Coping with Anxiety
In some ways, I think I’ve always suffered from a mild version of anxiety but perhaps, my self awareness didn’t really come into play until I repeatedly felt a certain way in specific situations. Perhaps like many people my anxiety manifested after a turbulent airplane flight, or after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, or after the disturbing mass shootings across the country in recent years. I can’t pinpoint a specific situation but I do know that becoming a mother has exacerbated these feelings. It’s made me feel things more deeply and of course, constantly fear for the safety of three little children that I brought into the world.
I try not to let these feelings overrun my life but I can’t deny that every time I get on a flight by myself, have a medical procedure or send my kids off to school that I always say a few quick prayers that I will get to see them again. Or that when I go to a movie or a concert that I don’t immediately make myself aware of the exits and a safe place to hide. It seems that these low grade feelings of anxiety are becoming more and more commonplace for me and while I can still go on about my day, in the moments I have to myself my mind tends to wander. It’s in those quiet moments that the worry sets in.
Thankfully, the topic of anxiety is becoming more mainstream and people are opening up about their own experiences. I know that some people deal with debilitating anxiety and what I deal with is really very mild in comparison. However, I don’t want to discount my feelings because they are really very real and can sometimes cause a lot of stress. At this time in my life I’m not on any medication for anxiety but I have found a few different techniques that help me cope with my anxiety.
Most often some sort of escapism helps me deal with my feelings of anxiety whether it be reading a book or watching a movie. I tend to gravitate towards period dramas, comedies or documentaries when watching movies - the less like real life the better. This probably explains my annual Pride and Prejudice viewings! Books follow along suit, I prefer something light, entertaining with endearing characters. Truly just something that I can get lost in and that helps me to pass the time without my mind wandering has been a huge help for me - especially when flying! When at home spending time working out and focusing on planning for something fun in the future are also tactics that help me cope. It’s taken me a while but I’ve found that different tactics work for different situations and that I need to constantly evolve them as my needs have changed over time.
Truly, I’m not an expert here but the point is that many people deal with anxiety and that’s ok. If you can test out your own coping mechanisms and find success that is wonderful but if you find that your feelings still overwhelm you please talk to someone and get help. Be honest and take care of yourself. Life is too short and it’s not worth missing out on its experiences.