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Celine Keating's avatar

And a PS. I am super grateful that I don't suffer from depression or anything else requiring medication yet I often experience the feelings you and others here describe. So just know that yes, it is/ can be a normal part of life.

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Celine Keating's avatar

What a wonderful and honest essay this is. I've had those days - and without the challenge you gave of staying sober - so I am impressed with how much you are navigating. I would add one more thread to the others as to the WHY of this state of agitation, which is post-conference malaise. It's exciting to go to a big writing conference but it also stirs up a lot of feelings and leads to a sense of letdown once you're back home. I love all your suggestions for getting past all this and recovering your equilibrium.

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Elizabeth Jannuzzi's avatar

Good point Celine! Thanks for sharing.

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Lori Krein's avatar

I feel this way often, and also wonder if it's my anxiety/ADHD/whatever else I label myself as...or if it's just a "normal" part of being human. Do other people feel this way? Restless...scattered...antsy...I've utilized many of the same methods...any sort of movement usually helps; a walk, the gym, yoga, push-ups, bike ride...although I have sunk into some unhealthy behaviors at times. for me it's not alcohol...it's sugar. As I sit here eating a cookie...I feel like I "should be doing something other than what I am doing" I don't know what that thing is, but I'm sure that everyone else has figured it out. I just never got the memo.

Thanks for sharing.

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Evelyn Camu's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Liz. Wishing you peace.

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jen shields's avatar

Always hard to take that big leap off meds and figure out the new baseline. You got this. Yes, walking is the cure for most angst.

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Elizabeth Jannuzzi's avatar

Thanks Jen! I miss our walks in the woods.

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Jennifer Gallo Gaites's avatar

Perfectly encapsulates those scritchy feelings that come up sometimes. Great tips and great exercises. Let’s go for a walk!

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Elizabeth Jannuzzi's avatar

YESSS!

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