Anxiety can cause you to sweat.
Anxiety can cause trembling.
Anxiety can cause you to obsess about anxiety.
Here are some signs of anxiety:
- feeling on-edge
- easily fatigued
- difficulty concentrating
- muscle tension
- difficulty controlling worries
- difficulty sleeping
If you are reading this and you are having anxiety, here are some tips on how to deal with it. I am obviously not a doctor or therapist, so do not take this as medical advice. I am simply going to share what I did to overcome disabling, extreme anxiety.
Exercise
I exercise five days a week. I don’t enjoy it. There’s a reason why they call it “working” out. But I have found that exercise is a great way to release anxiety…and so I hit the gym hard for those five days. If you find yourself dealing with anxiety, head to the gym or start exercising in some format.
Get Solid Sleep
As I mentioned, when I had extreme anxiety, it was very hard to sleep. If you are not sleeping well, find some way to get back in a good sleep pattern. This may include relaxation techniques and/or sleeping aides.
Identify Triggers
Learn what situations or actions cause you stress or increase your anxiety. Work with your medical provider so you’re ready to deal with anxious feelings in these situations. Or if needed, eliminate some of the big things that are causing you stress.
Don’t Over-Spiritualize Anxiety
If you are experiencing anxiety, it doesn’t mean you are not praying enough or not reading your Bible enough. Anxiety is a physical condition and should be treated as such. Yes, anxiety is something you should give to God and ask for His help overcoming. But He normally brings healing from anxiety through doctors, therapists and mental health providers.
Get Professional Help
As I just mentioned, you may need to go see a doctor or psychiatrist. Seek professional help. Don’t be embarrassed about going. Just as a diabetic goes to see a doctor, so you can go to a mental health professional. Listen to them and follow their instructions. This may include taking anxiety medication as needed. Take the medications as directed. Keep therapy appointments and complete any assignments your therapist gives. Consistency can make a big difference, especially when it comes to taking medication.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
