I have suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember. I don’t know exactly what triggered it off or if it was passed down in my family genes. My best bet is that I inherited it.
My mother’s side of the family suffers from different types of mental illness. Some struggle with anxiety while others from depression. I have relatives diagnosed with bipolar and a few with schizophrenia. As you can imagine, I have been around people suffering from poor mental health all my life. I saw how it affects people and I have first-hand experience of what anxiety is.
When I was a teenager, I started to notice that I wasn’t ‘normal’ (not that suffering from anxiety or any other mental health condition makes you not normal!). All my friends would be going out, enjoying themselves in parties, drinking and even smoking. They did what usual teenagers do while growing up.
Unfortunately, I failed to do any of those things. Instead, I locked myself away in my bedroom claiming I was studying . In reality, however, it was far from the truth. I would lock myself away from society and not tell a single soul how I was feeling- not even my family.
During my early years suffering from anxiety I was ashamed of myself and how I was feeling, I felt like an outcast and didn’t know where to turn to. I couldn’t even get onto a bus without having a panic attack that would make me get off of it after.
Over the years, I have slowly learned how deal with my anxiety. And this is exactly what I’ll be sharing with you in this article:
1) I found a hobby
I took up playing golf.
Whenever I play golf, I feel so relaxed and calm, especially since the golf course has a beautiful scenery and a nice calm atmosphere. There’s no noise apart from the birds singing happily away to themselves and a few occasional screaming in case someone hits a ball towards your direction.
Playing golf was my way of getting out the house and socializing. This alone helped me and my anxiety. I felt I could be normal and be a part of society again.
I strongly advise that you take up a sport or find a hobby that you’re passionate about. Not only will it take your mind away from anxiety, but it can help with your overall health as well.
2) I decided to quit smoking
When I was around 18, I started to smoke. At first, it helped me calm down when I was feeling really anxious. However, after a short while, it made me feel 100 times worse. Not only did I have bad breath and smell, but it made my anxiety stronger, too.
If it’s your habit to smoke, I suggest you quit it. I know it’s easier said than done, but, believe me, it will benefit you in the long run.
See Also: 33 Expressive Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt & Anxiety like Madonna
3) I started reaching out to people
I have already told you that I used to lock myself away and not tell anyone how I felt. It wasn’t helpful and I know it won’t help you, too.
My next piece of advice is to talk to people. Consider interacting with your family, friends or even partner and explain to them how you feel. Just talking to someone about how you’re feeling or what you’re thinking can make you feel much better. Keeping things locked up inside you will only make you feel alone.
See Also: 3 Healthy and Inexpensive Ways to Cope with Anxiety
Since implementing these 3 things into my life have helped changed myself for the better. I am no longer ashamed of who I am or how I’m feeling. I’m proud to be who I am and so should you. Start today and change your life for the better.