Anything&Everything

Anxiety

2019 was a crazy year for me. I graduated high school, I got into the uni I wanted to and I also started therapy. If you ask me what the biggest thing for me out of all of that is, I'll probably say therapy. Might sound insane or crazy to some people but for me, at this very moment, it's the most important out of all of that.

I have been struggling with anxiety for a long time now but I only was really "diagnosed" with it 6 months ago. What I have is called chronic anxiety and chronic stress. And right now I am learning how to cope with that better and how to reduce the effect both of these things have on my life.

Things that make me the most anxious are conflicts with people close to me, different big (and small) events and any other situation where I feel like I am not in control of it. You might say that for many people those things can be uncomfortable, but for me, or any other person with anxiety, it's another level of discomfort.

Increased heartbeat, shaking hands, dizziness, feeling like a chill is running down your spine, problems with breathing, vision, nausea and many other symptoms. Doesn't sound fun eh? And it definitely isn't.

Another huge thing that comes with anxiety is overthinking. My biggest enemy. I overthink EVERYTHING. Every situation needs to be thought out to the last bit. Every bad scenario has to run through my head, every possibility of something going wrong. And only after all that is done, and I feel at least a bit more in control, I can calm down.

The main thing about anxiety is feeling like you have to control every single little thing. If you don't do that and something happens - panic attacks occur.

Unfortunately, I have experienced many of them in the past months. And all I try to concentrate on when they happen - is my breathing. I recommend putting your hand on your chest, closing your eyes and taking super deep breaths. Sounds so simple but it's really all you can try to do in that moment. Just feeling your heart beating and knowing that you are alive and everything is actually okay is so important and helpful.

I have so much to say about this. And i'd really really appreciate if you could ask me some questions or give suggestions on what to talk about next regarding anxiety, or any other mental difficulties.

My point here is to familiarize other people who have never experienced anxiety, but maybe have friends or family members who struggle with it, on what it is, how to help, what to say/ not say to a person during a panic attack, etc. I just want to help.

I am really hoping that I'll be able to do more parts where I concentrate on certain things a bit more. Hope you find this idea interesting.

I love you guys❤️