Hi, my name is Dr. Stewart, and I am very privileged to be a guest blogger for Dr. G on his blog Racing + Raging, a blog addressing anxiety and depression. I know Dr. G through his music as we gather with friends and jam with our guitars to the oldies.
A little bit about me: I am a PSY.D or doctor of organizational psychology with a specialization in health and wellness. I hold two masters, a master’s in business administration and a master’s in teaching and learning with technology. I am a professor, researcher, artist and writer, and practice martial arts as a 6th degree black belt. Most importantly, I am a super grandma of some amazing next-generation geniuses!
Dr. G. addresses anxiety and depression in a holistic manner that gets patients feeling better and functional again. My contribution lies in the psychosocial aspects of recovery and picking up the pieces. For example, before, during, and after recovery of an episode of neurotransmitter imbalance lies social carnage. Relationships are often damaged, irrational decision-making may be found in taking on too much or too little for your gifts and talents, and risky behavior has left you with some regrets.
Waiting for neurotransmitters to return to normal levels after a chemical brain imbalance of insufficient, disrupted, or excessive neurotransmitters may seem like an eternity. However, patients often feel better in just a few days to weeks with the proper medical intervention. The problem when Racing + Raging events occur, as Dr. G discusses, is that irrational thoughts may restrict personal opportunities and challenge our most sacred relationships.
It is essential to know what to do when the familiar mental dis-ease of brain chemical imbalance creeps into daily thoughts. Take notice and flag that awareness and take steps to comfort yourself, protect yourself, and to make others aware that you are not feeling like yourself.
Slow down, look for your favorite non-addictive calming agents, avoid risk-taking, and making sudden changes in your career, finances, and personal and family matters.
Know that at least during this time of chemical adjustment, it is ok to ask yourself whether the Racing + Raging thoughts are consistently accurate. As you recover, reach out to a trusted mentor, spiritual leader, or physician to walk with you as you challenge those irrational beliefs.
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