Tips on coping mechanisms
Today my anxiety is through the roof for obvious reasons, as a US citizen, and for other reasons too. Ever since I woke up this morning I've been on edge. Part of it was working with someone I don't know well, fearing messing up in front of them, accidentally sending something private to a parent (not anything naughty, I was just ranting about my bfs mom to a friend because she's been getting on my nerves but accidentally sent it to my dad :/ oops), and of course everything else today. I feel this impossible weight on my chest. Even if I'm not actively thinking anxious thoughts, the anxious feeling has lingered all day long. This happens more frequently than I'd like to admit. Usually I'm an overthinker but when it gets to be too much my body starts just shutting down, I can't really think straight, and I just feel like there's pressure on me from all around. So try as I may, I cannot relax.
Usually to feel better when I get this way I cuddle with a pet, lay down, meditate, distract myself, drink something warm, take a bath, try those grounding techniques, what have you. But lately, it just hasn't been working. My mind is still spinning and my body still feels like it weighs a thousand pounds and my chest feels tight. When other people get this way, what are your coping mechanisms? All I want to do is rant and talk about all this stuff bothering me and cry, but that's not something that can stop anxiety say in public or in important work situations. But my current methods don't seem to be working all that well anymore.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
@casiopea3199- Reread this post before replying. I am impressed by the coping methods you utilize to work through anxiety. Then I read again that what you really are wanting is to talk and discuss what has been bothering you. I hope you have some support system to allow you that avenue. You cannot be expected to bear all the weight of worries by yourself. Another obvious option is to reach out to one of the listeners on this site. I wish you the best and may we help shoulder your worries and lift some of the burden from you. Please take care.
@casiopea3199
Firstly, thank you for sharing your story with us! I understand how you feel because I have been there.
Secondly, you have been smart enough to try several coping strategies that are advised by psychologists. And true, thee strategies tend to reach a stagnation point. Your last few sentences indicate a need to talk to someone or let the emotions out. However, you're right. Talking isn't always possible, especially in public or work situations.
I usually carry a notebook and headphones with me. Music is great anxiety and stress reliever (white noise, Mozart, Beethoven, etc), and you can use the notebook to doodle, or write down what you are feeling. It helps a lot because the emotional buildup is avoided. If you are at work and have an anxiety attack, you could excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, wash your face, take a few deep breaths, and give yourself a pep talk (or maybe listen to a song or two) :)
