How do people cope with anxiety?
I've had anxiety and panic attacks for so long and I'm still experiencing it but I find it so hard to manage it well. I've been referred to therapy so I'm currently on the waiting list and it's been 3 months now. I just feel like no one really takes it seriously and I feel alone having to deal with this struggle because its so exhausting mentally and physically :(
I used to be so productive and an outgoing person but the past year my mental health has been terrible to the point it gets in the way of me completing important assignments and it doesn't help that I always worry about so many different things at once and it can become so overwhelming. I struggle to even get basic tasks done and I stopped attending my lessons because I've been feeling so out of it and now that I have assignments to complete around the corner it doesnt help knowing that I wasted so much time and I'm just going to fail.
My parents always get into arguments which results in my mum leaving and always coming back and leaving again. The the other day I got into an argument with my dad because I defended my mum and he literally disowned me on the spot and said he doesn't care if I was dead or about my wellbeing. As much as I don't want that to hurt it does... sorry for the rant
Hi there,
I hear that you have been experiencing anxiety and panic attacks and it's preventing you from doing day to day activities. I can relate to you. I have an anxiety disorder and it does affect me a lot. I'm still working on it but here's some things that has helped me:
1. If you're having a panic attack and you finding it hard to breathe, hold you're breath for as long as you can. When I do this, my breathing goes back to normal instead of
hyperventilating. You can also use ice to calm anxiety. Put the ice on the back of your neck or forehead to shock your nervous system out of fight or flight mode.
2. Do research on CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). This has helped me analyze my thoughts process and figure out how it affects my emotions and behaviors.
3. Try reframing thoughts. Once you've figured out the thoughts you have that trigger anxiety, try to change them into sometimes positive but also believable to you.
4. Chat with a listener on 7 Cups. Sometimes talking it out helps calm emotions and you can come to a solution. You can also get a journal and write it all out. Getting the thoughts out on paper in front of you can help you organize your thoughts.
I'm proud of you that you're seeking help. It takes a lot of courage to advocate for your mental health but it should always come first. My private messages are always open if you would like to chat more about this 🤗❤️
Best wishes,
Sel
@sellistens Thank you so much! This means so much to me.
It's honestly been so hard having to deal with anxiety for so many months and I just feel like whenever I kinda take 1 step forward it all comes crashing down and I just end up this cycle of feeling anxious and constantly worrying about so many different things at once
Hi again,
Taking charge of anxiety is not linear. Sometimes we fall, but
we always have to get back up. I would definitely suggest writing in a journal about that CBT I told you about, or just writing in general. It will help you organize all your thoughts so you don't have to worry about different things all at once❤️ we are in this together ❤️
My private messages are always open
Sel
I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through such a difficult time. It sounds incredibly overwhelming, and you're not alone in feeling that way. The dynamics at home with your parents sound incredibly stressful, and it's understandable that it's taking a toll on you. No one deserves to feel disowned or invalidated, especially by family. Your feelings are valid, and it's okay to feel hurt by their actions.here are some suggestions that might help you cope with your current situation:
Practice Self-Care: Take some time each day to focus on self-care activities that help you relax and unwind. This could be anything from taking a warm bath, going for a walk in nature, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or simply listening to calming music.
Seek Support: Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or other supportive individuals who can provide a listening ear and emotional support. Sometimes just talking about what you're going through can help alleviate some of the burden.
Explore Coping Strategies: Experiment with different coping strategies to help manage your anxiety and panic attacks. This could include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization techniques, or keeping a journal to express your thoughts and feelings.
Stay Connected: While it might feel tempting to isolate yourself when you're struggling, try to stay connected with others as much as possible. Even if it's just a brief phone call or text message, maintaining social connections can provide a sense of comfort and belonging.
@ukiyoomi Thank you for understanding and being so reassuring! I'll definitely try take baby steps implementing those tips you gave because I've been doing the complete opposite the past few months where I isolate myself from everyone and stopped going out. Idk I just lost interest in alot of things including not attending my classes so now the workload is heavy which triggers my anxiety more
@Sugarapplefairy5 I really enjoyed reading this. Thanks for opening up about your feelings. You did an amazing job, my friend. I know that sometimes, it is not easy to open up. I am very proud of you, my friend. I truly am.
@calmMango9611 Thank you I always struggle with opening up and expressing how I feel so this means alot more than you think!
@Sugarapplefairy5 You're very welcomed my friend.