I talk about my painting based on coping with anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
Pictured is a painting I started last year, just before a hospital stay for intense panic attacks and anxiety. I completed the painting after I was released from hospital 3 weeks later.
I decided to name it Joy, Happiness, Contentment, Freedom, Independence, because I decided those were things I would strive for in my life. Of course, I was not ready at the time, and it took me a full year to get to that point.
My medication, which was something that was supposed to be helping, was actually holding me back from achieving any of those. It had me basically zombified, so much so that I just sat in my chair and watch T.V. much of that winter. Every time I would move, I would get very dizzy, and the room would start spinning in my head.
During that winter, I watched countless movies and TV shows, and explored videos on Youtube. I eventually found out about meditation and affirmations from Youtube, and this (and my willpower) helped me to gradually get off those pills. I am currently off all medication, and it's the best I have felt in years - mentally, physically and spiritually.
I haven't had a panic attack in about a year and a half, and any anxiety is minimal, meaning I have learned to cope with it without medication.
My life isn't perfect by no means, and I am still aspiring for some of those in the title, but I feel it's impossible to be completely joyous and happy in this life anyway. It's how we deal with it that matters.
That is acceptance!
I am thankful for what I do have - right now!
