i. speaks

Anxiety. A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Anxiety is something that a lot of people suffer from on a day to day basis. According to ADAA.ord, anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health conditions within the United States. These disorders can affect anyone at any age, race, etc. It’s important to really pinpoint what kind of anxiety you or your love one may have, and help them to get treated. 

I’ve suffered from anxiety since I was around the age of 2 years old. My mom signed me up for a therapy session with my current therapist, and ever since then, she’s been helping me cope with my anxiety. It’s hard to really feel calm in certain situations nowadays, but by taking the right steps and surrounding myself with my support system, I am able to take on my anxious thoughts and move forward…

A positive outlook is that anxiety is treatable, and there are numerous ways to cope with it. Here are a few steps you could take to manage your anxiety:

Take some time for yourself.

Putting yourself first before others when it comes to your mental state is so important. You need to be able to look after your well being before anyone else. This used to be one of the hardest steps for me. If you know me, I’m the type of person to always put the needs of others first before my own, and I never take my own advice. Fortunately, I’ve been able to reflect on myself and recognize that it’s okay to be selfish every once in a while for yourself. 

Speak to someone.

Opening up to someone can be very hard-trust me, I know. But it’s better to be real with yourself about the issues you are facing at this moment, and give yourself time to heal. Even if it’s talking to a family member, a friend, a teacher, or someone you trust in general; talk to them. Allow them to be there for you during your time of need. 

If you think therapy may be the answer for you, here are a few sites that assist you in finding the right therapist:

- Get Help

- Cast Centers

- Other

Figure out what triggers your anxiety.

For some people, certain things can trigger an anxiety attack. It may be helpful to really think about what you’re feeling in such an anxious moment, and try to make it visible in your mind. Thinking logically and realizing that you being worried may not be as tragic as you think could benefit one.

Engage in some fun activities! AKA distract yourself.

When in doubt, distract yourself. I engage in this coping skill many times whenever I feel distressed. Sometimes taking your mind off of your problems will help you ground yourself once more. While it is important to fully experience the agony you’re feeling, sometimes pushing it back until you’re ready to really deal with it can be helpful in certain situations. 

These are just a few of the many ways to cope with your anxiety that has helped me. You can also visit https://adaa.org/tips for a more in-depth understanding of anxiety, and resources to help you get through it. If you feel in any danger of yourself, please don’t hesitate to contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at (800)273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.