Learning To Focus
By celticeagle
@celticeagle (189833)
Boise, Idaho
August 20, 2016 6:05pm CST
In case whoever is reading this doesn't know-- I was diagnosed with severe depression with panic attacks back in 2006. I have had issues with depression as far back as I can remember. Slowly I am finding ways to make my mood better. I am trying to be more positive and I find humor is a life saver at times. I love to laugh!
One thing I have read a lot about lately is 'staying in the moment'. If you have ever had a panic attack you know what I mean. Staying in the moment is so helpful. It is pretty difficult to worry or fret and find myself in a panic when I am in the moment and aware of what is going on around me.
FOCUS. It's hard. For me anyway. Distractions are all around us. Kids wanting our attention, something on the TV, outdoor noise or stimulus, etc.
One reason worry is hard to shut off is that we are responsible. Most of us have kids or family members that need us and we are responsible, or feel responsible, for their welfare. Many of us are caregivers. If you are anything like me I worry if I don't have something to worry about. ( I say that in all sinscerity.) I am really trying to stay in the moment. It's hard sometimes but, I think I am getting better.
How about yourself?
12 people like this
14 responses
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
Thank you. I appreciate your kind words. It has but lately things seem to be looking up. Maybe Josh is going to mature after all. He sure has been good lately. Now if Cami will not go into a manic phase I will have it made. 
2 people like this
@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
24 Aug 16
@celticeagle Then I will pray for both Josh to mature and Cami not to go manic
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
21 Aug 16
I manage with controlled breathing, having a plan (escape, where is the bathroom, how can I get out and away if I need too), and lots of visualizing water flowing and such, well I mostly manage...
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
I do much of that too but, I sometimes am too far along and don't think to do it. My grandson was taught to do what is called The Turtle which is breathing, escape, etc.
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@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Aug 16
@Jessicalynnt .....I usually can as well. But, if I already have anxiety and stress going on then I don't a lot of the time.
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@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
21 Aug 16
@celticeagle I have gotten lucky in that I generally can feel them coming on, the one's that hit out of nowhere are usually more rare.
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@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
21 Aug 16
bless yer heart 'n hugs!! my mamaw did the same's yerself - worried coz there 'twas nothin' to worry 'bout :(
i hope that'cha continue to find diff'rent avenues to help ya out with this. i believe i've read that tai chi can be helpful?? to keep one focused 'n such?
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@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
Thank you. That is sweet of you. It's just staying strong enough to keep trying long enough. I get very badly depressed, am very weakened by it and then issues in the family happen and I am sunk. If I keep some positivity in my world for a while I may be able to make some head way.
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@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Aug 16
@crazyhorseladycx .....I am trying to stay positive. I get too bad and all my sense seems to leave me. Nice to be believed in. Thank you!
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@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
22 Aug 16
@celticeagle yer welcome, hon. my eldest son battles this demon so i've a general idea'n what'cher goin' through. jest hang'n there, try yer best to remain positive. i know that such can be diff'cult coz other don't seem to fully comprehend, 'r choose to ignore that what they say/do can 've a great impact'n ya.
i believe'n ya! 
1 person likes this
@sallypup (69176)
• Centralia, Washington
21 Aug 16
That's good that you are reaching out, telling us about the constructive steps you are taking to care for yourself. Keep going! I agree. One little step at a time. I am working at staying in the moment on my own health and what I've been up to, as far as a fat head and fat body goes.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Aug 16
I hear you. It's can be a real struggle to combat all of that. Just have to keep trying.
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
I am just so sensitive to any kind of anxiety and then it seems to snowball on me. But, I am trying to watch out for it and do better. You always seemed very strong to me and I admire that about you.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (59719)
• Philippines
21 Aug 16
I do my best to focus on the moment as well. We will not know if this 'moment' will ever happen again so it is best that we make the most of it.
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@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
That is so true. We only go through once.
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@silvermist (19701)
• India
21 Aug 16
@celticeagle I know worrying will not solve anything.But that does not prevent me from worrying.I think you are doing fine trying to cope with everything.You will come out successful.
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@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Aug 16
We have to just keep trying. Finding something that helps and keep it in our bag of tricks. LOL.
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@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
It's not easy. But just trying is a step in the right direction.
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@CinnamonGrl (7086)
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
21 Aug 16
Very hard for me right now. But I will try. It really is the best way to be.
2 people like this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
21 Aug 16
Life is hard and always with its ups and downs. All we can do is be aware and do the best we can.
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@Rohvannyn (3098)
• United States
21 Aug 16
I struggle with the same things at times. One thing that has helped me is meditation. A meditation I've done recently is a walking meditation - just a simple fifteen or twenty minute walk, while I focus on my breath and the movement of my body and every time my thoughts wander I redirect them to my breath. That's kind of a double-strike against depression and anxiety. It gets you moving, which helps anxiety, but the focus exercise helps both issues and so does the natural light.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Aug 16
Yes, meditation is a wonderful thing. I do a lot of that too. It is very 'in the moment'. LOL I don't go outside so walking is eliminated. I take vitamin D for my lack of light.
@celticeagle (189833)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Aug 16
Yes, he is. But once you have the bad habit of worrying it's very tough to get rid of it. And, I think woman worry more because a lot of us are caregivers and have more to worry about.
1 person likes this
@responsiveme (22923)
• India
21 Aug 16
I am a worrier too, but as you said we need to live in the moment. A book that helped---How to stop worrying and start living--Dale carnegie
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