Сэм рассказывает, как рутина и домашние животные помогают справиться с тревогой

In this edition of ‘Anxiety on Your Mind,’ 39-year-old Sam from Brighton discusses how his daily habits and unique pets bolster his mental health.

The week began with unexpected anxiety for Sam when a tabloid published an article about his history with alcohol dependence. Although he has previously shared his story with the media, the sudden release caught him off guard. Initially alarmed by the headline, Sam felt relieved after reading the article, which he found to be a responsible portrayal of an important issue.

After that unsettling start, Sam went shopping to replace a dying houseplant. As someone diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), he prefers to have certain plants in pairs. He felt anxious when he couldn’t find a matching plant, leading him to choose two identical ones instead. Sam acknowledges that although his OCD isn’t as severe as it once was, he still prioritizes these habits to maintain his comfort.

Sam attributes some of his compulsions to his childhood, growing up in a chaotic household with numerous cats. This environment instilled in him a strong desire for cleanliness and order. He recognizes that while his concerns about his home may seem excessive, they are manageable compared to his past obsessions. Sam has been working on self-compassion, understanding that these coping mechanisms stem from difficult experiences.

His anxiety has evolved over the years. Previously, Sam felt trapped in a cycle of fear and reaction without understanding the source of his worries. Now, he often finds humor in his mental health challenges, recognizing that his anxiety does not have to dominate his life.

A significant part of Sam’s routine involves caring for his unconventional pets: a gecko, a baby chameleon, four young tarantulas, a wandering spider, and a scorpion. His journey with alcohol dependence lasted eight years, but he has been sober for five years. During severe alcohol withdrawal, he experienced vivid hallucinations of spiders, which prompted him to confront his fear by acquiring a tarantula. Sam believes in the importance of facing fears rather than avoiding them, which has played a critical role in his recovery.

Midweek, Sam managed to return to his exercise routine. Although he typically works out daily, he struggled with consistency lately. He understands that regular exercise helps alleviate his anxiety and reduce his reliance on medication. After discussing his mental health with various psychiatrists, he realized that without his gym routine, he would likely need more medication to manage his symptoms.

After a challenging period, including a psychiatric hospitalization due to a PTSD episode related to his memoir, Sam has slowly begun to write again. Initially, he felt pressured to produce work for publication, but he has shifted his focus to enjoying the creative process, experimenting with fiction, and gradually reworking his memoir. He battles perfectionism but is learning to prioritize quality over quantity, allowing himself to work at a comfortable pace. The stress of deadlines had previously exacerbated his anxiety, leading to burnout.

By the end of the week, Sam felt overwhelmed with household chores, particularly due to the extra cleaning required for his pets. While some might assume that his OCD means he enjoys cleaning, he finds it quite the opposite. He dreads these tasks, but his small living space makes cleaning manageable. Completing these chores brings him a sense of relief.

This week, a combination of exercise and writing led to a positive shift in his mental health. Sam spent the weekend focusing on his workouts and writing, finding peace through this balance of creativity and self-care. His new plants are thriving, adding to his sense of accomplishment and stability.