How I did it: I can't take 100% credit for my success.  My mom used to yell at my brother and I like no other, until she finally got put on anti-depressants for her SAD.  Flash forward 20-some years and I find myself in the same situations, snapping at my kiddo for little or no reason.  I finally took a step back, assessed the situation, and talked to my dr.

I started on Lexapro, which is a really low dose anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication about a month ago.  While I maintain that anti-depressants are not for everyone, this one has helped me really level out.  It's not that I'm depressed or anxious all the time, it's that I had incredible highs and lows that seemed to be uncontrollable.  I hardly notice a difference in my everyday life, except that it's easier to control my temper and let the small stuff slide off my back.

The hardest thing was admiting that perhaps I needed some help to achieve this goal.  It seems like so many people can just tell themselves to calm down and move on, but I just couldn't. 

Lessons & tips:

1. Keep a record (like a journal) of how you feel and when your outbursts occur.  This will help you find patterns.
2. Take things one day at a time.
3. Ask loved ones for help.  It's the only subjective way to know if you've reached your goal.
4. If nothing is working, consider talking to a doctor.

Sep 15, 11:20AM PDT | 2 comments | 3 cheers