We are all built differently. Each of us has different coping mechanisms for anxiety. While some people remain strong in the face of turbulent waves, others are more fragile and break easily. There are many reasons why this is the case, whether it is due to upbringing, genetics, past traumas, environmental factors, or individual personality traits. Anxiety is a mental health condition that should not to be taken lightly. Just like diseases and infections affect our physical well being, anxiety affects our mental health. Sometimes, mental illnesses kill faster than physical ones. The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person. Whether the feeling is grave or minor, it is important to be able to deal with the symptoms. At one point in our lives, we might have had to deal with anxiety. Today’s INLEO prompt asks us how we cope with anxiety.
Anxiety and all strings attached to it can disrupt our daily activities if it is not well curbed. Over the years, I have had to deal with anxiety, although the symptoms were not crazy, they were strong enough to mess with my thought processes. I’m no psychologist or an expert when it comes to these topics, but due to my personal experience when it comes to dealing with anxiety, I have some insights to share. The first step in dealing with anxiety is to acknowledge that it is there. Acknowledge its presence. “Acknowledge that you are broken.” This is a phrase I read somewhere a long time ago. Although it might seem harsh, it is fitting in this context. If you’re dealing with anxiety and experiencing the symptoms whether mild or serious, it is important to accept that “you are broken.”
Being “broken” doesn’t mean you’ll be like that forever. It just means you need to be fixed to get better. Picture yourself as a table missing its fourth leg. Just because it is missing its fourth leg doesn’t mean it is completely useless and should be thrown out, all it needs is to be fixed. Accepting that you need to be fixed is a solid foundation that will pave the way for other coping mechanisms.
Anxiety can make you feel trapped in your little corner of the world. It makes you feel alone and that the world is against you. One of the best strategies to battle anxiety (the one that worked for me) is to talk to people. If you can afford professional therapy sessions, then go for it. In my case, I didn’t have the luxury of professional therapy sessions, but luckily, I am blessed with good friends who care about me and my mental health. All I needed was to talk to them and let everything out. My friends are professional in their own ways, and they always have the right answers and the best ways to go about matters. These past months, I’d been having weird dreams, causing me to worry so much. Sometimes they distract me and I get lost in my thoughts. At first, I thought I could deal with it on my own, but when it got worse, I had to open up to a very special person in my life, and that worked.
Talking to people about my fears and feelings will go a long way in tackling anxiety. It is important to talk to the right people, not people who will judge you. Be honest with them and tell them everything just the way they are. Battling anxiety is a gradual process that requires patience. With patience and good people around you, you’ll be able to overcome anxiety.
Thanks for reading.
Posted Using INLEO