Living with Anxiety

Google defines anxiety as an intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear but honestly, it can’t really be defined to one thing. While anxiety for some is a fear or worry of a certain thing or situation, for others it is completely generalised and not related to anything in specific. ¼ of Australians will experience an anxiety condition in their lifetime, while one in 7 are currently experiencing an anxiety condition. Females are more likely to experience depression and anxiety and so it is very common that you or someone you know will experience a kind of anxiety in their lifetime. 

I first started having panic attacks at the age of 8 years old where I would often get to about lunch time at school having been fine and then suddenly feel incredibly sick and go home. It was my Grandma who realised every time I would come home I would suddenly feel better again, helping to realise it was anxiety and not me being sick every day. Anxiety can come in all forms whether that be more generalised or in panic attacks. While these are often portrayed in movies as seeming maybe an over exaggeration, for someone experiencing it , it may really feel like the world is closing in on you. Perhaps the most common symptoms I used to feel would be shaking, sweating, heart racing, ,nausea, tears, lack of concentration and a surreal feeling of feeling like you could not escape and everything just needed to stop. I remember having one so badly in my HSC trials exams that I almost had to leave. But overcoming it each time and persisting through a situation despite your panic attack can be one of the most powerful things to move forward and realise that you can be in control even when it feels like you never will be. For a lot of people I know who suffer with anxiety it can be really tricky as outsiders may perceive you as unfriendly, reserved or secluded but sometimes people with anxiety can find it draining and scary to be in social situations a lot and find having time on their own in a quiet space therapeutic. I know many times in the past I have had to call in sick to work or leave a party because for no reason I was shaking , in tears or felt like I was going to pass out. It can be debilitating and it is important to speak up and find people you can talk to and solutions to help you. What might help you may not always help someone else. It is also important to know that if you aren’t ready to seek professional help, talking to a friend or family member can still help. 

While every person feels it differently and in different ways, causes can also differ. For some a phobia or a traumatic event or situation may trigger the feeling, while other times it may simply be brought down to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Some people may be prescribed antidepressant or medications such as SSRIS ( personally I have tried these and made me worse while for others it can make the world of difference.) Some of my favourite ways to help me feel less anxious are: 

·       Go for a walk

·       Have a hot bath 

·       Listen to music or a podcast 

·       Suck on an ice cube/ drink a glass of cold water

·       Have a cold shower 

·       Call a friend 

·       Practise deep breathing (count for 4 in through the nose, hold and out through the mouth slowly for 4) 

·       Do some yoga or exercise you like 

·       Bake something or colour in , find a fun activity to distract you 

·       Read a book