Despite the fact that most anxiety sufferers understand that anxiety in and of itself is not dangerous most still get extremely apprehencious when anxiety does strike. Most anxiety sufferers are also generally well informed about their condition, and yet we all tend to crumble at times and in our own ways.
The fact of the matter is that no matter how much knowledge you accumulate there really is no way to make yourself invulnerable to anxiety. However, even with this rather bleak realization there are always steps we can take to minimize the blow of any type of anxiety symptom.
Whether your problem is heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, frequency, headaches, disturbing thoughts, racing thoughts, panic, fear of losing control, or all of the above you can always remind yourself of what you already know to help you cope a little better.
I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have read about this or that symptom or tried to understand the function and systems that perpetuate this ailment and even with all this I remain anxious.
Despite this I have found that reminding myself of what I know, literally, does help me to calm down. This may mean that you surf the web, ask a friend or family member, or even keep a printed copy of the reminder in your pocket or purse to reference when anxiety starts to spin it’s ugly head.
Anxiety has the ability to absorb us fully when things go bad and as a result we sometimes neglect our capacity to think logically. Sometimes we simply need a life line to bring us back to our regular “base” of calmness.
When you feel panic, fear, worry, or begin to mull over yet another possible health issue just take a moment and find your reminder about the issue that is beginning to absorb you. Reference the information you’ve learned in the past to remind yourself of what you already know deep down inside but cannot trust when in the grasp of some hellish anxiety episode.
Many anxiety sufferers already revert to this strategy because I think it is a natural tendency to seek answers when problems exist, but for those of you that have not tried this it may prove effective.
Whether it’s a reminder to be happy, smile, or worry less about that eye tick or chest pain, it is always a good idea to remind yourself that regardless of your fear and worry you will be o.k.
Anxiety can be a cruel creature, morphing from one symptom to the next in my case. Telling myself to ride it out and I will be ok, if not today then tomorrow is a coping tool I use to get through the worst.
This is where my main problem is. I know that anxiety/panic won’t harm me, yet when it strikes…all rational thinking goes out of the window and i am left feeling terrified.
Hey Sarah, I have to agree with 100%. It seems it gets tossed out if the anxiety is cranked up high enough.
That’s why I have to constantly remind myself of things I already know to help me have a aha moment, at least gradual moments, of declining anxiety.
I’m so grateful for this website!
I’ve suffered from general anxiety disorder for over 20 years. I’ve taken a variety of medications; most work for a few years, and then I have to switch.
No matter the medication, I always try to “talk myself out of it” when panic hits. But this has become impossible, as my body seems to know what I’m up to! I just feel worse and worse, until the only solution is to take a pill.
Any thoughts?
A cure for anxiety? That’s a hard one. But in all seriousness Carol it is an up and down struggle.
Some people need meds, others meds and therapy, and yet others excercise, meditation or all of the above.
What works for you may not work for the next person, so I’m reluctant to give a specific course of action.
However, believe it or not trying to talk yourself out of it is a good first step. Self talk is a good part of any anxiety remedy.
Aside from all the obvious, there is also simple acceptance. I think a lot of us anxiety sufferers tend to “fight” the anxiety and in so doing increase tension and stress. This of course feeds anxiety, go figure.
Acceptance means to not just tell yourself your accepting, but accepting fully and even physically.
So in short, if meds have worked try different ones with a doctors supervision.
Also, try lots of stuff simultaneously. Many folks get stuck in a rut and don’t try different treatments at the same time.
For example, if meds are ok for you, you could try that, walking, and therapy at the same time. Sometimes being aggressive has to be an option.
In the end don’t give up hope. Sometimes you’ll feel very bad, others days you won’t. But don’t stop working on it just cause you feel better. Anxiety can be a life long issue and you have to make adjustments for the long haul.
Best Wishes
One thing that I have found effective when in the midst of anxiety is to check in with my current self. Some anxiety projects itself onto a fake or future self and can spiral out of control. When I’m feeling this, I try to check in with “real me” as I call it. Literally tune into my body…which is usually just hanging out, waiting for the mental onslaught to be over. This helps me get back to what I know…that what I was just feeling…was just anxiety running amok.
I’m so happy I found this website, your comments alone are a distraction for me aginst the anxiety. Reading through, letting my eyes see what I am trying to tell myself. Which is I know I’m not going to die or have a heart attack, its just the anxiety taking its toll on my body. I just don’t understand why all of the sudden I have this problem. I’m 18 and have never had any problems related to anxiety, only 2months ago I stopped smoking cannabis and my doctor has told me I am having withdrawal symtems and my body is reating out with anxiety. ( I was a heavy cannabis smoker, smoked everyday for ateast 2-3 years.)
Hi Anthony,
Hope you’re doing good today. Just wanted to tell you that you should not despair.
Sometimes anxiety can sneak up on you and catch you off guard – this in turn makes it seem strong and out of control.
But not to worry. Most anxiety bouts – even powerful ones – are short lived.
So, basically this won’t be as bad as it is now forever.
Things may go up and down for you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be the old you.
Just focus on solutions and not problems and try to relax.
Take it easy and don’t try to look for explanations for every single little thing you experience.
Best Wishes
“Take it easy and don’t try to look for explanations for every single little thing you experience.” -Paul
I have recently found this to be very important advice. It’s understandable that when you feel something new you want to analyze the crap out of it, turn it inside out, find the cause, etc.
With anxiety, I’m finding, analyzing really leads you in circles and just digs a deeper hole because it doesn’t always make sense nor have a rational cause.
Your explanation to most of anything scary if you have anxiety is that it IS the anxiety, not any undiscovered inner turmoil that you’ve repressed, or your brain suddenly “snapping”, and usually not any type of physical condition.
As Paul said, it can just pop up. It might be something you’ve had and it’s gone relatively unnoticed. My first real anxiety started around the same time (late teens), very out of the blue. Also, it is totally possible that physical withdrawals could be causing the anxiety or, if it is something you are naturally prone to, then it could be making it worse. Either way, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Great article. I didn’t know how I missed this one for the amount of time I’ve been reading/participating in this site!