Amy Deacon | Toronto Wellness Centre

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Sugar, Sugar!: Amy Deacon on Sugar Addiction & Anxiety

Posted by Amy Deacon

I have a full blown sugar addiction. I have for years, and I’m sure that if sugar were taken as seriously as heroin, I would have been admitted into rehab years ago. What also makes my sugar addiction a real addiction is the SHAME. Holy Moly.

Just to highlight the lengths I would go to in order to cover my tracks:

I had a secret stash.
When my husband told me he was going out, I would get SO EXCITED knowing I could binge without judgment.
When hubby was out, I would BINGE beyond the point of discomfort. My body would be in all sorts of pain. I would even get sweats!

While over the past couple of years I’ve gotten much better at moderating my intake (which I contribute to creating an overall better relationship with food), this past weekend was no Bueno!

It was Greek Easter. And I don’t know if it’s every Greek household or just our own, but if you are not passed out in a food coma post meal, something was wrong with the food and you’ve just insulted your host. While I left a little early to put our babe to bed, my husband was so kind and brought me back a plate of desserts. Which I devoured. In one sitting. My stomach felt off but I went to bed. However, throughout the night, I woke up periodically in a panic. And while it was only momentary, I felt frantic – and that really bothered me.

The more I reflected, the more I came to realize that historically speaking, there’s a pretty strong relationship between my sugar consumption and feeling anxious. And that’s not cool. It sounds terrible – but honestly, I can tolerate sugar messing with my body for a day or two. But my head? No way! I don’t have time to knowingly invite anxiety into my life. So I’m making a firm decision. I’m going to go 40 days with no added, refined, processed sugars.

I don’t care to get to a place where my life is completely void of sugar; however, I don’t want it disrupting me as I allowed it to this past weekend. And if cutting it out reduces anxiety, increases energy and makes me feel better overall – I’m down. Wish me luck! And if you have any tips or suggestions, send them my way 🙂

Amy Deacon is currently accepting new counselling clients at the Toronto Wellness Centre. Please call 416-920-2722 or send us an inquiry to schedule your therapy appointment.

This blog was originally published on Toronto Wellness Counselling.

Free 15-Minute Counselling Consults with Therapist Amy Deacon at the Toronto Wellness Centre

Posted by Amy Deacon

Starting therapy can be daunting, especially as how you fit with a new counsellor is of such great importance on your journey. We are pleased to give you the opportunity, without booking in advance, to have a free 15-minute consultation here at the Toronto Wellness Centre.

Visit us at 12 Wellesley St. West on Tuesday February 6th between 5pm and 7pm to meet Clinical Social Worker Amy Deacon.

If you are unable to make it to the drop in event but would like to connect with Amy over the phone, please call 647-952-2368.

The Heart of the Matter

Posted by Amy Deacon

We go to physicians to examine our bodies; dentists to inspect our teeth; chiropractors to explore the curvature in our spines – but what about our hearts? When was the last time your heart had a check up? When I speak of heart, I’m referring to the centre of you as a person; the space where you express and experience emotion, affection, enthusiasm and spirit. It’s an important question, as it is only when there is a healthy flow within our hearts that we can truly be at our best. Let me explain, when our hearts are healthy, we have space for our emotions to flow with ease; energy for the things that matter most; and perspective to appreciate the lives we have.

The flow within our hearts helps determine our ability to be present in relationships, focused at work and responsive to our mental, emotional and physical needs. However, for many of us, having a healthy flow can be a daily struggle. Throughout life, we experience betrayal and regret, frustration and anger, sadness and loss – many of which are normal parts of life. However, when such experiences remain unresolved, we risk creating a ‘build up’, which blocks the flow of our hearts. As such, genuine feelings of love and happiness are difficult to experience because we’re clogged with lingering resentment, anger,guilt and fear. This lack of flow can stifle our most important relationships with our partners, families, colleagues, and most importantly, ourselves.

If this is something you relate with, please know you are not alone. All of us experience chapters in our lives in which we feel our hearts are blocked. And the good news is that there is so much you can do to get your heart flowing as it is meant to. Connecting with a therapist, joining a support group or spending quality time with those closest to you are great ways of mending your heart. As a therapist, my work is to help individuals safely explore the contents of one’s heart, including both your strengths, as well as those areas that are in need of restoration. Remember – your heart is the most central part of who you are, so do take the time to check in, and give it the attention it so deserves.

Amy Deacon is currently accepting new counselling clients at the Toronto Wellness Centre. Please call 416-920-2722 or send us an inquiry to schedule your therapy appointment.

This blog was originally published on Toronto Wellness Counselling.

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