Life is hard. If you struggle with anxiety or depression
disorders, you know how difficult it can be. It's like your brain is your biggest
enemy. The scariest part is that you can't get away from it. You often feel
like you’re caught in a rip tide you can’t get free from.
We've been hearing a lot about these issues lately-whether
it be about Robin William's suicide, or Demi Lovato's openness about her
struggles. This is a big issue right now.
Since I have started school, my anxiety issues have come up.
It's kicked in because of being in a new place and new expectations. Yet, I am
finding that I am better at handling my issues than before. A few years ago, I
couldn't handle them as well.
It's not an easy thing to deal with day to day. Medication is one thing,
but there are things that medication can't fix. Sometimes little changes along side it can have a very positive impact.
Do something you
love
I know something that helps me is blasting music through my
earphones. I am a music lover, and there is something so soothing and
comforting about it. If this blog is any indication, I do a lot of writing.
Find something that you can do that is therapeutic for you. And, yes, it is perfectly
fine to have a hot fudge sundae sometimes. Or a chocolate chip cookie.
Get active
If my anxiety gets bad enough, sometimes I have just have to
move. Going for a walk and getting outside can be very beneficial. Or, even
turning on your music and dancing like a crazy person can help. It helps create
good feelings and puts you in a better mood.
Have a strong
support system.
Have people that you can go to when you're having problems.
This is one of the most difficult ones for me, since most of my anxiety is socially
based. However, I am getting better about opening up if I really need to.
Having people you can trust is essential. Lean on your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are supposed to encourage and help one another (1 Thess. 5:11, 14).
Change your
thinking
If you think, "I'm so stupid" or, "I'm so
ugly", stop and try to look at the facts. Why are you calling yourself
'stupid'? For me, I sometimes tell myself this because of my social issues and
learning disability. I try to take a deep breath and think this: "Yes, I
made a mistake. What can I learn from this to do better next time?" Then I
try to move on from it the best I can-even though it's not very easy to do so
at times.
If you think "I'm so ugly" (which I'm sure many of
us do at times) ask yourself why you're saying this. What triggered it? Did
someone say something? Is there something beyond your control (scoliosis, acne)
nagging at you? Is it really true?
You are God’s masterpiece-curvy, skinny, tall, short, and
whatever else-you were made by His bare hands. You were made in His image.
(Gen. 1:26, Psalm 139:13-16) As a Christian, your beauty should be defined by God.
Pray!
This is probably the most important. I remember the words of
Abraham Lincoln: "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the
overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."
Sometimes, you need a good cry and a prayer. Let it all out
to the One who created you. Tell Him how you're feeling, even in you can't
pinpoint why you are feeling that way. People may fail us or are
unavailable, but God is there 24/7. Ask Him to
give you wisdom and strength to get through your struggles.
Remember-Satan will try to use your illness to destroy you.
(1 Peter 5:8)
If you are physically harming yourself, or contemplating
suicide, please tell someone! There are better ways to cope than harming
yourself. Trust me; there is always a better option. Just being brave and
admitting you need help is the first step. It can and will get better. It may
be hard to believe at times, but your life is worth living!
These are little things that are very helpful to me. I
sincerely hope that something I've said can be helpful or encouraging to
someone.
