Anxiety has been a HUGE part of my life for the past five years now. My family deals with anxiety, so I guess you can say I was doomed from the very start. I always struggled with some sort of anxiety, either it was social or just overthinking about things, but I would say it never really was bad until about five years ago.
I had a traumatic event happened to me in late 2015 where I was diagnosed with PTSD, so that’s when I believe it all really began. I was even put on medication for it (always researching the side effects of consuming the pill aka don’t make a rookie mistake like me). There were sleepless nights, hysterical sobbing about anything and everything. There were also times where my ex-boyfriend and I would argue over something I would overthink about. I would get so aggravated – it was just the little things that would trigger it. I’m only 21, but I feel as if I have found helpful ways to deal with my anxiety and I would like to share them with you.
Make time for yourself
The first and most important thing I learned how to do with dealing with my anxiety was to literally go to a room and shut the door. Depending on the situation, you can sit there for five minutes or you can sit there for five hours. A quiet room gives you the space to take a moment and just breathe.
Talk to someone
Telling someone that you can trust with your issues is very comforting. My mom has been a real big help to giving advice when it comes to dealing with my anxiety. She suffers from it as well and she understands what I am currently going through. Being able to voice your concerns really helps you to overcome them.
Find something you enjoy to pass the time
Exercising, reading a book, shopping, etc. are a great way to keep you occupied and not think about what you’re anxious about. I find myself enjoying exercising when I have anxiety because I feel like it helps me reach better results. It’s a great way to let off some steam.
Realize what you’re anxious about & get over it
The root of my anxiety is usually gone within a short amount of time. I feel as though the most simple things such as going in for an interview or sending your crush a text causes can cause a great amount of anxiety.
Just take a moment and realize what you are anxious about is not that big of a deal, and that you’ll get through it. Think about all of the anxiety filled moments in your life and how you’ve overcome it easily. Remember, what you fear in your head is a much more blown up version than what is actually in front of you.