Therapy? WHO NEEDS IT!

Well, me for one. And like YOU too.

It just took me along time to realize that. 

I anger easily, there's a hole in the wall in my hallway covered by a painting and a dent in my stainless steel refrigerator if you need proof.

Music is my outlet. In particular Billy Joel is my favorite artist of all time, but there are music moods. Ozzy moods, Jazz and Blues moods, acapella moods and of course "Biggy and the family" moods (generally when I'm weight training).

3 years ago I lost 50 lbs.

Why? Well, for one  I couldn't afford a new wardrobe so the only option was to lose the weight and fit into older the clothing. For another, self esteem. Looking at pictures or into a mirror for me became difficult. My doctor also recommended working out. Not only for my physical health, but he stated for my mental health it's a terrific outlet.

Off the bat, I essentially went on a starvation diet. I dropped 25 lbs in 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, I transitioned to the KETO diet where I lost an additional 25 and began working with a personal trainer. 

I had found my home. The adrenaline and release of whatever hormone i got post workout was SUCH a rush, it was awesome. 

After a few months working with a trainer 2-3 times a week and running on other days, I (of course) was now a pro.

I joined a mainstream Gym and trained myself, while continuing to watch what I ate.

I became obsessed with the scale, and to a point still am. THIS IS A BAD HABIT I AM TRYING TO BREAK. For everyone out there reading this, IT'S ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL AND HOW YOUR CLOTHING FITS, NOT A NUMBER ON THE SCALE!  

So the Gym provided me the "me time" I needed. My wife joined prior to me, so she gets her outlet as well. It's helped our marriage, stress levels and helped us both maintain a more healthy lifestyle. It made us happier really, because when you feel healthy, you feel happier.

Yes, we still eat pizza and donuts and gummies - just not all the time....Until Covid hit.

Enter March 2020, world on lockdown in fear of a virus rapidly spreading. Well, now what? I'm a stress eater, so...I ate!

Eating likely led me to some form of depression as I no longer felt good in my own clothing, and I wasn't as active, trying to juggle the many things everyone had to juggle at that time. Gyms shut down, and I had no weights at home and none were available for purchase. Running which I hated anyway became mundane and not good enough.

In June, the OG gym I was part of that trained me initially opened up, covid safe and outdoors. I immediately signed back up for sessions. I was placed on a new meal plan (counting my Macro and Micro nutrients) and was being coached 2 x week by the best in the business (If you want, his info, let me know. Gym is a training Gym located in Englewood NJ). Anyway, having gained 15 lbs since march, the goal was to lose 20+ HEALTHILY, all while getting stronger.

And so, I did!

By April I lifted 405lbs on a deadlift (look it up if you dont know) and was in peak physical condition.

Mentally, however, was very different.

Something was wrong.

Something was off.

I was getting headaches and dizziness and lightheaded often enough to make me concerned. My fear of Doctors prevented me from doing anything. I was frozen.

Through the urgent behest of my dear family members, I sought out professional mental help. 

I did my research and got to someone who I believe each session saves my life. She is truly terrific (DM me if you need her information).

She recommended a Psychiatrist who put me on regular medication to assist with my panic attacks and overall anxiety levels. 

Through their help, I was able to make the Doctor appointments I needed in March 2021.

1. Physical with my PCP, including bloodwork and even a follow up with bloodwork

2. ENT Appointment

3. Neuro appointment that required an MRI of my cervical spine, brain stem and Brain itself.

4. 2 doses of Pfizer Covid Vaccination

I passed all tests with flying colors! I was HEALTHY! 

OK, I had some issues with my neck causing some headaches and dizziness, but that's easily treatable with physical therapy and exercise and I WAS HEALTHY!

What a relief.

Then mid April 2021 hit.