After a trauma I experienced in 2016, I was unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.
I had only ever experienced what I would call normal everyday anxiety prior to 2016, for example being nervous for a job interview or nervous about a test or exam.
Anxiety is something that you live with every day and is a very emotionally draining experience, it can hit hard and fast at any given time with no warning at all. Having experienced anxiety attacks and panic attacks in the early days and suffering with them for two years, I decided to do a little research on how to alleviate anxiousness.
I found that for me, if I feel anxious or overwhelmed that listening to music or a podcast would really help to clear my busy mind. Going for a walk also helps to clear my head and work through some of the anxious thoughts and figure out if they are something I can sort easily. If all else fails then a phone call to a friend always helps.
Every now and again I also list five positive things that I am grateful for in my life, and this always helps to put things into perspective if I have had a particularly rough week.
I always keep an open dialogue with friends and family around mental health as it is still quite a taboo subject. People are always shocked when they find out I have anxiety as I am quite a happy-go-lucky person. I am very lucky to have a strong support system in place and my colleagues are amazing at supporting me when I have a bit of a wobble.
Always remember
If you’re struggling with anxiety, talk to the people who care about you the most. Family and friends might not be aware unless you tell them, and it can be a huge relief to simply speak to someone about it. Most people will understand, and they may be able to help when they know that you’re going through a difficult time.
Your GP is always an option if you don’t feel comfortable sharing your thoughts with someone you know – they can offer talking therapies or another local service that can help. If things are bad and you need someone to talk to urgently, The Samaritans can be contacted at any time, in confidence, by calling 116 123.
Article by Lowri-Ashley Greaves
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