Anxiety – challenging but not deadly

When a person experiences a tight chest, rapid heartbeat, tense arms, sweaty hands, inability to focus, and even fear of dying, it might be anxiety.

If you are experiencing these symptoms, first go to your medical doctor to make sure your symptoms are not caused by a physical ailment. This will give you accurate information that is not based in fear. It can also help alleviate the anxiety.

Take some time and go to the library or research anxiety online. Knowledge helps control anxiety. Understanding helps one not flip into a panic attack.

The feelings can be mild to severe, but no matter the severity, anxiety is real and not much fun.

Anxiety can become debilitating. It can prevent a person from participating in daily activities. Anxiety can take control of your life, if you let it.

I believe a person with anxiety has the ability to control much of the anxiety. A person can take control of the anxiety or let anxiety take control of them.

First tell yourself, “This is not pleasant but it is not going to kill me!” Say it hundreds of times. It is a true statement.

Next, make anxiety an annoying neighbor, not a terrorist. The more you fear and fight it the more power it will have.

When you start feeling anxious, physically put yourself where you are safe; sit down, pull off to the side of the road if you are driving, or excuse yourself from a room. Then stop, and identify how the anxiety feels. Describe it, and repeat the words, “This is not pleasant but it is not going to kill me!” And, remember to breathe! The fear or anxiety will usually fade quickly away. You will become aware of the anxiety, take control, and not panic.

Don’t be ashamed if you are anxious, it doesn’t mean you are mentally ill. It only means you have anxiety once in awhile.

If you try the suggestions and find they don’t help, go to your doctor. There are medications available that can help. Going to a counselor can also help. Sometimes we just need to talk about what we are afraid of; what frustrates us; what hurts us; and what is happening that is so unfair.

Don’t let anxiety control you. Don’t be afraid of it. Believe in yourself; that you can learn and make significant changes.

Until the next time: Live while you live!