These are scary times and based on what I have seen online, it appears that many, myself included, are struggling to find peace of mind. The goal in sharing my story is to hopefully make whoever needs to hear it feel less alone. We need to know that what we are feeling is okay.
Anxiety is something I have struggled with on and off since my junior year of high school. In the beginning, it was debilitating. I couldn't sleep. I couldn't eat. I was scared to go places for fear of having a panic attack. I was taking Xanax regularly (as prescribed by the lady in the white coat) to calm my nervous, racing mind and symptoms.
If you've ever had a panic attack, then you now how traumatizing it can be. And based on what my doctor told me, once you have one you are prone to having more. This is because they can be triggered just by experiencing the same physiological symptoms of the attack.
For example, my first panic attack happened in the middle of the night and it went like this:
- I woke up because my throat was swollen and I couldn't breathe
- My heart was pounding out of my chest
- My limbs went completely numb
- I could barely speak
- I was dripping in sweat but had the chills
From that point on anytime I experienced any of those symptoms, even from something completely unrelated, my mind went straight back to "Oh no. It's happening again." And I would essentially talk myself into having another attack.
Like I would wake up in the middle of the night during a sleepover (bless my friends' hearts that put up with me during this trying time) and I would start to worry and check my pulse and wake them up to distract me from going down the rabbit hole.
Thankfully, over the years I learned how to cope with these feelings. I found what my "triggers" were and found behaviors that helped me move past the nerves of an imminent attack.
I didn't drink caffeine for about 8 years!! This is because caffeine made my heart race and that feeling prompted nervous thoughts. (Real talk: How the ACTUAL EFF did I make it through college while playing sports????)
It took a long time, clearly, for me get a decent handle on things.
All this to say that the current status of the world has definitely been a trigger, and it is SO frustrating to feel that I am at times reverting back to my old ways of letting my thoughts get the best of me.
I would never wish this upon anyone, but it seems like more people suffer from anxiety from behind closed doors than we think. Actually, about 40 million people nationwide have some form of anxiety disorder, so I can imagine that someone out there reading this may be able to relate.
Here are some things that help bring me to my "happy place" and may be able to help you too.
- Exercise and fresh air: Natural endorphins and a little breeze. Name a better duo, I'll wait...
- Sunshine: Something about soaking in those warm rays brings me such peace and comfort.
- Be helpful: I learned this from Ed Mylett. It is nearly impossible to feel helpless when you are being helpful. Reach out to family, friends, or work and see if you can do something to make life a little bit brighter for them. I promise, you'll feel it too.
- Careful content consumption: Being mindful of the type of content you are consuming has a huge impact on your mental state. Trust me, I've been down the rabbit hole of coronavirus doom and gloom articles and I leave feeling so depressed. Instead, try to stay away from the news a bit. Read or watch things that make you laugh, learn, or grow.
- Be present: I struggle with this so freakin' much. I am so forward thinking that I frequently need to be reminded that all I have is here and now. "If you are living in the past, you are depressed; If you are living in the future, you are anxious; If you are living in the present, you are at peace."
- Light a candle: Inhaling your favorite scent is bound to lift your spirits. I know it's not in season, but I could sniff a DW Home Essence Pumpkin candle all day everyday.
I hope these tips are helpful for you, and I would love to hear what works for you! Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have. We are all in this together. <3
Love,
B
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