you, it's so incredibly tough when you head and your body gang up on you.  I agree with twiggy, make a small list, go with baby steps.

If you have any positive memories of times spent with your family try and think of them, and imagine how good it wil be once you have made the effort to get there.  Curling up in a ball is very tempting.  Don't beat yourself up!

Posted 11/22/2007 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
How can my mind have so much control over my body? I mean this morning, I was going to quickly pack and leave (I was suppose to hit the road yesterday) but it threw me into what I think was a panic attack. I had trouble breathing, my body was heavy, my mind was racing, and I was light headed and dizzy. But, as soon as I decided I was staying here. It stopped. I've always associated not being able to catch my breath with asthma, but I never even reached for my inhaler and it was gone - like magic. Poof!

Now, I just need to call my mom and tell her I'm not coming home. I talked to her briefly last night and told her I wasn't feeling well (neither her nor my dad know I'm struggling with anxiety and depression) and she told me not to come home if I wasn't feeling well, which I really appreciate. Especially, since even if I left right now (and I'm still not packed) I would only get there just before dinner if there's no traffic, no accidents, and no construction, which I highly doubt. I think it's best if I just stick around here and finally finish all the other things I've been meaning to do - like finishing the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, vacuuming, going to the laundrymat, going grocery shopping, but for today I'm gonna just make myself a healthy dinner and take a nice warm bubble bath.
Posted 11/22/2007 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
I just got off the phone with my Mom. Apparently, the bad weather we had here early this week has now hit where my folks live, so they advised me to stay put. So, I don't feel that guilty anymore, but it would have been nice to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. (I do love stuffing!) But, I've got some steak dethawing and I'm gonna run out to the store in a bit after I put together my grocery list. (I think I just may slurge and buy a small Cornish hen to make stuffing with later this week! I can celebrate the meaning of the day anytime, right?) I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving! :)
Posted 11/22/2007 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Weird how things work out sometimes, huh? Enjoy your time to unwind---relax and treat yourself to stuffing (I love stuffing too---I'd eat only that at T-day if I could)---Hope your weekend goes well for you!
Laurel
Posted 11/23/2007 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to everyone for their support through this difficult time. I'm doing great now! I actually hit all the "door busters" this morning, so I'm practially done with all of my Christmas shopping! Plus, I just bought a whole bunch of healthy food that I'll be cooking up over the next week. Wish me luck and keep your fingers crossed for me! :)
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