It’s Okay To Be Anxious

Not addressing, actively dealing with and coping with mental health is the problem. The stigma is horrifying. It’s okay to be anxious.

‘You’re not the problem. It’s human nature to worry, be anxious. It’s not about knowing that someone is there to help. But knowing that only you can help yourself.’

This is the only way I know how to deal with anxiety, to cope.

To write.

Whether it was an anxiety attack or just a bout of anxiety, I felt mildly anxious an hour ago.

I’m unsure as to the reasons but that’s not the point.

It might be over the tiniest thing, but it’s better out than in.

I don’t bother burdening other people with reasons anymore because it doesn’t help me, and impacts them.

I haven’t seen a counsellor in over a year.

Not because I don’t want to swallow my pride.

Because I’ve been in a state of ‘my normal’.

A swing of anxiety and excitement but nothing noticeable or that would cause alarm.

Maybe once or twice but I think I had written the blog before it happened.

Today, I had the sinking stomach.

I felt like I was gasping for air.

I felt uneasy.

I tried my methods to hold it back, but the non-necessity of the situation led me to leave.

I was at a very interesting talk, I wanted to speak to one of the guests afterwards.

I just couldn’t stay.

I love fresh air.

It always calms me, and with the chill in the air right now – it’s perfect.

As fresh as London air might be, it soothes the worries and decreases the anxiety.

I’m a highly-active and busy individual.

So continued and even varying levels of stress actually do a good job of keeping me on the straight and narrow.

But worry.

That’s different.

I don’t worry a lot these days.

But this week is a crunch week.

There is a lot to do and I’ve been focusing on one task.

One task that I think I’ve done well, but comparing to others that took the prerequisite module last year has got me in two minds.

I’ve followed the brief but there are nuances I don’t know about.

I’m slipping back into my old self.

Worrying too much about others and not focusing on myself.

It happens.

But it’s led to this bout of anxiety.

The event I had probably didn’t help this state of mind.

Sitting still for an hour, paying attention to someone speak is not something I’m great at normally.

With all that was going on, it probably was all a bit too much.

I feel better now knowing I’ve dealt with what might have been the issues.

The lesson here is to trust yourself.

Don’t worry about other people’s business that you can’t change nor influence.

Asking for help is good and encouraged, but not to the point where you depend on others for answers.

The only difference between me and the people in this photo is that they’re older, but we all have the same issues.

I would say I have a grasp on how to handle mine.

Just because it’s not always perfect doesn’t mean there is no control.

I accept I have anxious tendencies.

I work with what I have and do the best I can with that.

Stress is good for me, worry is not.

I suppose planning and better time prioritisation may have let to less worry.

I’m open and vulnerable with myself.

I feel a lot more in control now.

I know where I tried to trick my mind into overload.

Our body and mind need the same good treatment.

I went against my own teachings and that’s why I felt like this.

It’s okay to be anxious