#teeanger

I HAVE to study

I have TO study

I have to STUDY

I have TO study

I HAVE to study

• Beverly Marsh

• 17 years old

• female

• green eyes

• red hair

• student at Derry's High School

• Bill's girlfriend

Whenever I hear the word “anxiety” my interpretation of what it is and the personal experiences that come with it range variously. It’s not uncommon to hear about people developing anxiety, especially more so in the 21st century, but with the increase of open discussions, the ending stigmas of people with anxiety (regardless of their background), and ways to manage anxiety helps to shed light on a serious subject. As someone who was personally diagnosed with anxiety it left me questioning my future and how this seemingly debilitating disorder would affect my relationships with not only my family but with friends, teachers and classmates. Fast forward to May 2018 and I’m in a seemingly more stable place where I’ve learned how to manage my anxiety so that my anxiety couldn’t manage me. Although I do have my relapses with certain stresses (looking at you 10 page college English essay that I may or may not have procrastinated on) there are certain things which encourage me to slowly pick up the dropped pieces and put them back together.  

The first things that I turned to were physical and mental ways which helped manage my anxiety:

Meditation: Although you don’t have to channel your inner balance till it comes sparkling out of your chest, you definitely can take a break and sit back from whatever is stressing you out. Don’t be fooled though, clearing your mind and counting your breaths is more difficult than it looks, but don’t be discouraged. Meditation and learning how to meditate gives you the chance to separate yourself mentally and physically from whatever can be triggering your anxiety.

Journaling: This is a biggie for me as I practically hoard cute journals in a corner of my room and guiltily watch them get covered in dust and cat hair. However, this past year I’ve kept up a journal with entries that can either be a singular page or be five to six pages. Writing allows me to express the inner workings of my mind and all the thoughts that are often jumbled in my overworked teenage brain. Writing allows you to essentially have a private conversation with a book who won’t ever spill your secrets, worries, or beliefs. It’s also a type of therapy that trains you on how to step back and separate yourself from your anxiety as you write about what’s happening. Not only that, but it can serve as a reflection for what could’ve triggered your anxiety and how to avoid or handle those same triggers in the future. 

Music is your Best Friend: I think I could speak for everyone about how essential and useful music is. The ability to google your favorite song and plug in your ear buds before either jamming out or just relaxing affects our entire mood and perspective of everything happening around us. 

While those methods have helped me cope there’s also been another way which I’ve managed my anxiety, and that’s by turning to God and His Word. There have been multiple times where I’ve thought (and even believed) that I could handle the biggest tasks that life could throw at me, which is true...to an extent. The truth is that I’m only human and often there are more burdens on my shoulders that I could even carry let alone drag with me throughout my life. Yet, when reading what Jesus does for us and how he can help us, it lessens my burdens as I learn that he is there to take my own and help navigate the next step by managing my anxiety and worries. Some Bible verses that talk about anxiety are:

Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Psalm 18:6 “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him into his ears.”

Isaiah 41:10

Psalm 23:4

Psalm 13:5

Stay tuned for more and if you have comments or questions feel free to ask away! 

(Below are websites which address anxiety in more depth)

https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/anxiety-hotline/

https://adaa.org/tips#

https://www.headspace.com/