Letting My Mind Rest: How Coding Gets Me Through Those Rough Days

Lindsay Iveson — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 20:23:52 +0000

There's a stigma around mental health. Those who suffer from it, and the topic as a whole, are not treated with the care and empathy that's deserved.

This is why I'm here - to be open and honest about my story, help someone feel less alone, and demonstrate how coding can get me through my roughest days.

Ready for me to get candid?

I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety a few years back, and it was such a relief. I finally understood why I was so angry or felt on top of the world one week, to then crash so hard I couldn't even get out of bed. It explained why there was this constant weight in the pit of my stomach and always having my heart in my throat.

TMI? Probably. Important to share? Absolutely.

Since then, I've settled quite a bit, and have learned techniques to managing my emotions if it all gets to be too much. Sometimes it's meditating, taking a nap, or eating a PB & J; but since beginning my coding journey, I've realized that coding has also become part of my technique repo.

When I'm manic, I feel on top of the world, my head buzzing. Constant ideas bouncing around, never landing on one thing, because I can do it all. (Spoiler: It's exhausting!) But that's where beautiful, synchronous JavaScript comes into play. I can't just throw around functions or make random variables; I have to stop and think about what I need to accomplish.

doingGreat()

var arr = ["foo", "bar", "baz"];
var random = arr[Math.floor(Math.random() * arr.length)];

function doingGreat() {
  console.log(random);
}

doingGreat();

notSoMuch()

notSoMuch();

function notSoMuch() {
  console.log(random);
};

var arr = ["foo", "bar", "baz"];
var random = arr[Math.floor(Math.random() * arr.length)];

My beginning looks like this:

Start to code
Mind jumps a few steps ahead
Write my thought down
Repeat

But having to think step by step is so calming. It turns my notSoMuch() into a doingGreat(). Even if my mind whirls begins again after I'm finished, I'm grateful JavaScript can give my mind a rest for that moment in time.

(Now, that I think about it, I'm quite productive -- but I digress!)

If anyone out there is struggling with the same, I hope you get the chance to try it out; maybe you'll add this to your technique repo as well!

(Also, remember to always be kind to yourself during these times -- you'll get through it!)

Stuff I've Learned About Managing My Anxiety While Learning to Code

Lindsay Iveson — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 19:49:00 +0000

A little blog post about mental health, coding, and being kind to yourself.

I’ve been at a Bootcamp for about 4 months. It’s been rewarding, a struggle, and very humbling.

As a person who has anxiety, Bootcamp has been an uphill battle; yet it’s also taught me ways to manage my mental health. There are some of you out there who also struggle with this, and don’t want to share, but I’m here to help y’all out! (Because I was also one of those people).

Here are some things that I’ve learned recently, and have helped me so much. I want to share ‘em, even it only helps one person.

So, in the words of Mario, here we go!

One thing I’ve found that works wonders is having a designated space for coding. This helps get into - and out of - the coding zone. I would usually work in my bedroom or living room since it’s where I hang out the most. But, it’s important to have a space that is for you to relax and enjoy your time with family, friends, and Netflix.

It’s okay to take a break

It's not useful to stress about your app not working, or getting frustrated by not being able to solve a problem. Clear your head, change the scenery (!), and grab a drink of your favorite beverage (mine is Coca Cola). What has helped me out a lot is meditation. This doesn’t have to be a long 20-minute session with crystals and incense. It only takes 5 minutes to help you relax and calm that anxiety and frustration! I usually use a guided meditation, and my favorite app for this is Stop, Breathe & Think!

Remember that everyone is on their own coding journey

It might take you longer than others to understand constructors (guilty!), or figuring out how CSS positions work (also extremely guilty!). I know as a newbie, I compare myself to my peers far more than I should. And I have to remind myself every day that coding is a journey and not a destination (very corny but true!).

So, I hope this helps you out! Remember, be kind to yourself; you got this!

Forem: Lindsay Iveson

Letting My Mind Rest: How Coding Gets Me Through Those Rough Days

doingGreat()

notSoMuch()

Stuff I've Learned About Managing My Anxiety While Learning to Code