You may have noticed fewer updates to Encore Seraphine lately. I’m lethargic, exhausted, depressed. My chest hurts and my throat burns. I dread turning off the lights at night to (try to) sleep. My blood, urine and xrays are all normal. The doctor thinks it’s likely stress, so he’s given me the antianxiety drug Ativan. I’ve given up coffee and chocolate. I’m not visiting my friend’s blogs like I should. I feel like I’m letting everyone down: my readers, my friends, my spouse, even (especially) myself. I’d like my life back. Haven’t you felt that way too?
Stress is nothing more than a socially acceptable form of mental illness.
Quotation from Richard Carlson
Hello Seraphine, the first thing you can do is stop beating yourself up. Be gentle with yourself. Stop beating yourself up. Soak in a bath with some lavender oil perhaps. Stop beating yourself up. Sit in the sun and try to go for a little walk every day. I hope you feel better soon. Oh and by way of an introduction, I’m a friend of Nurse Myra. X
I find walking in the hills works for me. Big views. Look outwards instead of inwards for a change. Good luck
I’m only one of your readers, but don’t feel like you are letting ME down… there’s no pressure here! When you feel up to it, I’m glad, but if you don’t, I understand! Maybe you need time to yourself right now.
I went through some depression a few years ago. Eventually, things change. My rx: listen to music… and I wonder if you should go back to chocolate? Sometimes it seems like chocolate makes everything better!
Yes, I’ve been there and I know stress manifests itself in physical ways. Are you able to recognize the factors causing the stress? If possible, this is a good first step in dealing with it. Talking with a trusted friend or professional helps, too. Sometimes – on our own – we can’t see the forest for the trees…
Try not to add guilt to the mix – you’re not letting anyone down. You’re coping with your own life – as you should. Listen to your body. It’s trying to tell you something.
Hugs and love and all good wishes to you.
(you’ll get your life back…)
Listen, personally I feel that you should not take any of those drugs. If you take anything for stress it should be marijuana. At least you know the RX companies are making money off of you. And who knows about the side effects.
I don’t know what is stressing you, but when I am stressed I try to find my center. The things that I care for most and put my mind there. I may take a walk or relax on my balcony, but whatever I do I try to forget what’s causing now and return to where I was feeling great.
A little exercise in the evening will help you to want to sleep.
Oh, sweetheart, you aren’t letting anyone down when you’re taking time to rest and care for yourself. I would just say don’t look for a fix for your feelings or symptoms, but rather experience them and dig in to the roots. You are a lovely, talented, fabulous soul. Give yourself a break and some love. And now? I’m sending you some of my love. XOXOXO
You certainly aren’t letting me down; you continue to rock.
I’ve definitely been there, suddenly and for no apparent reason. Going for long walks in the hills is great, mediation, finding your center, putting things into perspective are also great. But there’s also nothing wrong with medication, if that’s that works! Of all the things I tried, the one that actually helped the most, and that may well have saved my life, was Effexor.
And definitely, be good to yourself. You aren’t letting anyone down. And if you were to let someone down, would it be the end of the world? Happens all the time.
Yes, it must be said these are trying times in every which way and that I agree with all the lovely and positive comments made so far. I’m a chocoholic too and take no other drugs.. unless a nice cup of tea counts as one.
Your level of commitment to your blog has been extraordinary ever since we met several years ago. I’ve been astounded more than once by your subtle insights and design ability.
We’re always our own worst enemies. Take your time to recover and know we’ll be waiting patiently.
I spent over eight months feeling like that. It just sort of went away one day. I think the only thing I did differently was to take an antihistamine before bed (to try to help me sleep) which leads me to believe that whatever I was experiencing was an allergic reaction to something.
Listen: You are a sweetheart. It is impossible to be 100% for yourself or anybody else when you are not feeling well. I can only share what I am doing. I arrived here in Arizona 218 pounds, on a cane and sicker than hell. I reached out for help–at Mayo Clinic, an Insomnia and Sleep Care facility and finally I started treatment with a Naturopathic doctor. I am down to 160 pounds now and while I still have a way to go, I am getting better in the health arena. You will too. LUV & (((HUGS))))!
No answers. But sending *hugs*
It sounds like your mind and body is seeking some relaxation –a quote you might like, which appeals to me in difficult times is from Albert Nietzsche- That which does not kill me makes me stronger.
I trust you’re feeling better soon and will be able to find a path ahead to greater vitality and renewed good health. Best wishes
Get well soon, Sera. Don’t worry about disappointing your readers. You and your family always come first.
Thinking of you….
wow. just found your comic while floundering around in my own state of disarray and creative exhaustion. your heartfelt honesty was a tonic, and I’m hoping that just knowing that there are other ‘creatives’ in the metaverse who burn out now and zen, might be a bit of a tonic for you. recharge, my dear, and then reboot.
Make sure you get lots of rest! As much as possible and enjoy your family and friends! Only post when you have the energy, but whatever you do don’t give up chocolate! I can’t survive without it! Take care of yourself!
Poor you!
Stress can definitely do that and I hope you get better. You haven’t let anybody down, you just need to focus on you and take it easy. People around you understand that… don’t add more pressure by guilt-tripping you!