Everything makes me anxious lately! Do I need HELP?

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Not sure if it is as recent as my title implies, but I realise that I get pretty anxious for a lot of things.

Before it was only flying or driving long distances, that made my heart skip a beat but I’ve realised lately, that I get social anxiety as well.

I am quite calm and at peace, especially on the outside, so most people won’t even realise it, I am usually surrounded by a lot of people, but lately I’ve realised that I am somewhat of a wreck on the inside.

It is not that I overthink and cause myself to freak out, it’s the multitude of people around me that I also have a minor panic attack and want to be home.

For an outgoing person, it’s one thing to be shy, but for me to literally freak out, being social.. it just doesn’t feel normal to me.

I have always been very shy and most people wouldn’t believe it, because I usually talk a lot or somehow hide my shyness. Lately I’m finding it a little more daunting that I am not hiding it as well. I went to an event the other day and I asked one of my good friends to join me, she is a bubbly, super outgoing, definitely not shy kind of person, and halfway through the evening, she was snapping pics, mingling and having the best time, but for some reason, I was having somewhat of a socially awkward moment, and just went completely quiet. It was like,inside I was chilled.. not stressing.. nothing on my mind.. just kinda listening to the light conversation at the table and she turned to me at one stage and asked if I was okay.

Only then did I realise how aloof I was.

I don’t know how to explain it, but everything makes me anxious lately:

Driving
Walking
People approaching me
Random people I see or meet
Events
Crowds
Concerts
People in general
Talking in front of even three people who are actually listening to me
Attention on me

Okay, to some people,I guess those are normal situations to be a little anxious in, but maybe it’s the amount of anxiety I get that is making me stress myself out. .? or that my job kind of entail me being public, and social?!

I was having a normal conversation with one of my friends the other day, and we touched on a few social activities to do… and it was like every second thing we spoke about gave me anxiety. I’ve always been a bit of an adrenaline junkie, so it’s not the activity that scares me, it’s just me.. and how I’m not dealing with everything as care-free as I thought I was.

Anyway! I’ve been looking up some remedies for my self-diagnosed Anxiety and this is what I found…

Self-Care

Avoid Alcohol
1. I don’t drink, so this is for those who do consume alcohol, who also suffer with anxiety.
Reduce Caffeine intake
1. I only drink instant coffee because with my anxiety levels, my body gets really shaky when I have other coffees with higher caffeine content.
Physical Activity
1. This is incredible for more than just anxiety, but it somehow gives your body a boost of energy and motivation, you Feel better with regular exercise and it also allows you an outlet.. for that anxiety or high-strung feels.
2. It is really good to try different types of physical activities like hitting the gym, joining a dance or yoga class, maybe some self-defences classes. Maybe a hike or a cycle here and there. There are so many interesting options.
3. In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve just launched a new category on the blog dedicated to Health + Fitness. Stay tuned to the blog for any motivation or inspo you may need.
Stress Management
1. I think we never really realise how important it is to deal with our stress. If you’re like me, we simply brush it off in hopes that it will disappear but it really just piles on and gets progressively worse.
2. You can do a lot for your mental and physical health by finding either active or verbal ways of dealing with your stress.
Quit smoking
1. I don’t smoke, thankfully. But it is always a great idea to stop polluting your lungs and other organs with these bad narcotics and ingredients that are literally killing you!
2. It is also a perfect opportunity to protect those around you from second-hand smoking.
Relaxation Technics
1. Deep breathing, meditation, etc. there are a lot of ways to find your balance and to relax.
2. This also includes sleeping a minimum of seven hours every night. I am guilty of not getting enough hours of deep sleep, I make way too many excuses and I am somewhat of a night-owl.. Because I feel most creative at the time I should be asleep. But it is catching up with me and I am making more of an effort to get to bed early, settling my mind, even if that means I have to set an alarm to get ready for bed.
Health Diet
1. This is one of the most important ingredients to minimising your anxiety levels. I am not a doctor or a nutritionist but I can say, healthier eating habits = healthier life
2. Limiting fatty foods and sugar products is the best gift you can give your body and mind. We think that eating sugar will give us energy but it is like an unnatural boost that completely depletes your energy after a spike of energy and your body needs to work overtime to digest the sugars and carbs.. instead of focussing on more important things your body does naturally.

Therapy/ Medication / Specialists

There are a number of different options to assist with anxiety disorders or issues that go beyond self-care or self-management. I do try my best to work through any of my issues without the use of medication; and it certainly does help talking to someone you love and trust. It is also great to find ways to express them without sharing these feelings with anyone, by getting them ‘out’ somehow.
- Some people use their talents to heal themselves emotionally or mentally as well, like singing about their feelings; Writers usually express themselves through their writing, which is what I do, and it certainly does help you set your mind at ease; there are numerous ways of dealing and there is no wrong way, (as long as it is legal, healthy, non-addictive and not harmful to yourself or anyone else).

If you are feeling low and anxious or somewhat unstable in any way, please speak to someone about these thoughts, if you feel you have no family of friends to talk to, there is a national helpline for you.

The incredible people at The Depression and Anxiety Group is there for you and so am I!

SADAG is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group.

Website: http://www.sadag.org/

Zane Wilson
Founder
zane@sadag.org

For counselling queries e-mail: zane@sadag.org

To contact a counsellor between 8am-8pm Monday to Sunday,
Call: 011 234 4837 / Fax number: 011 234 8182

For a suicidal Emergency contact us on 0800 567 567

24hr Helpline 0800 12 1314