Anxiety.
Anxiety is an extremely common, yet terrible, mental health disorder that include feelings of worry, overthinking, and fear of completing one's daily activities. It is very common from the ages of 14-60. Anxiety can take over your life and change your thoughts easily. Insecurity can be a symptom of anxiety along with, extreme stress, panic attacks, anxiousness, and sleepless nights.
Having anxiety can really suck the happiness out of you. Things like going to school, a trip to the store, a family event, or even getting out of bed can be hard for people with anxiety. I myself, struggle with anxiety. I remember the peak of my anxiety when I went through my first heartbreaking breakup about four months ago (October). My first real boyfriend and I had broken up due to family rules. We weren't supposed to be dating and his parents had found out, so we had to end things. This is a whole different story I will get into another time, but this is when my depression and anxiety had really peaked. I'm homeschooled, which was a plus considering what was going on. I didn't have to go to school and have everyone surrounding me and asking what was wrong. But being homeschooled didn't stop my mind from overflowing with thoughts. I felt nothing was worth doing. I felt I couldn't go on without him. Every negative thought filled my mind. I didn't get out of bed for four days with acceptation of going to the bathroom. All I did was cry, listen to sad music, and eat. Thank God, I had one of my best friends who lives across the street from me. She would come over to check in on me and just listen to everything I had to say. Oh and she would bring me food :). My anxiety has calmed down 90% and my life is the best it has ever been. I've learned several things that have helped calm my anxiety. First, you need to know that you are strong enough to overcome this evil disorder. You cannot let it take control over your life, because God has a plan for your life and it does not include anxiety.
1. Prayer.
This one should be obvious. Always pray if you have a need. God is always listening and he cares and loves you so much. For anyone who isn't in church or has never read the Bible, I suggest you start with reading the Word. Read your Bible every day, preferably in the morning, because you should always put God first. A way by doing that is by reading your Bible before you do anything else. Start your day with a reading and a prayer. Matthew 7:7 states, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." If you ask God to help you in a certain situation, in this case, anxiety, he will give you an answer. You won't exactly hear a whisper in your ear, but you will know when God has told you something. You can always talk to God, wherever, whenever. He is always listening, for he cares for you.
2. Listen to Music.
Listening to music can really calm you down. Of course don't listen to sad music. Listen to some upbeat music that can make you smile and dance. By listening to music, it can really draw away the focus from your thoughts to the lyrics. Stepping away from the problem can help clear your head.
3. Talk to Someone.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, go to a family member, close friend, or someone else you can trust. Tell them everything that is going through your head, even the details, so they can help you in their best way possible. Consider going to an adult because they have more experience, and can give you an insight on their experience.
4. Maintain a positive attitude and don't let it change your lifestyle.
Don't focus on the main cause of the anxiety. Live a healthy lifestyle and continue to go on about your day as if you didn't have anxiety. Put it to the side for once. If you focus on your anxiety, you will have trouble enjoying people's company and having fun. You only live once. Live you like to the fullest and be happy. Try to maintain a positive outlook on life and don't just focus on the bad. If you're overwhelmed with thoughts, take a look at your future. What do you want to pursue in your career? Do you want to get married and have kids? Look on the positives of the future. :)
5. Journal.
Keeping a journal is a great way to stay calm. Writing down your thoughts is kind of like a way of getting them out of your head. If you feel you can't sleep because you have too many thoughts, whip out a journal and write it down. I suggest keeping one in your night stand, long with a pen, just in case you're having trouble sleeping.
In conclusion, anxiety is terrible, but there are many ways to stop it from taking over your life. Don't focus on it and be happy. You can overcome anxiety. You are strong. You can do anything you put your mind to. God has a plan for you and it doesn't include a mental disorder. Kick anxiety out your life!
