
It can be very easy to hide things when posting on social media or in a blog. As the daily posts go live, no one will ever really know if something is wrong. As someone who has a lot of posts that are written beforehand and scheduled to post on a specific day and time, it is easy to hide many things. However, when I began writing this blog, it was to “vent” and/or put my feelings in writing. My apologies in advance, because I plan on just letting as much as I can go.
Before I begin, I am not looking for sympathy or “poor Keith.” My issues are no worse than anyone else’s. This is simply me trying to sort out things in writing.
Whatever is going on with me has been building for a bit. As I tend to do, I tried to just keep burying things so I didn’t have to think about them. That only leads to me to be short with people, and most of the time it is an overreaction. If I wanted to play the blame game, I could blame it on the changes in my medications, I could blame my kids for … well, basically being kids (which is perfectly normal), I could blame a ton of things and people, but in the end, it all comes back to me.
I am not myself lately. I’m not sure why or what may be causing it. I’d imagine that some of it can be found in the photo above. Then again, that is playing the blame game.
This weekend, I completely lost my temper with my kids. I had no reason to. I have no excuse. I could have easily handled the situation more calmly, but I was frustrated because of the inconvenience it was causing me. My wife bought a rug for the living room. The room had to be picked up and vacuumed before I could put the rug down. The things that were on the floor were things that the kids played with, things that the dog had laying around, and stuff I had left lying around. So instead of just asking for their help, I exploded and yelled like a complete idiot.
I feel like my emotions are all messed up again. The other day I was listening to music in the car and a song came on that had me in tears. What in the world is that all about? I cannot make heads or tails of it. There is obviously a lot on my mind. Deep down is it all of this piling up together that is getting to me? I really don’t know.
I knew that things were a bit off, but I just kept plowing away. A recent medication change didn’t seem to be doing anything. I mentioned it to the doctor and since I was only on it a month, she wanted me to try it one more month. Yeah, I don’t feel any better. So I knew I had to mention it to the doc.
Over the weekend, it became very clear that things might be worse than I even know. The kids talked with my wife and told her how I yelled about the family room and that led to more discussion. My wife basically told me that for the last month I haven’t been myself. She went on to tell me how difficult I have been to be around and how I am no longer my fun loving self. “You don’t even laugh anymore!” Well, that was a zinger to the heart. I didn’t realize just how much everyone else was dealing with in regards to my actions. I won’t mention what my wife said I was acting like, but I’m sure your guess would be close to the answer.
At work, I mainly keep to myself. This will be difficult soon, as I will have a new employee to train. However, I find that I am isolating myself a bit. There are certain nights I do this more than others. I feel “out of place” with specific groups of co-workers. I’m not even sure how to explain that. I try to acknowledge everyone, but there are some people I just feel like it is best to keep to myself. I help when I can and focus on my patients. I’ve never been a clock watcher, but there are days I cannot wait to hit the time clock.
So what is the plan? I have a telemedicine call this week with the doc in charge of my ADHD meds. These are the meds that we keep tweaking. My wife has told me that she wants to be on that call. I have no issues with that. I am hoping that we can step back and reassess what is going on. Maybe we could go back to the point were I felt most balanced (whenever that was). I can rest assured that my wife will be upfront and honest with the doc. Yeah, that scares me a bit, but it has to be dealt with.
As far as all the stuff attacking the brain in the photo above, well, I guess I’m just going to have to find a way to deal with those things. They’ll always be there, so maybe a medication adjustment will alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding those things.
We now return you to your regular blog reading.
Sorry to hear this, Keith. I know you’re smart enough to realize that this happens to everyone at some point; we’re all human, after all. I also know that doesn’t make things any better for you and your personal situation right now. Keeping your doctor informed and having televisits is a good thing. So is being aware of trigger points and evaluating what may be impacting your life negatively. It’s a process; that’s how life works. I wish you all the best going forward and hope you find the answers to your questions. Please be kind to yourself, my friend, and let it be.
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Thank you, Nancy
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Take care Keith ❤️🩹
Hope you feel like yourself soon!
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Thank you!
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i’m sure this was hard to realize and even harder to reckon with. your loved ones are being honest, and as hard as some things might be hard to hear, it is because they worry and care about you, knowing the wonderful person that you are. i’m hopeful that you can find your balance and be who are with confidence and kindness. it’s not easy, but you can do it, with help that feels right to you. best –
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Thanks, Beth
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I completely understand all your feelings, Keith. Believe me, there are answers for you.
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Thank you, Dana!
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Perhaps this article will encourage you: http://jamespaulgaard.com/2026/08/11/the-valley-of-shadows/
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It did. Thank you for sharing!
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yay!
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I hope you’ll be back to your old self, or close to it, soon. Medications seem to be a likely aggravator so hopefully the doctor can make appropriate changes. Maybe some of your church colleagues can offer you more inspiration or suggestions beyond the very obvious ‘pray on it’
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Lots of praying, Dave. Spoke with doc and think we have a plan
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that’s good news indeed! Someone mentioned thyroid, I’ve known people who have had thyroid problems and had problems a bit like yours
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I hope the call with doc helps sort out the issues. These medications for mental illness take a long time to start their action.
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re welcome my friend. Give yourself some grace. Mental illness can be very hard to deal with.
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Have you looked at other potential causes? Thyroid? Sugar? Vitamin d? B vitamins? Praying that you find answers.
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Hi Ruth – My thyroid numbers were fine at last physical. I take Vitamin D and B. I plan on a follow up with my PCP. Thanks so much for your prayers
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Sorry you have felt yourself lately, Keith.
Kids are tough even when they’re great. Especially when trying to get something done.
The first step is awareness and that’s exactly where you are and taking ownership of it. I’m not there but we aren’t always fun and nice and sometimes we are snappy. Tracing the triggers to root can help to release those finding ways to release tension which might include so alone time might help. It’s nice your wife wants to be part of the conversation. I know some meds can have adverse affects so I’d be more apt to finding ways you can care for yourself with sleep, time etc-:) Take good care of you!!
❤️
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Thank you so much Cindy!
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The truth hurts – you are ‘only’ human, Keith. You are dealing with a lot of things, including a change in medication in addition to everything else, life and all it throws at you. As so called grown ups we tend to motor on for as long as we possible can, we function, carry on pretending all is well, instead of admitting that we need a time out, a break, a moment to breathe and readjust. You are not a machine. And that is a good thing. It’s your superpower. Just comes with a few caveats… Rest is not a luxury, it’s a requirement. Even for superheroes…
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Thank you, Britta!! I appreciate you!
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