Anxiety is a natural stress response, but when it becomes overwhelming or chronic, it can negatively impact your daily life, relationships and also your health. You don’t have to struggle on your own.
Sometimes you just need someone to talk to, that’s why we’re here. There’s no pressure and you can explore at your own pace.
Life's a rollercoaster, right? We're all on this crazy ride together, navigating the twists and turns of life. But let's talk about something that doesn't always come up in casual conversations – anxiety.
Anxiety is like surfing the waves of life, and suddenly a massive wave called anxiety comes crashing in. The thing about anxiety is that it's not just about stressing over a test or a crush; it's like having a storm inside your head, a whirlwind of thoughts and worries that won't settle down.
Sometimes, it hits when you least expect it – in the middle of the night when you should be catching some Z’s or during a seemingly chill hangout with friends. It's like a sudden thunderstorm on a sunny day, leaving you drenched in worry. It's essential to recognise that anxiety isn't just feeling nervous. It's that tightness in your chest, the racing thoughts, and the constant 'what if’s' that play like a broken record in your mind. It's the worry that somehow you're not enough, or that something terrible is about to happen.
Firstly, it's okay not to be okay. It's okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure. Secondly, talking about it helps – a lot. Whether it's with friends, family, a trusted friend, or praying to God sharing the load makes it lighter. Anxiety doesn't define us. It's just a part of the journey. We're all figuring things out, and it's okay not to have everything under control.
Finding coping mechanisms is like having a surfboard to ride those anxiety waves, here are some coping mechanisms to try out.
Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep, slow breaths to help calm the nervous system. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds and exhale through your mouth.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then gradually release different muscle groups in your body. This technique can help release physical tension associated with anxiety.
Connect with Others: Share your feelings with friends, family, or a mental health professional. Sometimes, talking about what you're going through can provide relief.
Physical Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, whether it's walking, jogging, or another form of exercise. Exercise is known to reduce anxiety and improve mood by decreasing the body’s stress response.
Create a Calming Playlist: Develop a playlist of songs that have a calming and soothing effect on you. Instrumental music, acoustic tracks, Christian music, or genres like ambient or classical can be particularly helpful.
Have you ever tried talking to God about your anxiety?
You can talk to God at any time and anywhere. You can start talking to God like he's there right beside you. Talking out loud can really help*. You can speak this out loud to God now…
“Dear God, I need your help. I’m feeling anxious. There are a lot of things troubling me at the moment and I need some peace and rest. Can you please help to calm my thoughts and show me what to do. Can you please show me that you are real and open my heart and my mind so that I can know you, Amen”
Amen means ‘let it be done’.
* If you can’t talk out loud that’s ok, you can talk to God silently (he can know your thoughts)