Not Always Anxiety

Episode 6: Longterm Masking & Hard Conversations

I'm back after a little summer break! This episode was a tough one for me. It's been a busy, wonderful, and challenging few weeks. Lots of great things, but also some definitely difficult ones as well. In this episode, I talk about a very recent conversation I had with my mother that brought up some hard truths (for both of us). I've had to re-examine some aspects of myself throughout the years, and I've realized just how much I masked things. Initially it was to protect myself and those around me, but now 30 years later I'm seeing the long-term effects that it's had on not only me, but my family. Have you gone through the same thing, or have questions you want to ask? Feel free to reach out: Not.Always.Anxiety@gmail.com. Thank you for listening and sharing!

Episode 5 - Helpful Tips: Self Advocacy!

I think I'm going to start a little series of "Helpful Tips" I've picked up that have worked for me as far as changing the way doctor visits go. This week's topic is probably the most helpful thing I've learned since I started on this journey. Self Advocacy! It was definitely difficult and uncomfortable for me at first, but practice makes it easier each time. I talk about some of the things that have helped me learn how to advocate for myself, and how to be more comfortable and CONFIDENT doing it. Feel free to reach out if you want more info or clarification on this! not.always.anxiety@gmail.com

Episode 4 - Rheumatology Visit, Hard Weeks, and an Awesome Surprise

*Warning - A little adult language in this one!* I'm not going to lie, it's been a tough couple weeks. Between having kids home from school, frustrating doctors appointments, and my pain levels being more acute recently, I feel drained, overwhelmed and just desperate to hide. I go over my recent rheumatologist visit and WHY an official diagnosis ON PAPER matters so much. After having such a rough week, a friend's surprise gift in the mail gives me a huge burst of hope.

Episode 3 - Best. Appointment. EVER!

Wow. I recently had the absolute BEST appointment with a medical professional in my entire life! It's so crazy to me the difference between a provider that just seems to be OVER IT and one that is truly passionate about what they're doing. My provider's positive attitude, curiosity, and drive made this visit my new Gold Standard. I know that it IS possible to have a visit that checks off all your boxes, even some you now added because they were that good. I wish that every appointment was like this for everyone. The only problem now is that the bar has been reset: I know what a truly good appointment is, and I don't want to settle again.

Episode 2 - The Ortho Aftermath

Hi again! This one is about going over a not great orthopedic appointment I recently had and how that affected my home life. It’s easy to get wrapped up in what’s happening within yourself and what you’re going through as a chronic patient, but sometimes the domino effect is even bigger on your loved ones.