Anxiety Be Gone

Hello everyone! I have struggled with anxiety for many years and I have slowly found some coping mechanisms that personally help me control my anxiety and prevent anxiety attacks. I hope this can help you all!

General Anxiety:

Prevent Anxiety

• Stay organized (write ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING IN MY PLANNER)
• Meal prep
• Prepare everything for next day the night before (outfits, purse, backpack, get gas)
• TLC (tender loving care) (baths, candles, naps, shopping)
• Distractions (music, show, projects)

During Anxiety Attack

• Remove yourself from the situation (go walk, go to another room, hang up a phone call, go to your vehicle)
• Grab something to fidget with (ball, paper, pen, color, makeup)
• Focus on your breathing (set a timer to only focus on breathing, place your hand on diaphragm to feel your breathing, light a candle and go smell it)
• Vent (journal, call someone you can trust, talk to a pet, pray)
• Have a weighted blanket (on your lap, chest, full body)

After Anxiety

• Recuperate (take a nap, bath, lay in bed)
• Grab your favorite drink (hot chocolate, tea)
• Cuddle with something you love (person, animal, blanket, stuffed animal)
• Watch/ listen to something (podcast, read, music, show, movie, video)
• Social Anxiety:
• Preparation
• Ensure you know a few different routes to take (if driving, walking, etc.)
• Words of affirmation (you’ll be okay, etc.)
• Have protection with you (whistle, pepper spray, taser)
• Make sure all devices are being charged (phone, tablet, headphones)
• Make plans for someone you trust is available just in case (talk on the phone, go with you, etc.)

During Social Interaction

• If alone
  • Have earphones in (listen to calming music/podcast)
• If with others
  • Think of calming things
• If you are freaking out
  • Focus on breathing
  • Have something to fidget with (anxiety jewelry, etc.)
  •  Remove yourself

After Social Interaction

• Reward yourself
• Make a goal for your next social interaction (mine is to go somewhere with a large crowd without my broth