There’s no shame in having anxiety. I’m pretty sure we all have at least some anxiety. The world is a scary place after all. And yet as far as I can tell anxiety is a pretty taboo topic and there aren’t any clear cut steps you can talk to cure yourself. Some people have suggested meditation. Others cannabis. Alcoholics have sponsors, meetings, and a 12 step program. Shouldn’t anxiety sufferers have the same?
I think they should so I came up with my own version of a 12 step program, a list of things an anxiety sufferer can do to ease the pain. In no particular order:
- Find a sponsor. The one person you can absolutely count on to calm you down when you’re at your, “the sky is falling”, absolute worst.
- Know that you are not alone. Your friends and family are here for you and will help you through this. Let them.
- Be your own advocate. No one knows your body better than you. Know when to speak up and seek help if truly needed. Don’t take no for an answer.
- Start talking to a therapist. What is the root cause of your anxiety? Figure out your issues and attack them head on. Face your fears. Don’t give into the anxiety. If you talked yourself into this, you can talk yourself out of it.
- Stop doom scrolling. Limit your screen time. Spend more time in nature getting fresh air.
- Establish a happy place. When you’re starting to panic calm yourself down by thinking about the one thing that brings you absolute joy.
- Get into a sleep routine. Always go to bed sixteen hours after you woke up and don’t use your bed for anything other sleeping. Train your body to know that your bed is a safe space.
- Stay busy. Start new projects. Take on new hobbies. Don’t give your mind any opportunity to wander aimlessly.
- Become an open book. Don’t hide your anxiety from others. There’s strength in numbers and comfort in knowing that others around you are going through the same thing as you and yet are still able to function normally.
- Write a will. Put your mind at ease that your affairs will be in order if something does actually happen to you.
- Pack a go bag and keep water/medical supplies/change of clothes in your car. Be ready to go to the hospital at a moment’s notice and always be prepared for any situation.
- And most importantly of all: become more open-minded. Meditate. Try new things. Let your body drift to sleep at night.
Obviously it’s important to note that I am not a doctor or healthcare professional and this list may not actually help you. But I mention it as a means of getting the conversation started and in hopes that maybe I’m on to something.
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