Anxiety in the everyday

I have never been an anxious person, but over the last several years, having my guard up 24/7 to keep Colten safe, has made me very anxious. It’s a really uncomfortable feeling and made me frustrated with the way I handle some situations or react to people. I’m trying to find ways to start my day with more calm. Those who know Colten know that he wakes up at 5:30 like he’s had 3 espresso shots. We do not EASE into the mornings. So I am trying to get up earlier than him and do 20-30 minutes of bible study and 10 minutes of stretching or 30 minutes of yoga if he “sleeps in”. It helps me to go into the day with a more clear and calm mindset.

My anxiety occurs in all kinds of everyday situations that normally wouldn’t have made me anxious in the past. This week we had to go the ENT to have Colten’s tonsils looked at. I tried to make a plan in my mind—where would he sit while I checked him in, filled out paperwork, and waited to be called back? How would I keep him in the room without touching all the buttons, computers, and tools? How would I make him most comfortable, trying to avoid a complete meltdown, with a stranger looking in his nose, ears and mouth? It’s all a lot to think about as I’m trying to fill out paperwork and have a coherent conversation with the receptionist and eventually the doctor. Having strategies for every situation is exhausting and not knowing how the doctor will react and treat us made me anxious too. I’m happy to report, we made it! With minimal button pushing, no crying and we do not have to remove his tonsils!

Later in the week, we had a haircut scheduled. He use to love haircuts, but over the last several months, he has started hating them-too itchy, too much noise, too much everything! We are so grateful Teresa. She is so patient and kind! I have tried so many things to make him comfortable, but until last month, everyone left crying!!

I try to reduce anxiety by planning and prepping. I make strategies that I think will help us be successful and I let Colten know what we are up to that day. I have also tried to find the right people to work with Colten. People who are patient, kind, and willing to talk him through things without making us feel like an inconvenience.

Our Happy Haircut Recipe:

1 ipad with PBS kids

1 bag of dye-free, dairy-free chocolates (unreal) -I give him these as he does everything he is asked and sits patiently and plays ipad

2 capes, one for the front and one for the back to reduce itch

1 motivating toy (He picks this out in advance, it sits in front of him, and he gets to open it once the haircut is complete)

1 amazing hairdresser!

Eventually we will pull back some of the reinforcements, but for now, we want to create the most enjoyable experience as possible for him so we can keep looking fresh and clean!