Having A Healthy Relationship With Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the US today. Countless people suffer from it and although sometimes anxiety can be an obvious illness, most of the time you cannot tell who is suffering from it and what they have gone through. For me, anxiety is very personal as it has developed from what I have experienced and has increased since becoming ill. Anxiety is also a difficult condition to understand as no two people are the same. We are all wired differently and therefore respond in different ways. Each persons experience is almost entirely unique. However, I believe we can try to form a healthy relationship with our anxieties. I know for a fact what I am scared of - not feeling well, strong or capable when going out - the average person around me doesn't even think twice about. 

I believe challenging our anxieties is a way to conquer them. I'm not sure about you, but I personally hate having the cloud of worry over me and I don't want to live in fear anymore. I hate second guessing myself and I wish I was more confident and capable all the time. In order to eventually get there I MUST challenge and push myself. You may have to gradually work your way to a big issue with small steps, but every step forward is a step in the right direction. Even if things don't work out or go your way the fact that you consciously challenged yourself and tried is an amazing step. It may take time but you have to start somewhere! Like a tree grows from a seed, in order to become that beautiful tree you must start small by planting the seed, then tending to the plant and slowly nurture it as it grows - that's right, you must constantly reward and coach yourself. 

One of my favourite quotes is "Believe you can and you're halfway there" and I really believe this is true. Believing in yourself, truly backing yourself is all you need. 

So the next step... 

• I know how difficult it can be to push yourself. How tempting it can be to stay in your comfort zone - to stay home where it is comfortable and easy, but this won't help you in the future. If you want to make change it is not going to be the easiest thing, you will have to push yourself. But I have done this, and I know you can too! 
• Whatever you may be anxious about try and think about the good things related to it rather then focusing on the bad. 
• Also, when you first start facing your anxieties I recommend having something with you that brings you joy, comfort or makes you feel a little more safe. For example, this might be having your phone with you incase you need to call someone, having a close friend come with you for support or carrying your lucky charm - I know this sounds cliche but it does give you a sense that you're okay.