ANXIETY: A few things to help your friend

 Anxiety is a word that is often misunderstood. It is a simple worry or fear which increases tremendously while performing regular work. There can be slight deviation to it, in terms of perspectives. I face it now and then, almost every day. The major issue with it is taking control of everything. I don’t let anyone drive if I am around. I don’t let anyone lead for I fear if things go wrong, he/she might not be able to handle it. I can go on and on. But we are here to look at solutions and not problems. I will tell you a few things that I know work. You can try them. Over time, you will also come up with a self-tailored response.

If you get an anxiety attack:

v Short term solution:

• Change the smell around: The atmosphere plays a vital role. Change the smell. Put up a fragrance that suits you that makes you feel great. I suggest Lavender.
• Give a pause to your mind: Take deep breathes 6-8 times. Count 100-1 or recite Z-A or some slow rhythm.
• Do some activity: Stand up straight, stretch your body, walk around, do some yoga.

 

v Long term solution:

• Sleep well: It relaxes your brain and makes it calm. Have a 7-8 hours of sleep daily.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine: Even though it might seem relaxing the moment you consume it, it affects the brain in the long run. Avoid them as much as you can.
• Start scheduling your work: Make a tentative schedule on what you need to do on the next day. Follow that the most you can. Don’t rely on last minute work.
• Write down your thoughts: Start keeping a dairy or a blog where you pen down your thoughts. You can even restrict the viewers.

If someone around you gets anxiety attack:

•  Don’t get frustrated: The one dealing with it might get irritated very quickly. They will do some insane things or say mean words. Don’t react to it. Just let them be.
• Don’t ask them to talk: What we do is ask them to tell us what is wrong. Don’t do that. She/he will tell you when it is time and he is comfortable.
• Have fun with them: Find out what makes both you happy, do it. Make them involved in this.
• Take care of yourself: Being around them, their conversations will have a deep impact on your brain. Make sure you keep your mind balanced.
• Stay around and be patient: It won’t go away in a day. Don’t rush through it. Stay around them and be available to them.

 

It is a long process. It takes time. These are not hard and fast rules. Mend it as and when required. These occur because of stress and hence it might not go away permanently. I believe we should look at containing and controlling it rather than trying to make sure that it goes away. It has helped me at time.

I can assure you, that one day things will be better. One day, you will be able to adapt and handle that amount of stress. Until then, don’t stress about this a lot. Understand the procedures to follow and work on them. I wish you have a healthy mind and body. Take care of yourself and your loved ones.