I have been having a setback the past week or so, regarding my anxiety and my mood. My social anxiety is creeping back into my life since I’ve lowered my medication – I’ve noticed I’m not looking people in the eye, not able to make small talk with strangers, not as eager to go out and be seen. I had an anxiety attack on the bus the other day, feeling like I couldn’t wait to get home and hide.

On the other hand, I have not been so afraid of this slump in mood. I know it is from the medication, and I have a doctor’s appointment in less than two weeks, so it can be adjusted. I’m also hoping that I may adapt to this lowered dose by then and not have to increase it. I’m not so worried about myself yet, and not panicking that I might go into a severe slide. I’m just kind of hanging in there.

I’m mindful of the increase symptoms without getting angry or frustrated about them. My self-talk has improved, and I’m being a little more gentle and compassionate towards myself when I remember to do so. As long as I stay calm, I think I can prevent slipping into a vicious cycle of depression where my fear and panic make it worse than it would be otherwise and therefore create more anxiety and depression. I think I’m doing really well at accepting my current state, actually, and not exacerbating it at all. I’m being patient.