Overwhelmed? Getting Back to the Basics for Our Eyes

I need 8 arms.

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling overwhelmed right now, both physically and mentally.

Feeling stressed

Work has been stressful this week and I’ve been making a lot of big decisions and changes in my life. My son has been diagnosed with a worrisome condition. And, I’m trying to keep up with my physical and mental health despite it all.

Having 8 arms would certainly be a problem solver here, but since that’s not possible… It’s time for me to reevaluate and get back to the basics.

There’s always so much going on

The big decisions I’ve been making, coupled with work stress and regular everyday stress (ahem… accepting that I have no control over what’s happening around me), have me feeling pretty depleted at the moment.

There’s always so much going on. Besides that, my eyes have been bothering me. I can’t seem to get my contacts to feel comfortable - and though that is probably the least of my anxieties right now, it is proving to be a constant annoyance and reminder of my ever-failing eyes.

As if the hardships caused by a macular degeneration diagnosis weren’t enough, many of us have also been diagnosed with other ailments or conditions. Or, we’re just plain overwhelmed with… life. Trying to navigate it all can get complicated, or even knowing where to start sometimes.

Comorbidities

Comorbidity is defined as the simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient. My current comorbidities are macular degeneration and generalized anxiety disorder. Though, I’d probably be able to make a fantastic argument that when parents have children with diagnoses… those become our diagnoses as well in many ways.

I’m not experiencing what he’s experiencing. But, I’m researching, making appointments, attending appointments, caring for him, buying and preparing the proper meals, and teaching him how to take his medications independently. Oh, and I’m also WORRYING.

When there’s more than one thing going on in our lives, it can be really hard to know what to focus on first. Besides that, many questions arise as comorbidities complicate the situation dramatically. Can I take this medication/vitamin with this other medication/vitamin? I have to eat with this pill but not this one?

Deep breaths, friends.

Overwhelmed with AMD

My son’s recent diagnosis has thrown a wrench into my family’s diets and eating habits. I’m over here taking deep breaths because I already spend so much time planning and preparing meals that are eye-healthy for me (and them); meals that everyone enjoys. My 4:06 alarm every weekday is already feeling a little too early.

Though this feels like another ‘thing’ on my plate, his diagnosis and dietary needs have jumped to the top of my priorities list. When I feel overwhelmed like this, I know it’s time for me to get back to the basics. What are the basics you might be wondering?

Getting back to the basics

‘The basics’ are different for each of us. But, I’m happy to share a little bit of what works for me. First and foremost, it’s important for me to keep my mental health in check. If I’m not mentally well, I really can’t take care of any of my (or anyone else’s) needs properly. I keep my mental health in check by attending therapy and taking medication when needed.

Other than that, I like to make a list and start prioritizing things. For example, as I learn to prepare meals that work for everyone’s specific health needs and preferences, I write down what works and doesn’t. This means I only have to do the work once!

Then, when I go to the grocery store, I can spend less time checking labels and can feel confident that dinner will taste better than just edible. I also know what doesn’t work, aka what not to buy again.

Eating an elephant

Something else that really helps me to stay focused is the support of my friends and family. When I feel overwhelmed, my partner Eric often asks me this question: “How do you eat an elephant, Andrea?”

He knows the answer is a quick trigger for me to slow down and take one thing at a time. Maybe it can be for you as well.

One bite at a time, friends.