The Flu

[AZ1970]

This is not exactly related to depression or anxiety, but it reflects some growth on my part. I usually do not get sick. Even if I feel I am coming down with something, I can usually fight it off. Christmas night I had a tiny cough come on. Wednesday I woke up with a full blown cough and asthma. It has moved up into my head. Today is the worst so far. After looking at the difference between a cold and the flu, I figured out this is the flu. I have never had it before.

So this is where the victory comes in. I am a driven, first born, perfectionist. I decided after Christmas I would go through my home and purge stuff I don't need. I have been battling mental illness for two years now after a breakdown in January 2017. I am finally beginning to feel better after a lot of work, some good doctors and a great therapist. Then comes the flu. It has knocked me on my butt. I can't do much more than sit and watch TV, be on my computer a bit and maybe read if I can concentrate. I have not been out of the house once in 5 days. Normally I would be pushing myself do things, making myself worse. I would be berating myself for being so lazy and not sucking it up to do more. But not this time. Practicing acceptance is becoming easier. Those things will get done. Not right now though as I need to rest and heal.

My husband has been busy moving things around and setting up a home office. I would normally feel guilty he is doing so much and I am sitting around. What a change, and what a relief! Things can get better. I have gone from barely functioning, 4 hospitalizations and severe symptoms to where I am today. I still cannot work. I am still very vulnerable to stress. I still have flashbacks and triggers. But I am not stuck. I am moving forward. I guess this post did end up relating to anxiety and depression after all.

Wash your hands, stay hydrated and eat lots of vitamin C my friends.

[weegmack]

I’m so sorry you have the flu 😕. It’s awful - I’ve had it twice in my life and I know how horrible it is. But GOOD FOR YOU for accepting, resting and not fighting it. That’s a major step forward 👍🏻. Rest up and take care and I hope you recover very soon x

[Sunandrose87]

Are you feeling better?

[AZ1970 in reply to Sunandrose87]

Yes, much better. The only thing I still have is a bit of fatigue, but that will pass. I appreciate you checking in.

[Sunandrose87 in reply to AZ1970]

When I had the flu last year I was tired for 2 weeks and had a cough for 1month after recovering. I'm glad you are feeling better.

[Rockmeamadeus]

So sorry you are sick, but what an inspiring post! I love your attitude. 👍

[AZ1970 in reply to Rockmeamadeus]

Thank you so much.