It's not a secret that I struggle with anxiety. Pretty much everyone I've met knows. But I try my best not to let it get to me. I do my best to actively cope with my anxiety and not let it get the better of me. I own my anxiety not the other way around - at least when I can help it. Coping with anxiety is hard and sometimes all I want to do is stay in bed. It's hard, but I make myself get up. I try to find other ways to deal with it. And I'm not saying that these techniques will work for everyone, or literally anyone other than myself, or that this is easy, but I keep trying.
They major way I cope is by releasing the feelings as opposed to keeping them inside. This takes several forms for me. I write down whatever I am thinking to help get it out of my head. I have several journals that I alternate between for this purpose. Along with writing, I find drawing to help me as well. Any form to get the thought from my head onto paper helps to calm my mind. Even though I'm not a particularly good writer or artist just attempting to do anything helps me. I also use the note pad on my phone to write when I don't have one of my journals.
When it comes to getting the thoughts out of my mind I also try to talk to people. I have become very open about my struggle to pretty much anyone who will listen. Anyone from my therapist to my close friends to random strangers. Being open about my anxiety helps me with keeping it at bay. Keeping all my feelings inside is what led me to be so bad in the first place, so by talking about it I am helping myself to get better.
Another way I cope is finding a physical release. For some that might be exercising, for me, that comes in the form of drumming. When I get anxious I climb behind my drum kit and play myself out. The physical exertion not only takes my mind off of it but tires my out to the point where I can't feel anxious after playing.
Whatever method of coping works for you I hope you find it. Anxiety is not easy to deal with but you are not alone in this world. Anxiety is manageable in healthy ways. Keep on rocking, everyone. You are not alone!
