Living with anxiety is difficult, but it's even harder whilst in quarantine. Although many places are opening up again and things are returning to "normal", anxiety is still not easy to manage. During the last few months, I learned a lot about myself and my anxiety disorder. Some of my old methods worked and helped me feel better, while some of them did absolutely nothing. I even learned a few new ways to manage my worrying. If you're looking to feel better yourself or to support a loved one, you're in the right place.

Supporting yourself

1. Meditation

I know I know. This is one of the most basic pieces of advice people offer when you tell them you have anxiety. But it really did help me. I personally use an app called Headspace. Meditation has given me the opportunity to create more space for my feelings while not get so caught up in them. Mediation is also great because it taught me how to focus on my breath; which I can do when I feel anxious.

2. Journaling

I write in my journal every morning. This helps me track how I've been feeling, as well as giving me a space to let everything out.

3. Creating a support system

My support system consists of my family, my partner, a few friends, and until the beginning of June, a therapist. A support system is a group of people that understand your situation and are willing to help care for you. These are the people you can turn to when you're feeling anxious. However, be sure to set boundaries with them. For example, before I tell someone how I'm feeling, I always ask "do you have the space to hear this right now?" If they say no, don't feel too hurt! Everyone needs to take time for themselves.

4. Knowing your triggers

This is actually the most difficult part in my opinion. For a long time, I just felt perpetually anxious and I didn't think any one thing in particular caused it. However, I soon learned that there are particular situations that make me anxious, like too much auditory stimulation, phone calls, and picking up my prescription. Once you learn what your triggers are, it will help you understand what you need to do when the situation arises.

5. Forgive yourself

This is the most important thing on this list. It will be impossible to be perfectly calm all the time. There will be periods where you'll feel like you failed because you just can't seem to calm down. It's okay. You're trying to get better because you're here, reading this article. What matters is that you're trying to heal. It takes some time and you aren't any less of a person for being anxious.

6. Sticking to a routine

I find that if I have a regular daily routine, I'm considerably less anxious. That's why quarantine hit me so hard actually. My normal routine was completely disrupted. Once you establish a morning and nighttime routine, hopefully you'll find yourself feeling a lot more relaxed.

Supporting others

1. Know their triggers

This may be difficult, especially if your loved one doesn't know what their triggers are. But as they learn, learn with them so you can be there to offer support when they need it.

2. Reassurance

Personally, I need regular reassurance that I'm not annoying and that other people do love me. It may seem tedious being so repetitive, but I promise, your loved one will appreciate it.

3. Be patient

There will be times where your friend will handle their anxiousness very well. And there will be times where they can't. Healing isn't linear so please be patient with them.

4. Take care of yourself!!

This is so so important. Loving someone with anxiety can feel very draining sometimes.Ultimately, you need to take care of yourself first. Set boundaries. If you don't feel well enough to listen to your friend, tell them. In a kind way of course. Take time to rest and somewhat you love doing. As much as you are part of their support system, you are not responsible for making them better. Read that again. You are just as important.

Anxiety is a bitch. It isn't easy to experience and it isn't easy to help someone who experiences it. What's most important is being patient with yourself and being patient with your loved one. One last reminder: healing is always worth it, no matter how hard it gets sometimes.

Go forth and heal!

❤ A