I already had an article written; all set and ready to send in. However, I wanted to take some time out of my day to write something that is very relevant in my life right now. My anxiety has been flaring up ever since our fall break. This is not something new, I have had anxiety for quite some time now. However, with the recent passing of World Mental Health Day- (I know it was on October 10th, but better late than never)- I feel as though it is important that we do not glamorize anxiety and depression. Sadly, it is something that occurs more often than not these days. Everyone experiences anxiety and/or depression differently. If “ an estimated 31.1% of U.S. adults experience any anxiety disorder at some time in their lives,” how can we not experience it differently? Recently, I have found that saying you are sad or anxious and immediately following up with “it’s okay” does not make it okay. Talking about it demolishes that pesky mental health stigma. For example, my anxiety always manifests in ways that are difficult to describe.
I would depict one of those feelings as homesickness. I recently moved and the transition has not been easy. I used to be able to hop on a bus or drive home for the weekend if I wanted to, but now I can’t. I rarely did, but I liked that the option was there. I know that “home isn’t a physical places” and “home is where the heart is,” but even though I am surrounded by people: I feel lonely. I miss the comfortable relationships that make up a sense of home. I miss the comfort of the long friendships I have had all of my life, the comfort of my mother, the emotional support of my dogs, and I miss my dad.
Secondly, I am just feeling tired. I am really enjoying my time at college, I am involved in campus activities more than I have ever been before and I am finally feeling good about my declared major. However, it takes time getting used to a busy schedule. In relation to that, another awful thing my anxiety does for me is that it creates unnecessary anxiety around school work. This upcoming week is a stressful one; it is prime midterm time. Ask anyone around campus and they will probably say the same thing. Even though it is a stressful one, I feel like I have everything under control. I have started almost every assignment, I am wonderful with time management and, overall, I know I am trying my best. When I see everyone else around me stressed out about their upcoming assignments, my mind starts to wander. I am not stressed so am I doing something wrong because I am not stressed? It is a never ending cycle that eventually wears me down.
It gets exhausting really. However, I know that this feeling cannot last forever and I am hopeful that it will get better soon. So, in honor of World Mental Health Day, here are five reminders that might help you last until Thanksgiving break:
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It is okay to ask for help. There are so many resources and their main purpose is to help you; even if you do not like the traditional mentality of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. There are support groups, online support, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and so many more ways you can reach out and ask for help!
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Medication. It is not uncommon to help that chemical imbalance in your brain. There is a nasty stigma around medication but in some cases it might be helpful. Taking a medication does not have to be a life long decision; sometimes it can be for a few weeks and up to a few years. And for those who may already be on medication, call your doctor and ask about a change in your dose for a few weeks.
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Practice Mindfulness. Mindfulness does not have to be meditating and deep breathing. That never worked for me so I found other ways to be mindful. For example, I love to play the piano and sing. It allows me to stay in the moment and focus on the task in front of me. Another example is used by a dear friend of mine. She likes to put on a full face of glam make-up because it allows her to see the progress she is making all while staying in the moment. (See a theme here?!)
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Find Your Coping Skills. It is so easy to find coping mechanisms that work for you on the internet. One of my favorite coping skills is the 5,4,3,2,1 Method. If you do not know about it, you can check it out here: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspx
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Create Time For Yourself. Yes, studying for midterms is important. However you won’t do well if you do not take care of yourself! So, make sure you build in something you enjoy into your day. Recently I have decided to paint all of my favorite flowers. You could even go for a walk outside! Also, GET OFF YOUR PHONE. You already have midterms going on, you do not need to be wasting time scrolling through Instagram.
Sources used:
https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics
https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/treatment https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.shtml
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml