So, why am I even talking about this? Because to me it's important. I don't know the statistics of it, but I'm pretty sure there's a good portion of people that have anxiety. And I realized something about my own anxiety, and if sharing this can help just one person who has anxiety then writing this is worth it.
There's different kinds of anxiety, and I could explain them if people want to know because I am pretty familiar with most of them - or at least have a pretty good understanding of them. But, the anxiety that I am talking about is General Anxiety Disorder. Sometimes there can be a literal reason for the anxiety we experience, sometimes there's no reason but the anxiety is still there and still effects our lives. And it effects each person differently. And the levels of it are also different for each person. I can function with my anxiety - well usually I can - but some people cannot. It can effect people physically, emotionally, mentally, socially even spiritually, so basically on all levels.
I've learned something about my anxiety though and for some reason I feel the need to share it. I think it's important for everyone - regardless if you have anxiety or not - to understand the why's of the choices and decisions we make in life, and why we may react to things.
In school I was never one to raise my hand to answer a question. A teacher usually had to call on me and ask me for me to say something. Now I know - this was due to my anxiety or fear. There were times that I did have the correct answer, but if I had this .1% of doubt over it I'd fear that it'd be wrong so I never said anything. I don't want to do something the wrong way, especially if someone asks me to do something for them. So, a lot of them time I wait until given specific directions in certain situations, or I ask questions about something I already know the answer to just to double check because I don't want to do something the wrong way.
A lot of people tell others with anxiety to "calm down, chill out, take a chill pill" or other comments that may have a good intention about them but usually do more harm than good. And actually do the opposite of what the person is saying.
People with anxiety know it doesn't make sense. We know it's irrational. But, it's also extremely difficult to control or to make go away. The other day I was talking to a friend and was having some anxiety over something and I remember saying to her that I didn't understand why I was having so much anxiety at the moment and she said to me "Anxiety pops up whenever it wants. It's definitely not on our schedules" and that is so true.
There are cases where a specific thing triggers anxiety. Driving for example has always been one of those for me - to the point I literally used to not drive places. With the help of a friend I was able to push myself through that anxiety. And that was no fun. But, 90% of the time now I can drive with barely any anxiety. It's still there but it's not intense and doesn't stop me from driving. Although, certain circumstances with driving do definitely cause anxiety.
I could probably go on for days talking about this subject.
But, I guess if you struggle with anxiety. Find something to calm you down, get your mind off of the fact that you have anxiety, or if there was a trigger. Listen to calming music, go color, go run, write, draw, paint, read, pray, call a friend, write a letter, message or text to someone and tell them something you find wonderful about them... whatever it is that won't be harmful to you, but will help at least a little bit. Find at least one thing and do that when the anxiety arises (if possible given the circumstances). If you're in public, take a bathroom break and just try and breathe. Meditation is apparently really good for anxiety, but it's never been something I've actually gotten into, and personally I think it might be difficult to actually do during anxiety - at least when it's intense.
For those who don't experience anxiety but know someone who does (I bet you know do - actually if you know me you do lol). I know it can be frustrating and confusing and make no sense. Try and be patient and loving. Use kind words with someone going through an anxiety attack. Let them know their feelings are valid. Please don't try and tell them you understand if you don't. Don't try and tell them to stop it or calm down. Ask them if they need a hug - some want one, some will freak out even more, so just ask. Talk with them, talk them through their feelings - although this is another thing some people don't want to do that. I know frustrating. You don't always know what to expect, we all react differently under anxiety. Some people want to be left alone, actually some people might go mute during an anxiety attack. Don't freak out if that happens. Research anxiety further and when your friend or loved one is not experiencing an anxiety attack talk to them about it, ask them what they would like for you to do if you're with them and they experience it.
As you can see my thoughts go all over the place. I hope this makes sense? I hope this can help someone out. These are my thoughts. And my experiences. Feel free to ask me further questions related to this topic if you want or if my words confused you.
But anxiety is real. It's not fun for anyone. It's hard to control and get through. But, with work it is possible. We just have to figure out the tools that work best for us.
A lot of people tell others with anxiety to "calm down, chill out, take a chill pill" or other comments that may have a good intention about them but usually do more harm than good. And actually do the opposite of what the person is saying.
People with anxiety know it doesn't make sense. We know it's irrational. But, it's also extremely difficult to control or to make go away. The other day I was talking to a friend and was having some anxiety over something and I remember saying to her that I didn't understand why I was having so much anxiety at the moment and she said to me "Anxiety pops up whenever it wants. It's definitely not on our schedules" and that is so true.
There are cases where a specific thing triggers anxiety. Driving for example has always been one of those for me - to the point I literally used to not drive places. With the help of a friend I was able to push myself through that anxiety. And that was no fun. But, 90% of the time now I can drive with barely any anxiety. It's still there but it's not intense and doesn't stop me from driving. Although, certain circumstances with driving do definitely cause anxiety.
I could probably go on for days talking about this subject.
But, I guess if you struggle with anxiety. Find something to calm you down, get your mind off of the fact that you have anxiety, or if there was a trigger. Listen to calming music, go color, go run, write, draw, paint, read, pray, call a friend, write a letter, message or text to someone and tell them something you find wonderful about them... whatever it is that won't be harmful to you, but will help at least a little bit. Find at least one thing and do that when the anxiety arises (if possible given the circumstances). If you're in public, take a bathroom break and just try and breathe. Meditation is apparently really good for anxiety, but it's never been something I've actually gotten into, and personally I think it might be difficult to actually do during anxiety - at least when it's intense.
For those who don't experience anxiety but know someone who does (I bet you know do - actually if you know me you do lol). I know it can be frustrating and confusing and make no sense. Try and be patient and loving. Use kind words with someone going through an anxiety attack. Let them know their feelings are valid. Please don't try and tell them you understand if you don't. Don't try and tell them to stop it or calm down. Ask them if they need a hug - some want one, some will freak out even more, so just ask. Talk with them, talk them through their feelings - although this is another thing some people don't want to do that. I know frustrating. You don't always know what to expect, we all react differently under anxiety. Some people want to be left alone, actually some people might go mute during an anxiety attack. Don't freak out if that happens. Research anxiety further and when your friend or loved one is not experiencing an anxiety attack talk to them about it, ask them what they would like for you to do if you're with them and they experience it.
As you can see my thoughts go all over the place. I hope this makes sense? I hope this can help someone out. These are my thoughts. And my experiences. Feel free to ask me further questions related to this topic if you want or if my words confused you.
But anxiety is real. It's not fun for anyone. It's hard to control and get through. But, with work it is possible. We just have to figure out the tools that work best for us.
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