Word of advice from an anxious person

[Nevermind_me]

To all the anxiety survivours,

1. You're stronger than you think. It isn't easy battling demons in your head. In fact, it's exhausting! For 25 years of my life I've been at war with myself. Sometimes I let the demons show, other times I don't. It takes strength to hide something so severe and fool others into believing you're fine. Trust me!

2. Anxiety isn't your personality. It's all in your head, not something that characterises you. You're a beautiful and complex human being. Don't ever feel you aren't, just cause somedays feel harder than others.

3. Anxiety is serious and can have an effect on your whole life. Don't ever let others tell you to 'toughen up' or make you feel that your problems are insignificant. These people are the problem, not you.

[missep123]

Oh wow Nevermind_me, what wonderful words to say!

I really related to what you said about 'anxiety isn't your personality' because sometimes I do become concerned that I am seen as 'that frantic or anxious person'.

I think also that our experiences really make us empathetic towards others and when someone else has anxiety then we can really understand them because we have been through it ourselves.

Thank you for posting that, I really enjoyed reading it and made me feel better!

[SarahZ]

Hello @Nevermind_me,

Thank you for your post! Those are some terrific and encouraging words, which I'm sure many people (me included) are super grateful in hearing. It's wonderful to see what a supportive community beyond blue is and I'm sure your words will be helpful for many people!

I'm sure many people can resonate to the 'some days feel harder than others' especially during the current circumstances. However, it's really warming to know we can always seek advice and support in these forums.

[Nevermind_me]

Hi missep123,

I'm glad to hear this helped! 🙂

Nevermind_me

[Nevermind_me]

Hi SarahZ,

I'm happy to help:)

Nevermind_me

[Jasjit]

Hi everyone!!!

In the past, I have also greatly suffered from social and generalized anxiety and phobias. And I would like to take this platform to share some tips and advice!!!

1. Anxiety happens when our internal chemistry is not at ease

2. There is an ongoing conflict between our internal and external world

3. But guess what? It is within us!! We simply need to connect our mind and body!!! We can conquer the world!!!

Once we understand our internal chemistry, the external world would not matter. So how can we do this practically? In reality? Though it sounds quite obvious what I have just said above. We can start by eating clean, exercising, and meditating on a daily basis. This is quite powerful!! By adding some form of meditation in our daily healthy lifestyle we can live to our fullest potential!!!

I did this and I completely reversed all my anxiety. Though I am not perfect, I do have anxiety but I can easily see my thought within myself and I don't let it bother my internal chemistry!

[Nevermind_me]

Hi Jasjit,

Thanks for the help.:)

I have been jogging lately cause I find it helps with my anxiety. I've also struggled (and still kind of do) with social anxiety. It find it terrifying talking to people face to face, but am slowly conquering my fears.

As you've mentioned, it's something that will always be there, but shouldn't let it control your whole life or actions. I'm glad to hear you have found other methods other than therapy and medication to cope.

Nevermind_me

[missep123]

Hi guys! I've been finding that this thread feels very supportive for those who have anxiety (including me!) and I feel like I'm being 'heard' and 'understood'!

Recently I made a new friend who has anxiety and it's actually kind of awesome how we have been relating to each other because of it. We 'get' each other and we laugh about it. I think when I can make light of it and be positive about it it makes it much easier.

I've started going back to the gym and eating healthier. Makes a huge difference! I want to start jogging again. I also need to master meditation!

[SarahZ]

Hello everyone,

Isn't it wonderful how supportive these forums are! I also have a similar personality/coping(?) trait to you @missep123 where I make light of my anxious habits sometimes as a way to feel more at ease. I'm currently still in lockdown but I'm really missing the gym! I think exercise is such a big part of positive mental health so hopefully lockdown restrictions will be eased soon. How does it feel being back at the gym?

[missep123]

Hi SarahZ!

Yes definitely haha, it makes it a very human experience and I think humour really helps to turn things around. I'm really missing the gym too! Exercise and the endorphins help me so much