How I Eliminated Chronic Stress from My Life

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” – William James I wasn’t always filled with chronic stress, although some might say (as my psychotherapist informed me) that my childhood was particularly stressful, if not quite approaching toxic stress. What I’ve learned in the years since undergoing therapy is that my mother likely suffered from depression as she carried me in her womb, thus, potentially setting the stage for what later became my own depression, heightened fear and anxiety, hypersensitivity and feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, even despair. The death of my grandmother, aunt and then my father when I was a young girl only added to the inordinate amount of stress I tried to bury. How did I overcome chronic stress? In short, I strongly believe it was nothing short of a miracle. Yet, rationally, it’s more likely a combination of psychotherapy, mindfulness meditation, finding strong and supportive mentors, adopting a positive attitude and developing resilience. None of this was easy. In fact, therapy was often quite painful, albeit eye-opening and offering a pathway to emotional wellness. How Psychotherapy Helped Me I first sought psychotherapy after a prolonged period of sadness going back to my early teens. I had just turned 13 when my father died suddenly from a massive coronary occlusion, otherwise known as a fatal heart attack. Not only was he my rock and anchor, I believed he was my source of happiness...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety General Grief and Loss Happiness Mindfulness Personal Stories Relaxation and Meditation Self-Help Stress Trauma Treatment Bad Habits Bereavement Chronic Stress Fear Feelings Of Guilt forming new habits grieving Source Type: news