We can all get stressed or anxious sometimes. Worried or afraid of something happening, or obsessed about something happening in a certain way – so you are not alone.
A bit of stress is fine, sometimes it can help get things done. What’s not OK is when the anxiety gets so absolutely overwhelming that it stops you from doing things and makes you feel totally miserable. Having an anxiety disorder means that this response is causing you more problems than good.
And your anxiety might not look like my anxiety. I kinda have the high functional anxiety – you still get shit done, all looks good on top, paddling like a mother under cover.
When I was a kid, my anxiety looked like a sore tummy, not wanting to go to school, and being quiet and withdrawn.
When I was a young adult, my anxiety looked like drinking too much, too many relationships with guys who turned out to be arses, all to try and fit in, being quiet and withdrawn.
As an adult, my anxiety looks like staying away from people, drinking and eating to numb feelings, contracting my energy and turning thoughts inwards, sleep disturbance, functioning in survival mode.
As as mum, my anxiety looks like worrying I was doing everything ‘right’, staying home – isolating myself, distracting my self to not be present, doing what it takes to survive, checking on kids often (are they still breathing?).
So what helps me manage my anxiety?
Stopping judging myself
Expanding my energy outwards
Connecting with the Earth
Allowance and acknowledgment of feelings “this is the feeling of ….”
Drink more water than wine
Ask my body what it requires – instead of just stuffing food in
Checking in with kind friends
Move my body – go for a walk
Hugging my dogs
Knowing that these feelings are temporary.
If you would like to be heard, in a kind space, and have some tools to help your feelings of anxiety – get in touch.
