What To Do When Anxiety Returns
"I don't know what happened! I was doing really good and then all of a sudden, the ANXIETY came back full force. Now I can't sleep, I am worried all the time and my head feels foggy like it's going to explode. I just can't deal with this anymore."
This was part of one of my recent conversations with a client who out of respect for her privacy, I'll call Blanca. For years, Blanca suffered from intense Anxiety. She worked hard with her therapist at reducing her symptoms and at taking back her life. Her hard work paid off. She felt more in control of her emotional state and in how she responded to stress. Unfortunately months later, her progress came to a halt. Just like many people who suffer from Anxiety, she was surprised to be faced with symptoms like heart palpitations, chest tightness, pacing thoughts and sweaty palms. Blanca expressed frustration with having to deal with her Anxiety once again.
Blanca's situation is all too familiar for Anxiety sufferers. Anxiety that is reactivated can leave you feeling not just frustrated but also like they are a failure. It's understandable to feel this way especially when you work so hard to overcome to find yourself right back in the very beginning.
Today I want to reassure you that if you are struggling to get your anxiety back under control, you are not alone and you are not a failure! Anxiety can and will be retriggered by circumstances that you may not even be consciously aware of. Take a look below at the many ways you can get back into action so that you are taking control and not just letting Anxiety control you.
Let go of the guilt over having to deal this one again. You are human and are capable of controlling your anxiety.
Accept what is happening rather than trying to ignore or hide it.
Start taking notice of how you have been living your life and begin to make the necessary changes to reduce stress.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from a family member, a loved one, or a professional.
Change is difficult and many times very much needed. Don't fear change. Instead embrace it.
Take one day at a time. Look to focus on today rather than trying to control tomorrow and the days that follow.
Stay away from catastrophic thinking. Statement like, "Nothing ever goes right for me" or "This always happens to me" can be self destructive.
Focus on using coping strategies consistently and regularly (ie: practicing deep breathing exercises daily will be more impactful than only when you are in a state of crisis).
We are all in control of our own mental health and well-being. Remember that you get to decide your next step. Be proactive...choose your attitudes & also your moods....