I’ve been asked SO much about how I maintain my mental health through my healing journey from Lyme disease. Because if you didn’t know, mental health struggles of ALL kinds often manifest or are exacerbated when battling Lyme disease.
Honestly, I hardly feel qualified to answer or address the topic because it’s not been easy for me to navigate, nor have I done it consistently “right” along the journey. I have had ups and downs; depression and anxiety. The lowest of lows have threatened to do me in. Mostly, GRACE and MERCY have kept me here more than anything I myself have done.
I’ll spare you much of the science-y stuff, but essentially, it’s hard to always know what is going on to cause this. Chronic illness of ANY kind can mess with your mind and send you spiraling. Lyme itself can attack the brain/nervous system and cause a variety of imbalances and unwarranted struggles. Lyme can also cause other physical imbalances or issues that can throw off the neurotransmitter and hormonal balance in your body (for example, by attacking your gut, Lyme can through off neurotransmitter production and decreased nutritional absorption, thus leading, in some people, to mental health struggles). Basically, there are MANY ways Lyme can impact your mental health. There are obviously wonderful professionals that can and should help get to the root cause AND keep you safe. (LLMDs and LPCs easily come to mind!)
But people want TANGIBLE ideas for helping themselves too, and I am HERE for THAT! I am ALL about being your own best advocate and owning your healing journey, and so if I had to give ANYONE struggling with mental health disruption while battling Lyme, I would definitely give them this piece of advice first: stay safe! (Seriously, don’t mess around - seek help immediately if you are thinking of harming yourself. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline can help: 1-800-273-8255). Second, I offer you this advice:
Detox your life.
To be less broad - get toxins of all kinds out, and renew your mind daily with HEALING input. This includes:
~getting rid of toxins in your environment (as much as you can control)
~getting rid of toxic relationships
~getting rid of toxins in your diet
~getting rid of toxic thought patterns and self-talk
~getting rid of any other toxins you can identify in your life
Then, continue to fill up on products and nutrition that bring HEALTH. Focus on truth, healing words, and positivity, while you continue detoxing regularly. This practice takes time to develop as a habit, and the process of detoxing is best tackled in baby steps to avoid additional stress, overwhelm, or anxiety. Yes, I guarantee you some days will be a FIGHT to do this, but it is one of the best things you can fight for in your healing. Working with a licensed therapist can help with this process too, if you are struggling. I can’t stress bringing in expert help enough!
I am also here to help the best I can! My passion is helping to empower you on your healing journey, so I’ve actually designed a program that helps to tackle mental health (and physical & spiritual health as well!) in an easy achievable way. It’s called Reset on the Run, and it’s a 21 day series of 5min “resets” you can do for self care and your health no matter your circumstances. If this sounds like something for you (or someone you love), you can find more info HERE. We start Oct. 12, so hop in asap so you can grab your supplies and be ready to go on time!
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