My day can start off completely normal until I suddenly can't catch my breath and the world around me becomes a big blur. There are no true warning signs of an anxiety attack, which can be the most unsettling feeling of all. Those who suffer from anxiety live in a state of constant fear, dreading its unpredictable recurrence. While everyone has their own unique experiences, the common symptoms of anxiety are debilitating in nature. Since there is no known cure, I wanted to share some coping mechanisms of my own with hopes in helping those also suffering from anxiety.
1. Try to avoid fixating over things you can't control.
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In the midst of anxiety, you tend to over analyze everything. While in the moment that might be your first instinct, it's important to remember that not everything is in your control. If things don't go as planned, don't use it as an excuse to beat yourself up. Take the time to reevaluate what you can control and focus on that.
2. Seek out distractions to help you.
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Anxiety attacks tend to happen when you're feeling overwhelmed. Distractions are a great way to reduce the symptoms you are experiencing and ground yourself. Something in particular that I find helpful is listening to music, as it calms me down in a state of panic.
3. Find a place to go where you feel most safe.
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Getting out of the house for fresh air is the best medicine. My favorite place to go is the beach, as the sound of the waves crashing against the shore puts me at ease. If you can't travel far, going for a walk in your neighborhood will bring you a similar effect.
4. Confide in your friends.
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I can't stress enough the importance of having a support system, especially for those struggling with anxiety. Opening up to someone you trust can help tremendously in the healing process, and is much healthier than bottling in your emotions.
5. Practice self care.
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When you get overwhelmed, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself. The simplest things can make a difference in your overall mood, such as running a hot bath or trying a new face mask.
6. Don't be afraid to reach out for help.
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If you're really struggling, there is no shame in reaching out for professional help. There is no reason for you to fight this alone when there are people out there trained to help you. Asking for help doesn't make you any less of a person.
7. Never lose hope.
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You've already come this far, so there's no sense in stopping now. Every day is another opportunity for you to grow and become the person you've always wanted to be. There is beauty even in the midst of the darkness.
Despite what your anxiety says, you are loved and have so much to offer this world. Hope is a beautiful thing to have, so don't ever lose sight of it. For as many bad days you've faced in the past, I promise there are much brighter ones ahead of you to experience in the near future. While anxiety can be a powerful thing, you are so much stronger than you think and deserve to give yourself a fighting chance. One day you will find the peace that you are looking for, and every negative thought you've ever had will be a thing of the past.
