How I Cope with Everyday Anxiety

It’s been quite some time since my last blog post. Honestly, I have been a little detached lately and even more so because a lot has been happening.

The last day of November was also the last day of my first internship as a content writer. It was a beautiful first work experience and the day was pretty emotional for me. Not only that, I also had an internship starting the very next day and my best friend of 21 years was getting married! A little too much for someone who has trouble keeping track of the millions of thoughts that pace through her mind every second of every waking hour.

Oh, and, I quit the very first day my new internship started. My anxiety was at its peak and it would’ve prevented me from making the right decision had I not countered the negative thoughts it triggered and the lies it told me. That’s why we are here today.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety, not to be confused with an anxiety disorder, is simply a sense of fear or nervousness that one experiences when under stress or faced with unforeseen circumstances. These can include giving a public speech, a sudden call from your boss, writing an exam you haven’t prepared well for, the first day of school or work, and so on. It is very normal to be apprehensive in these situations and how you tackle these feelings can make a world of difference.

However, if your feelings of anxiousness tend to interfere with your everyday life or have been persistent for over 6 months, you might have an anxiety disorder. If this is the case, stop reading, find the nearest mental health professional (even one online would be of help), and book an appointment. Do it now.

Ways to Cope

My anxiety prevents me from thinking clearly, working efficiently, communicating my thoughts even to ones closest to me. It lies to me constantly, puts me in a hell lot of confusion, skews my gut feeling, and prevents me from taking decisions crucial to my healing.

Nevertheless, so many months of living with these feelings has taught me how to bypass and cope with the negativity that anxiety brings with it. It should be noted that if you have an anxiety disorder (as I do), these coping mechanisms are simply shortcuts that cannot and should not be substituted for therapy.

Challenge negative thought patterns

Consciously stop yourself from spiraling into negative thought loops. Try to be aware and keep an eye out for thoughts that have the potential to trigger your anxiety. Ask yourself whether these thoughts are helpful and are telling you the truth. If not, back away as quickly as you can.

Learn to manage your triggers

Triggers vary from person to person. What is triggering for me might feel perfectly normal to you. Identify your own triggers and understand why they are making you anxious. Does it bring back a past trauma? Is it causing you stress? It can even be a phobia. Analyze your triggers thoroughly to stop them from making situations worse.

Get involved

Try something new, socialize more, talk to your friends and family, volunteer and participate in community events, do something for yourself, even if you despise it all. Take your time, but make it a point to put in some effort everyday.

Distract yourself

With time you’ll learn to identify feelings of anxiousness well in advance. If you are afraid to face your thoughts and triggers (and most of us are), try ignoring them. Distract yourself with whatever you enjoy doing. I understand this is a challenge in itself, but something is always better than nothing.

Be patient with yourself

If you force yourself to heal without putting in enough time, you’ll only make things worse. Your mind needs to process everything before it figures a way out. Don’t fret because you couldn't counter your thoughts today, give yourself credit for trying.

You are strong and worthy of every blessing life has to offer. Don’t let your anxiety tell you otherwise.

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