OMG! The Essential Guide To Anxiety And How To Manage It
OMG, have you ever felt that awful feeling of dark dread in the pit of your stomach? That terrible constriction of your chest that makes it feel as if your very heart would pop out, and that your lungs are gasping for air? Well, that is just some of the ways that people experience anxiety. In fact, for many people, fear is something that can wield a great deal of power over their lives. It can even start to control what they do and what they choose not to do and even begin to feel like a prison. Albeit one whose walls aren't visible. Of course, if you are experiencing anxiety like this regularly, you will want to do something to manage it, and yourself feel better. A topic that the post below is dedicated to exploring.
Everyone has it
The first thing you need to know about anxiety is that it is a natural reaction and that everyone has it. In fact, it is hard-wired in the very oldest parts of our brains. The purpose of it being to keep us alive in a dangerous environment. Something that when wooly mammoths were roaming the earth, and we lived in caves was entirely necessary.
Of course, now we don't live in caves or have to hunt for out safety and our dinner, you might expect that anxiety would naturally decline. Sadly, this is not the case, because the brain responds to all threats small, large, perceived, or real with the same automatic reaction. Something that means despite living in much safer times objectively, our brains are still continually scanning for any potential perils.
The kicker is that the way we live also means that springing into action or leaping to the side, usual physical activities for a fear reaction aren't possible either. Unless you want to look super strange next time your boss is walking across the room to ask you where your report is.
Of course, what that means is as a modern society, humans are stuck with a bunch of unpleasant anxiety that they do necessary need, and we can't expel physically. Something that can be really tough to deal with! The good news is, however, that there are some things we can do that will help us constructively cope with anxiety. Although, there are some less helpful ways of coping as well, a topic we will get out of the way first.
Maladaptive coping mechanisms for anxiety
There are three main maladaptive ways of dealing with anxiety. The first is to fight it. That is to refuse to entertain that there is any fear there at all. Many people do this with the aim of repressing anxiety and putting the lid back on the proverbial box. Of course, this can result in many problems, including greater fear and anxiety because our brains get into a loop where being anxious triggers the fear reaction.
The next maladaptive method is to avoid anything that could possibly make you anxious. Something that may work in the short term, but can lead to a very restricted and limited life.
Then there is the option of self-medication, something that we often associated with self-soothing behaviors that feature alcohol, food, or drugs. However, this form of coping can really take any kind of action, then goes on to have lasting adverse effects. Something that means any compulsive behavior such as shopping, gambling, and even self-harm could be included here as well.
Of course, I mentioned such coping mechanisms not to give you ideas but to show you what you need to be wary of falling into when suffering from anxiety. Although, please remember, if you struggle with any of these behaviors, there is targeted help out there, you can access.
Adaptive coping mechanism for anxiety
Now we have taken a look at the maladaptive ways of coping, it's time to go through the ones that are much more healthy for your mind and body.
Medication
Of course, the first one that needs mentioning here is medication. Something that can be used to help stabilize a person's mood and ability to cope with anxiety provoking situations. Thus, in some cases, allowing them to face them and realize they aren't so bad.
However, it is also worth mentioning that the traditional forms of medication prescribed for anxiety, including SSRIs and Benzodiazepines, can have side effects. In fact, that is why many people reject such treatments and use a more natural approach instead.
In particular, we are currently seeing a rise in the legal use of cannabis from places like this dispensary offering nyc delivery weed to treat anxiety conditions. Something that, as long as you have a prescription, is now allowed in many US states, and you can get it either in-store or online to be sent straight to your door.
People may also be thinking, “where can I buy delta 8 gummies?” as a way to help themselves through anxiety as well.
Of course, even with more natural substances such as cannabis, there can be disadvantages and issues. In fact, one that those smoking this substance often encounter is that it can leave a nasty residue on the tongue. Luckily, there are things like these Joint Filters that can be used to put a stop to that. Something that can make the entire process of using cannabis for anxiety relief a lot more pleasant.
Therapy
In addition to medication, it is also worth mentioning here that there are some other very effective treatments as well. One that often works in a much more thorough way that medication is therapy. This being because it addresses the underlying cause of the anxiety. While also providing patients with a map of how to change their behavior when reacting to it.
In fact, in recent times, therapy for anxiety has progressed beyond simple talking solutions and analysis to a technique known as CBT which you can read more about here.
Exercise
Finally, don't forget that part of the reason anxiety gets so bad is we don't have the opportunity to release it physically. Something that our ancestors would have done. To that end, increasing the amount of exercise you do, especially aerobic activity, can be incredibly useful when it comes to managing anxiety in the modern world.