True Story: My entire life I have really struggled with Anxiety. I refuse to go to a doctor because I literally don’t want someone telling me something negative that I already know, so I guess you can say that I haven’t been “properly diagnosed”, but at the end of the day I’ve done enough research & have talked to enough people to know exactly what it is. I just don’t know how to deal with things at times so my body just kind of shuts down. I’ve always been very, VERY private about this- not out of shame at all but mostly because mental health has always been such a taboo topic that most people don’t want to deal with. Recently, mental health awareness has been more of a hot topic, including one of my favs, Taraji P. Hensen, openly talking about the subject. So at this point- I might as well too (LOL). At the end of the day, anxiety is not fun to deal with at all. It’s misunderstood, unpredictable, & most people don’t understand it so see it as an excuse. I’ve experienced all of these reactions talking about it in the past & have dealt with all of them as well. Below are a few things that have helped me sooo much in the recent years dealing with my little bursts of anxiety that I feel every now & then.
Do What Gives Your Pure Peace At Least Once A Week
For some, this could mean turning your phone off one night for a hour or so (HIGHLY recommend, just for sanity purposes ha!), or for others this could mean just a few weekly moments of solitude. I find peace in solitude, I am constantly running around at work & within my personal life that I love and appreciate so much the minutes that I can find to 100% spend by myself. With this time I sometimes choose to read a book, or write, or whatever it is that I feel like doing. Regardless- this time is mine. No interruptions, no dogs wanting to play- just me & whatever I want to do. This time has become so so important to me. Taking time to yourself is one of the things that I have discovered (both within myself& others) that is so essential in regards to coping.
“Taking time to yourself is so essential in regards to coping.”
Try To Figure Out What’s Wrong, But Only At That Moment
Many times when I am having one of my mini moments, I have noticed that I start thinking about everything that is wrong in the entire world instead of what’s truly wrong. Figuring out what’s truly wrong has helped me in many ways by narrowing down what’s actually wrong & minimizing any anxiety that I am feeling at then exact moment. When I am feeling a little anxious, I ask myself the below 3 questions:
- What happened today that is making me feel this way?
- What do I have control of right now to help me not feel this way?
- What can I change (whether it be my attitude, my mood, etc.) that will help me feel better immediately?
And finally….the most important that I have learned to ask myself in these moments:
- Regardless of what is going on that is currently stressing me out, etc., what is happening right now that is good & I can be thankful for?
All of these questions have really helped me in the past, but the last one always puts things into perspective for me, no matter what.
Photo by Vanesa conunaese on Unsplash
Don’t Be Scared To Talk About It
I recently reached out to one of my favorite gals, Jo (I call her Jo but her real name is Jordan. If you’re not following her on IG- go do so now! She’s a total Boss Babe & 100% one of my most favorite people), and it turned out we were dealing with the exact same thing. I never talk about my anxiety to others, because its such as cliche subject, but for some reason that day I did. It was so good to know that I wasn’t the only person dealing with that issue at that exact moment & actually made me feel better!
Talking to people is a tricky thing to do: talking to the right people can really benefit you, but talking to the wrong person can actually do more harm than good. Get people around you that you can reach out to- for good times & for bad! Having a strong support system is really important, especially for those of US who always have a lot going on & sometimes just need to vent.
Don’t Forget About Your Why
I wrote a blog post a few years ago titled “5 verses for the Anxious One.” No, this post didn’t go “viral” or anything and you can see there is not ANY comments on it, but the amount of private messages I received about this post was crazy! It was then that I realized that so many people deal with anxiety on a consistent basis & are truly just afraid to talk about it, or even admit it. For me, always going back to good ole’ Jesus (ha!), is another vital thing that I always make sure I do. Not just in any bad anxious situation, but any situation at all- good or bad, big or small. Remembering that we all have a reason & a purpose here on earth always keep me grounded & pushing toward achieving all that I want. Whether I am feeling up to it that day or not.
These few things have really helped me recently when I felt my anxiety acting a little cray! I hope these can help someone else & I would love to hear any tips you all have too!
Until Next Time!
XOXO,
B
Thanks for being transparent about your journey. As long as you know how to take care of yourself in order to continue each day, you will be fine. There are a lot of natural anxiety coping mechanisms. I practice grounding and people think I’m nuts but I’m like, ummm I’m doing it so I don’t feel like I’m nuts lol
Take care!
Thanks so much Dee! I agree with you..there’s so many ways to cope/deal available! It’s all about finding out what works for you!
XOXO,
B
I have dealt with anxiety as well and in fact I am seeing a therapist now for postpartum anxiety. I highly recommend it if you can. It helps a lot!
Yes! A few of my friends have done the same & it has helped them as well!
XOXO,
B
Anxiety can be super crippling, and as unfortunate as it is, I can see why people don’t open up about it as much as they should. I’ve always been a pretty open person, but I’ve even faced people who also claim to have anxiety who don’t believe my own stories and struggles with it. That kind of thing can really discourage a person from opening up and asking for help, but I hope the fact that more people are being honest about mental health issues, will mean that more people will continue to learn and be more understanding of them too.
Yes! It really is so misunderstood. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story as well!
XOXO,
B
What a beautiful post. I hope you inspire those who suffer from anxiety! I don’t know if I really have experienced like serious anxiety but I do have periods here and there. It can be hard in getting over it but you can do it!
Thank you so much!
XOXO,
B
anxiety is such a huge challenge most people have but rarely talk about
Yesss! I agree. It’s barely talked about.
XOXO,
B
How wonderful that you share so transparently about anxiety. It’s one of those things that most people deal with, to varying degrees, and yet everyone feels alone with it. I appreciate your tips and reading about what has helped you!
Yes! I agree- so many people are scared to talk about this topic.
XOXO,
B
Anxety is not an easy issue to deal with, thanks for you post x
I got so much out of this post, thank you! I don’t struggle with much anxiety but someone close to me does….totally helpful!
Of course!
XOXO,
B
I know so many that struggle with anxiety. I’m sure your post will help many. This is such important information.
Yes! Thank you so much!
XOXO,
B
Thank you for writing about something so real to me! I experience anxiety sometimes. I also find peace in solitude. If I can get some quiet time alone to read or write or just think, I am so much better.
Of course! I think it’s something that a lot of people deal with! I’m for sure the exact same way- my “me time” is so important!
XOXO,
B
Love that you’re being so honest about your anxiety! I’ve learned that talking about mine really helps me too. I know it isn’t for everyone, but seeing someone and getting on medication literally changed my life!
xo
Sami
The Classic Brunette
Yes, me too! Glad you enjoyed!
XOXO,
B