Facing Fear
As Thoreau said, “Nothing is so much to be feared as fear.” Anxiety is one of the most common reasons women reach out for mental health treatment. It was the reason I turned for help. Anxiety is described as “distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune” (dictionary.com). It can occur with physical (e.g. abdominal discomfort, nausea, headaches, tight muscles, rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, etc.), emotional (fears based on dying, going crazy, losing control as well as non-specific fears) and or fear based thoughts or worries. (www.psychiatrix.com) As I am learning how to cope with anxiety, I am inspired to share with others.
Although more women than men are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, it is suspected that women tend to seek help more quickly. ( www.psyweb.com) Anxiety disorder may occur at any age but it appears most frequently in early adult years. I first experienced anxiety at the age of 29. I soon learned that medications don’t cure anxiety, but they can help in controlling the symptoms.
With the awareness that medication is only masking the symptoms, many people seek alternative ways to help their anxiety. I had been doing yoga for several years and found it to help me deal with stress. Yoga embraces a behavioural approach because students are in a positive environment where they are taught to accept themselves and work at their own pace. The combination of special postures and breathing techniques found in yoga has been found to help relieve anxiety. (www.anxietyreliefmp3.com)
Doing yoga stretches has been one of the things which help me to reduce the frequency and duration of anxiety I experience. In addition, I have learned several ways to reduce my anxiety:
SET PRIORITIES
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” - Mark Twain. As simple as Twain’s advice sounds, it takes discipline to stop procrastinating and set specific goals.
For me, starting my day with prayer and reading the Bible calms me. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (The Bible, Psalm 46:1). I am reminded of God’s wisdom. “Faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.” (The Bible, I Cor. 13:13)
CHOOSE TO HAVE BALANCE IN LIFE
One of the ways I love myself is scheduling time for me. I participate in a variety of activities such as swimming, Nordic Walking, weight lifting, cardio exercises, reading and volunteering. The secret for me is finding activities I enjoy.
Eating healthy, drinking lots of water and going to bed on time sound like simple choices but they are important. Yes, I treat myself to dark chocolate, a little red wine and some late nights.
SCHEDULE TIME WITH FRIENDS OR LOVED ONES
I value friends as well as family and make an effort to connect with them regularly. Sharing our dreams and goals is important because we inspire each other. “A friend is one who knows us, but loves us anyway.” – Fr. Jerome Cummings. I thank God for the people in my life who encourage me to live in love – not in fear.
Louisa Phillips 2010 |
|
|
