Dear f1kk,
I am sorry that you are feeling so overwhelmed and things are being intense right now.
Anxiety goes in waves, sometimes we are at the top of the wave, and sometimes we are at the bottom. When you are dealing with high stress situations like school and exams, things feel like they are heavier. Your friends may sense you are in distress and not know how to help you. Or as a teen, sometimes you may focus more on yourself instead of others around them.
Feeling anxious and worried all the time starts with you - The interrupting the cycles. Mindfulness and self-care can help interrupt what you are feeling. They can be like a smoke alarm and interrupt what you are doing and feeling to have a moment just for yourself. To help reground you. If you can distract yourself long enough,you may not have the feelings return at the same strength.
Mindfullness may be:
- Coloring books
- Podcasts on breathing
- Meditation
- Grounding exercises using your senses. Sight,sound,touch,taste and smell.
Self-care:
- Bath bombs or Shower steamers
- A nice hand cream
- Some time out to watch one or two episodes of your favorite tv whilst studying for exams.
- Perhaps some stationary shopping to organize your exam study. Something cute and colorful.
- Self-Congratulations. When you accomplish a goal you have, treat yourself with a hot chocolate, a new keychain for your bag or give yourself an actual high five. Note the accomplishments you are making and not acknowledge everything you believe you aren't.
You don't need to FIX yourself.
You just need to re-direct your current path. You always have choices. So think of it as redirection, not fixing. If you go down one road and it doesn't turn out the way you want,turn back and go down another road instead. You are not failing,you are learning. And you are not alone. We are all learning, still everyday.
Please take care of yourself and keep posting new discussions if you need too.
It sucks to feel the way you feel, but it will get better. And your feelings are valid.
ABC01
