Mental Health Awareness

I have been fairly quiet this past month on my blog! I have been dealing with my own personal issues, which stemmed from stress from work. This increased stress has led me to develop anxiety. Back in January of this year, I went to see my primary care physician. Upon her entering the exam room and our discussion began, I turned into a big crying puddle of mess. After our discussion and brief exchange, she diagnosed me with anxiety disorder and depression. It was a shock to me to be diagnosed with depression. I never knew that my positivity turned to negativity was a link to depression. I was good at hiding it, or so I thought.

After that day, I have been on a journey to heal myself. The anxiety started in November of last year, when every morning I would wake up sick as a dog. I would immediately become nauseous as I made my way to work, and upon sight of the office building, I would have panic attacks. It wasn't until the second half of winter break for my kids that I thought,  I need to go to the doctor. I was of work for an entire week in vacation and still woke up feeling the effects of the anxiety. 

Mental health is no game! You have to take care of yourself! My kids are my life and I have to live for them. The stress became so bad, I had gotten a skin infection, which subsequently led to a swollen lymph node right under my chin (picture below).

 

Gross right! After completing two rounds of antibiotics, the infection went a way and the swelling went down. Thank goodness. 

As for my treatment, well, I go to a work-stress group weekly and see a therapist every other week. I am also on medication management. As for work, well I still work for the same company, but they are modifying my work until my job can find another program to worn for, while waiting for a note from my doctor (which I fear I won't get). In the meantime, I'm taking it day by day! 

One of the activities that I enjoy the most is doing my makeup. I have not been blogging much to share my make up looks! I am hoping I will get back to my old self and showcase my makeup on at least a weekly basis. I did my makeup Friday to show how I was feeling, which was fairly good compared to the last few days ! So here is my look!

Face: all pur minerals!

 Eyes: BH Cosmetics liquid eyeliner Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Ebony 

Lips: NYX and MAC LipGlass 

So, until next time my loves! Here is to healing and hope! Also, May us National Mental Health Awareness Month!!

Johannah W.

Review Alert: Colgate Optic White

I have been given the Colgate Optic White Toothbrush with built in whitening pen compliments of Influenster. I really enjoyed this particular VoxBox because I am all about my teeth. I am always using whitening toothpastes and products to help with this! This product boasts the ability to whiten teeth in up to two days, so, I accepted this challenge! You be the judge:

Day One

Day Two

The difference is not too dramatic on me, but I did notice a slight difference! I'm going to keep trying! 

Side by side comparison

Pros:

1. The toothbrush is firm but not stiff

2. The whitening pen fits securely at the bottom of the toothbrush for storage

3. Easy to use

Cons:

1. I don't like the taste and consistency of the accompanying toothpaste. It doesn't foam up as much as I like

I am not sure of the cost, but I received five coupons in my VoxBox, so I plan to stock up. Colgate Optic White recommends, after finishing the product, to repurchase again in approximately three months, so it appears this is for use on a temporary basis. 

Best Wishes,

Johannah

P.S. #BrushWhitenGo