The Midlife Reframe

Category: anxiety

  • Defeat Depression Day!!!

    Move for Mental Health

    So while my running tweeples and peoples were racing or attacking their long runs today, my daughter and I went to the local Defeat Depression Event 🙂

    This is a 1/3/5km run or walk.  Since I am gimpy, we walked.

    This event means alot to me, having the “fraternal twins” of mental illness (anxiety and depression). 

    The weather was 50/50, the threat of showers hanging over, but what a great group of people to walk around Downtown Halifax with! 


    Earlier this week I cycled with the man in my life.  Well he ran, I cycled 😉 

    We went around the beautiful Lake Banook in Dartmouth.  It has a run/bike train around it which is great.  It is also the home of many canoe clubs.  They also have the Dragon Boat Festival here every year!

    I caught this beautiful shot once we hit the other side of the Lake.  It felt great to be out and speedy…even if it was on two wheels.  lol

    I finally see the ortho specialist Wednesday morning and I can’t wait!!  I am surgical, of that I am certain.  So it’s just a matter of when and where.  I’ll go anywhere in this Province to get it done!

    Hoping to get out to the Public Gardens later for some relaxation and maybe some awesome pics 🙂

    Tonight is the regular #RunAtChat on Twitter.  Awesome runners and fun chats.  A good way to end a Sunday Night.

    Until next time….

  • It’s a Happy Friday the 13th! Random Post!

    I know that sounds weird….

    Especially if you are one that is a little superstitious (queue Stevie Wonder).

    Today I learned that my Ortho Specialist appointment is on the 25th 🙂  That is a little past two months since my injury.  I am super excited for this consult and look forward to moving on with my treatment!!  I have already started planning out my races for when I am better.  Because I’ll be able to run, which I miss, terribly.

    The past while has been hard with my depression/anxiety and finding new ways to work out.  Finding a new apartment, being super busy at work, making time for those I care about and making time for me, well, it has been a little draining.  I sleep a lot.  I find that some days the battle with my illness just drains me.  It’s hard to explain unless you’ve been in the situation I guess.

    In all of this, rescue kitty Jax has been settling in well.  She has met our other cat Nala and so far there has been minimal hissing and growling…..yay! lol

    The cats are a great stress reliever for me right now.  Having a rescue kitten is a great experience.

    So I am wondering what now….besides yoga, walking and strength training, are there any other suggestions from blogger peeps??

    (And yes, my bike is still broken, I need to remedy that and SOON)! 

  • Today is a Schlumpy Day

    A day where no matter what I do to make myself feel better…I still have the schlumps.

    I should have gone for a walk right now, but there are days that I just don’t have it in me.

    Like today.

    This is one of those moments that, for me, having depression/anxiety sets off some alarm bells.  Not because I think I am going to go “down the rabbit hole”, but because that is what the D/A combo does.  The panic switch is set and I can’t turn it off.

    THIS is when I miss running.  Even a bad run.  I should have gone for a walk…..BLARGH.

    If there are any of you out there that are experiencing the same thing….we all have these days.  Find an outlet…walk/run/bike/talk.  Even if you don’t want to…..take the first step.  It’ll make your day a little bit better 🙂

  • Why do I run??

    A question I get asked often.

    As I mentioned in my first post, I did my first real run at lunchtime.  It was 5k and I smoked it!!  I remember going out beforehand and buying my first pair of actual running sneakers.  Saucony Pro Grid 4s.  I was in love, with running and with my Sauconys.
     
    About 3 years ago I was diagnosed with depression, and then later, anxiety. After my body came back to life (because like the ad says….depression really DOES hurt) I began running again.  My doctor encouraged me to continue my physical activity, as this would help me in managing my depression and anxiety.

    I ran my first half marathon (Blue Nose) in 2012, with an IT band injury.  I was in pain, but stubborn and determined!  I was just so happy to finish.  And it was HOT.

    For me, running is a way for me to clear out the cobwebs.  To not HAVE to think about anything in particular.  To free myself from stress.  You hear people talking about runner’s high.  I get it.  Endorphins.  You want to run farther, longer.   It’s like you connect with something deep inside of you. 

    I am a better mom, a better person in general, after I workout or run.  It’s my “me time”…and I deserve every minute 🙂