Anxiety and Hepatitis C

Anxiety and Hepatitis C – As you fight the physical effects of Hepatitis C, the will to survive may make you somewhat like a vigilante protecting your very life. You are constantly on the alert making sure that your body and mind are functioning well. Before you realize it, anxiety has come on full throttle. Of course, you are scared, but you can still move forward.

There are two kinds of anxiety. Good anxiety helps. We get up when the alarm goes off because it creates stress. That is a good thing, If we eat junk food and doze into a food coma, we wake up anxious. An anti-depressant can help, but sometimes we need more.

Too often, anxiety can get out of control and we end up totally freaked out. There is value in taking steps necessary to reduce anxiety in our lives. If we don’t bring it under control, it shows up as frustration, anger, or unexplained nervousness.

A  little trick I use when overwhelmed by anxiety is called,  “Be Here Now” and I even have a sticky note with those words on it. Most of the anxious thoughts we have are centered around the past or future. We have to keep an eye on the future as we make plans regarding medication, diet, and even lifestyle. The past is always a good teacher if we listen to the wisdom we have gained. So how does Being Here Now help us today?

Be Here Now

Being Here Now is breathing in the air that surrounds you this very second. It is being grateful for that breath. It is listening to your body and feeling the tension, then releasing the tension with that next exhale. Check out my meditation on soundcloud.

Being Here Now is placing your hand over your liver and thanking it for working so hard. I even say a meditation to mine. It is reminding yourself that at this very moment your liver is keeping you alive. It is processing the last meal you ate. Your wonderful liver is storing and releasing nutrients, manufacturing glucose, and thoroughly removing toxins from your bloodstream.

Being Here Now is gazing at your surroundings. The room may be messy or tidy. That does not matter. What beautiful thing do you have near you? Maybe it is a book, a cherished coffee mug, or the view from your window. Find something beautiful now. Be grateful for it.

Being Here Now is looking into your heart. See the gifts and the beauty that you have been given. Feel the pain of remorse or sadness. Give yourself some empathy – an inner heart hug. You have many burdens that you bear. Yet your heart is strong and keeps pushing with a will to survive.

You Are Loved

Being Here Now is thinking of a loved one. There is someone who has cared for you. Encouraged you, fed you, felt sorry for you, and been frustrated with you. Right at this moment, you are in someone’s heart. Sometimes it may be your pet. They are loyal when we are depressed or anxious.

Being in the moment, while experiencing all of the anxiety that comes with Hepatitis C, is a deliberate step that you take. When you feel the onslaught of anxiety, and your mind spins out of control, or you are falling rapidly into a pit of despair, Be Here Now.

Bring your mind to the air that you breathe.  Then listen to your heart and cheer it on by loving yourself and also those who stand with you in this life. Count me in as one of those who stands by you. I am anxious too. We will get through it together. I’ll be your bff in times of anxiety. Right Now, Karen:)

Anxiety and Hepatitis C