"Dear GOD, please, please, please help me slay the dragon" began my journal entry today. (Of anxiety, that is). Not my own, mind you, but, others. I am seeing so much more anxiety lately at my practice. Heck, who am I kidding. I am seeing more anxiety in my personal world also with friends and loved ones. After all, 2020 hasn't been quite the year we bargained for and many people are suffering from all sorts of fears. Fear is no fun. Fear is a liar!
Fear. Terror. Panic Attacks. Dread. Anxiety is a beast. Heart thumping, thoughts racing, body sweating, breath shortening, irritation mounting, worry buffeting and what-ifs never-ending. Talk of triggers and random attacks. Efforts to escape, avoid, numb, overcome. It is real-deal stuff. Not a battle to take lightly and, certainly, not a battle for any sissy's. The biology of anxiety is a bear and anxiety takes a lot of toughness to battle the bear. This monster requires a lot of weapons and a heart of a warrior. But how? "How do I battle it" you ask? How do I find victory?
I am glad you asked! Because EVERYONE feels anxious, nervous, or afraid from time to time; however, persons suffering from an anxiety disorder feel like this a LOT. A WHOLE LOT! Persons suffering from an anxiety disorder feel revved up at random times and for no reason at all with great frequency. If this sounds like you, then, you are the person this post is for today!
I wanted to bring you hope. You do not need to suffer forever or suffer alone. We have come a long way in the treatment of anxiety disorders and we are seeing much more success in the reduction and elimination of many forms of anxiety symptoms. I am not just talking meds here, either. I am talking a slew of coping mechanisms to slay the dragon, so to speak. Here is a sample list of some dragon slayers:
Guided Imagery
Visualization
Grounding Techniques
Containment Techniques
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Aka Tapping
Rhythmic Breathing
Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Therapeutic Yoga
Re-framing Cognitive Distortions Aka Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
. Holistic Supplements Aka St John's Wort, Hemp Gummies or others
. Chamomile Te Enhances Sleep
. Melatonin Enhances Sleep
. Medications
A Supportive Listener
While this list is not exhaustive and may seem overwhelming, piece by piece, as you add these newfound coping skills to your day-to-day routines, you will find relief and victory. You can overcome. You can beat the battle of anxiety. You can slay the dragon! You are a warrior. You have survived this long with anxiety. Isn't it time to go beyond survive to thrive? Why suffer another day? Get some help for your anxiety today! After all, help is only a phone call away.
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