I am going to talk a little about a very sensitive topic. Though this topic is not to be ashamed about, for anyone for that matter.
Dealing with anxiety has been a daily struggle for me since after my youngest was born (now 5). I’m not sure if it was post partum, hormones, change in body chemicals etc. I just know I made a mistake of not going back then to the doctor when it all started to get it fixed.
Everyday, I have this fear. A fear that won’t go away so easily. My mind just dwells on this fear and I sometimes make myself crazy. Now, there are times where there is a day or more that go by and I feel great. I don’t feel this fear. And when I think about it, I feel stronger then that fear. But then there comes days where the fear can hit mildly and I can cope or it can hit pretty hard and I just want to go to my bed and lay down and be alone.
Anxiety is not something we need to be ashamed about. I’m sure more of the population then not deals with some form of anxiety. To me, it’s a natural way our body functions. Now don’t get me wrong. It’s not “normal” in a sense where we need to live with it. There are so many things that we can do to help get rid of our anxieties whether short or long term. Some people may have mild anxiety while some may have it to the point where they’re depressed (and yes, I have had bad anxiety to where I ended up feeling depressed and just wanted to cry). The anxiety can surprise us at any time of day or night. It can hit us right when we’re at a happy moment and ruin it. It’s very unpredictable, but we must be prepared to try our best to push it away.
For me, my anxieties are lessened when I have family and friends around and we’re enjoying and laughing. I literally forget about all my fears. It’s amazing. I wish it could be like this every minute of the day. Normally though, my anxiety hits worse at night, after I have put the kids to bed. I end up “bored” and my mind starts racing and I start thinking too much and then the fears just kick in. Now, some have said “go watch a funny show or movie.” This for me doesn’t work as when I am experiencing anxiety, I can’t watch anything as my mind is thinking and I end up not paying attention to what I’m watching. What I find does help is my Instagram and blogging. Why? Because no matter how hard my anxiety can hit, I try my best to continue posting and seeing when people like and comment etc makes me feel much better. Call me weird, but that’s my hobby LOL. A couple years back, I used to make girls headbands and that kept me so busy and kept my mind off the anxiety. I say, anyone suffering from any sort of anxiety (and depression) should find that one hobby (or more!) that they enjoy and keeps them busy.
But reality is, these hobbies can’t keep our minds off anxieties 100%. But it’s a good way to keep it off as much as we can. I know many take medications from doctors to alleviate their symptoms. And they feel great! I am not against medications, but for me, I’m just not a fan. I think taking them would cause me more anxiety, but that’s because the fears I have. I have done acupuncture which was great! I should go back thinking about it. I have done the tea’s for anxiety and those did help as well (I would drink it in the morning and would feel a sense of relaxation if I woke up too anxious. And at night as well). There are also supplements I am going to try that I hear great things about like Ashwaghanda, L-Theanine, Magnesium and more! And upon googling and knowing people who personally take those, I am willing to go for it as I’m more about natural approaches.
There is one major anxiety reliever though and I feel everyone should have this. When I’m really anxious I talk to my mom or my sister/sister in law and they help me feel at ease. They calm me down and tell me everything is ok. And I need to believe them because after all, it’s just anxiety and it’s playing with my brain and I know my thoughts are irrational. And sometimes I feel I make them crazy because I repeat myself day after day, but because their understanding and support, they keep working on helping me. Do not be afraid to talk to anyone about your anxiety if you haven’t yet. Find that one person ou feel comfortable with and explain to them what is going on. I’m sure they will respond with “I am here for you whenever you need.” And yes, I do help friends as well who have anxiety. Weird isn’t it? They come to me and I calm them down etc, yet why can’t I calm myself down like that? Wish our minds worked that way!
So not to keep going on, but anxiety is a very common mental illness and those suffering like me should not be ashamed. Let’s keep instilling positive thoughts in our minds because positive always outweighs the negative. The more positive we are, the better we will be.
If you want to chat more, you can DM me on Instagram at Instagram.com/thestylishmommy (@thestylishmommy) or email me at thestylishmommy88@gmail.com. I am happy to help!
But like I sid, be POSITIVE and as my mom says, “Don’t worry, be happy!”
The Stylish Mommy 