Co-Existing with Anxiety
I've often seen social media posts titled "____ ways to get rid of your anxiety" or "kick your anxiety to the curb." But how realistic is it to think that anxiety can be cured or kicked to the curb?
Anxiety is not a virus that you can cure with medications. It is not like a pathogen that you can ward off with a vaccine. Instead, I think anxiety is a little invisible friend that walks beside you every day.
Anxiety is the little voice that says, "what if this goes badly?" Anxiety is the hand on your shoulder that makes you hesitate before doing something.
Sometimes it is quiet. Sometimes it is deafening.
Anxiety is an imaginary friend that walks alongside you every day. They just want you to be safe. That's why they are always pointing out potential threats, hazards and problems. But sometimes, it can be exhausting having them chirp up all the time.
So, how can we learn to co-exist with anxiety?
Imagine your anxiety is a little imaginary friend. Picture them as a person, an animal or a mythical creature. Picture them walking alongside you down the highway of life.
You might like to give this little anxiety friend a name. You might not. It's up to you.
Take a deep breath when your anxiety friend starts word-vomiting 'what ifs' and 'I can't do this' sentiments.
What can you say to your anxiety friend to help them feel grounded, safe and confident?
Next time your anxiety grows louder and more present, close your eyes and picture your anxiety friend. Picture them walking alongside you. Think about what you can say or do to help them feel safe.
While this may feel a little out of the ordinary, silly, or childlike... give it a try. It may just be the shift in perspective you need to help you co-exist with your anxiety.
Disclaimer: it's important to acknowledge that while sometimes anxiety can be niggling and pesky, it can also be paralysing and overwhelming. If you experience moderate to severe anxiety, please consider linking in with a Counsellor. Our generalist counselling teams can help you work on day-to-day strategies to help you manage and co-exist with your anxiety. The advice and perspective in this blog piece are written with low to moderate anxiety in mind. If you experience moderate to severe anxiety or an anxiety or panic disorder, please consider linking in with a specialised mental health service.