Coping With Christmas

[yroid]

Hey Everyone

I was hoping some of you underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) people out there would be able to give me (a 27 year old female) some tips for coping with Christmas.

Although I am being treated by my GP for my under active thyroid (caused by hashimotos) since December 2019 and have regular blood tests, I still face some challenges (see my previous post about weird ‘surges’ of panic/nausea I struggle with) and I’m waiting to see an endocrinologist. I take vitamin supplements including Vitamin D and B, I have had tests on my cortisol levels which were okay but a little inconclusive (that’s why I’m on the NHS list to see the Endo). Also had a Coeliac test which was fine.

At Christmas I struggle (as I know many people do) I’m not sure if it’s the high levels of social interaction, pressure to have fun, food and alcohol consumption (I know the alcohol is a big one I need to reduce) but I find my symptoms get worse and I often feel nauseous and anxious. Which is a shame because with the pandemic this is all I’ve had to look forward to for the last six months.

I’m spending the holiday with family (very party and alcohol focused family) and I’m more looking for short term coping tips if anyone has any? I can’t do much about tests etc whilst I wait but I’d really love any advise to help me enjoy Christmas

Thank you in advance, always appreciate how supportive this forum is.

[GrowingVeg]

Hello Yroid, Christmas can be tough eh... My family are pritty party orientated too, so I can imagine your situation. Lucky for me being in a teir 4 area so Christmas has been cancelled...Although that brings different worries and anxieties.of it's own.

Thyroid management wise I'm still learning myself, and others here far more knowledgeable. However coping skills wise, I have been practising qigong daily. I find it really helpful in making peace with my body and reduced energy levels, less anxious, I sleep better and I generally feel more 'present' for people. Perhaps you already have something that makes you feel good to make time for every day? 10mins of Qigong a day makes a big difference to me. I follow Jeffrey Chand on utube but there are loads of others...

[Buddy195 Administrator]

I have definitely felt like this in the past. I’ve found practising mindfulness helps/ I have an app on my phone by Mark Williams that I can just listen to anywhere(Mindfulness in a frantic world) and following a track even for a short while helps me relax. Magnesium has also really helped me- I take magnesium glycinate daily and it helps me relax and sleep (also easy on the stomach).