It’s only been a few years since it became apparent to me that even though most people deal with anxiety to some degree, not everyone feels anxious virtually every waking moment.
I was already into my 30s before I realized that I myself felt acutely anxious nearly all day, every day. But I could not see the forest for the trees until I took a huge step back and examined myself honestly and thoroughly.
Now that I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, life is easier. But while I can deal with something that I am aware of, I cannot deal with something that remains in the shadows.
For people with anxiety disorders, our post-COVID-19-outbreak world can be immensely challenging. Whether you have an anxiety disorder or not, anxiety and fear is high for many people right now.
Fortunately, there are some practices you can adopt that can be very helpful—even life-changing, if practiced diligently.
1. Practice unconditional self-acceptance. No matter what you’re feeling, doing, or not doing, you do not have to live with shame or self-rejection. You are okay just as you are. You do not have to feel bad for feeling anxious or afraid. Self-acceptance, as well as acceptance of the moment at hand, is key to calming an anxious mind and body.
2. Deal with it when the time comes. Are you trying to solve a problem that is not here, now, in front of you to solve? This causes a huge amount of tension and anxiety, because it’s impossible. Look around at your immediate surroundings. What can you do here, now? We have amazing resources and capacity to take action when necessary, but we have no ability to take action in the future, only in the moment. Plan for the future as you see fit, but strive to live and dwell where you are: right here, right now.
3. Understand what is within your control, and what is not. Make a list of every anxious thought or worry or fear, and divide the list into things that you could do something about and things that are beyond your realm of control. Simply knowing what is what can ease anxiety and will clarify what action can be taken.
4. Do not procrastinate. If something can be done that you feel is worth doing, or needs to be done, do it. Even if you get one thing done in a day, even if it’s just doing the dishes or emailing the admissions office with that question you have about your upcoming semester, doing what you have do can be a tremendous relief.
5. Learn how to listen to your body. Sometimes I have a difficult time knowing what order I should do the day’s tasks in, especially now, without as much structure in my world. Sometimes I’m super anxious because I’m hungry and I didn’t realize it. So pause, breathe, listen, and then give your body what it’s asking for.
Of course, seek medical help, talk to a Camosun counsellor, or get any other kind of support you need to help with painful mental-health conditions such as chronic or acute anxiety. And hopefully these pointers will help.
Remember, self-acceptance is key. You are worthy of love and support, no matter how badly you feel.