Hi,

I have had days where I thought there was no way I could take one more breath. How I got through these times is changing as I adapt and understand what's happening, and as my symptoms wax and wane.

Panic, fear are terrible feeling especially when thinking is hard.

My strategies and tools:

-feed the soul. Do what feels good without irritating symptoms

-Xanax as needed I take just enough to calm me not enough to make me flakey

-ice packs for bad headache days and even just frustrating days. It calms me. I use frozen peas in gallon zip lock bags

-I discovered I like the weight of something on my head or body when I have headache/migraines or when I am stressed. My large down pillow on my head feels comforting. Cover all but my nose. Cotton quilts against my skin help too. Maybe it refocuses my sensory issues and calms me

-going from being 100% active and productive to next to nothing was extremely hard for me after my 100 day sleep. Thought I was going to lose my mind. My neuropsych (an amazing Dr.) encouraged me to get a hobby that would not bring out my symptoms. I used to make jewelry and started that again. I feel it has been amazing therapy for me to practice things that were very hard in the beginning and even now. I can walk away if my senses or mind is overstimulated. I have a sense of accomplishment and have a completed project I give away to others. Very therapeutic.

-sometimes I give in and cry. Let it out. Get mad. Say it's not fair. After a while those emotions have been cleaned out

-somedays I pack it in and take a sleeping pill.

-I reach out to others that know my anguish. The people here. Just to have someone understand when you think you are losing your mind can bring you back from that edge. I can't ever repay exact individuals here. All I can do is help others now and in the future

-I sent out an email to my large family and explained what life was like for me. Many just did not get it. I've received thank you comments for the email. People started to adapt around me. It's made life easier when people visit or I am with them.

-my husband is my rock. I am very fortunate and grateful for him. He struggles at times too but he goes to a counselor to work out what all this has done to him

-my pets. Two dogs and a cat. Pet therapy should not be overlooked. They bring out beautiful emotion in me

-reading is harddddd! I love looking at pictures or even funnies. I save them on my ipad and text them to fam and friends. LAughing helps tons.

-my choice to work at inner peacefulness, calmness, and non-judgmental outlook. Prior to the accident I had such an easy time keeping others calm and helping clarify communication. Confrontations were easy to de-escalate and get to the root of an issue. It's been a focus of mine for 15-16 years. My foundation is strong but I have been challenged with this accident and injuries. I have a hard time standing up for myself now. The image projected is not one of confidence anymore so I am a work in progress.

-good food. I love to eat but not overeat. Can't stand that feeling. I eat what I want and balance with fresh veggies and good protein. I'm not a candy, sweets person but I love the mister misty from Dairy Queen. I would love it without flavor too.

-music used to be on all the time in my life. I even used it in my classroom to elicit different emotions from my students. It's a life force for me that I miss very much. I am working on nature sounds that aren't too busy and will try acoustic guitar soon. I hope to get back to something

-reading used to be a nice calming activity too. I can't do that now

-crocheting beads on socks

-I used to woodwork very peaceful for mind

-now I stretch, not really yoga but will try eventually

-watching wildlife. I feed the squirrels. They love it. I watch them play, and the birds and geese

So now I am not even sure of the original question so I should stop now.

Peace and wellness,

Jace