Believe it or not, there is plenty of good news about anxiety. For one, for most people it is temporary as I can tell you it would be impossible to maintain a constant state of anxiety; it generally ebbs & flows. Plus, I just read that anxious people or those who worry a lot are generally more intelligent than the average non anxious individual. Hey man, I am going to take any kudos I can.
However, let’s get back to the first point I made, it is temporary. And here is the one time you may not want to be in the present and you do want to focus on the future, and knowing the anxiety will pass.
As like any emotion or feeling, nothing lasts forever. You cannot be blissfully joyful indefinitely and you cannot be in a state of anxiety indefinitely. Knowing this truth can unwind you a bit, knowing the tense feelings will go away eventually.
Everyone is made up differently, but another good thing which can come out of anxiety is sublimation. To sublimate is a psychology term where you take a negative behavior and replace it with a positive one. When you’re riddled with anxiety, this can be a challenge, but if you’re able to force yourself to sublimate it is well worth the effort.
I know my anxiety stems from a lack of control, often not directly involving myself, but others and my reaction to being completely and utterly unable to control a situation around me which is indirectly impacting me (like my Dad when he was in the hospital & being two hours away from him).
Here are some ideas which help take my overthinking mind to a more serene state.
- Reading
- Cleaning if I cannot focus on reading
- Going for a run to build up those happy endorphins
- Doing laundry (as boring as it sounds it helps me feel like I am accomplishing something)
- Blogging
- Listening to relaxing music
- Prayer & meditation
- Taking friends up on invites out
I do understand that if your anxiety is unbearable or at a level you can barely function the above ideas will most likely seem laughable. I have had my moments in the past, where it all becomes too much and overwhelming. If you are at this level of anxiety, there is no harm in speaking to a professional, in fact, you should. If you’re worried about the stigma of having a therapist, don’t. If you feel like utter crap and like you cannot get out of your head, you best be speaking to someone, whether it be a trusted friend or someone like a therapist. If you are working, you can check with your organization to see if they have an employee assistance program, where you can be hooked up with a social worker to talk things out.
Talking helps, just make sure it is someone supportive as you don’t want someone giving you tough love when you are on the brink of breaking.
So, yes, if you are unable to sublimate, talk to someone, whether a trust worthy friend or a professional. Again, remember the feeling of being out of control it will pass. I can 100% guarantee you, it won’t last forever and you will laugh again, you will find joy again, you will be okay.
You will be okay.
Love & Peace – Rachel
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