You Matter.
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Today is World Mental Health Day. This is probably the most difficult topic for me to talk about. Mental Health. I suffer from Generalized Anxiety Disorder. If you don't quite know what that is, Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive and constant unrealistic worry about everyday things. I remember having severe anxiety since I was little, everyday before school I would make myself so upset I would vomit, just because of the unknown events of my school day. It's crippling, exhausting and just down right stressful. Most days I can handle my anxiety attacks and keep them under wraps without a soul knowing. Some days are just plain awful, constant pressure throughout my chest and throat, my arms and legs feel like bags of wet sand making it really difficult to get out of bed to do life.
The most frustrating part of having anxiety is that not everyone understands, or we only put these feelings upon ourselves, and being told to "stop thinking like that" does absolutely nothing to help us. It's already difficult that we tell people close to us about what we feel and struggle with on a daily basis. Trust me if I could just "stop it" I would. So friends, family, and all the people we love when we don't answer your call, or we cancel dinner, or you haven't seen us for a week. We aren't ignoring or hating you, we are struggling with the an invisible illness. Thats why I have taken time to write this post, to help others that have anxiety and for loved ones to understand what we go through. You matter. I matter. We matter.
The most frustrating part of having anxiety is that not everyone understands, or we only put these feelings upon ourselves, and being told to "stop thinking like that" does absolutely nothing to help us. It's already difficult that we tell people close to us about what we feel and struggle with on a daily basis. Trust me if I could just "stop it" I would. So friends, family, and all the people we love when we don't answer your call, or we cancel dinner, or you haven't seen us for a week. We aren't ignoring or hating you, we are struggling with the an invisible illness. Thats why I have taken time to write this post, to help others that have anxiety and for loved ones to understand what we go through. You matter. I matter. We matter.
There are a few steps I take that really help me live life with my anxiety. First step I took was asking for help, it's hard to tell the ones you love how you are feeling and what you go through on a daily basis. I remember how tough it was to try and explain to my husband when we were dating about my anxiety, how it felt and why I was acting the way I was (during an anxiety attack). I went to an amazing counselor who taught me everything, to my "safe place" in my head while having an attack, to breathing exercises that help with the throat and chest pressure.
The second step I took was changing my diet, going Paleo had a positive impact for me. The quote "you are what you eat" is what I live by now. Going Paleo (Whole30 to be exact) was the best thing I have ever done. Sugar is our enemy if you suffer from anxiety, it triggers attacks like nobodies business. Eliminating sugar and naughty carbs gives me clarity and just makes me feel good. And when you feel good about yourself you have good days. It makes getting out of bed in the morning a little easier, and my anxiety attacks are far and few between.
The third step is get out and exercise your mind, body and soul. Try yoga, a hike, a treadmill, whatever it takes to get your body moving! Releasing endorphins that help take away our unrealistic worry for a moment is a great quick fix. Endorphins are amazing little creatures that make our brain happy when we exercise. You can even write out what is going on on your head if there are days you can't hit the gym or get outside. Have never ending lists or worries? Write them out! You'll be surprised what that will do.
Lastly, always remember we matter and we have a purpose. It's hard to not be hard on ourselves, and not to worry what others think. Having anxiety doesn't make us weak or less of a human being. It's part of our DNA, It's what makes us us.
The second step I took was changing my diet, going Paleo had a positive impact for me. The quote "you are what you eat" is what I live by now. Going Paleo (Whole30 to be exact) was the best thing I have ever done. Sugar is our enemy if you suffer from anxiety, it triggers attacks like nobodies business. Eliminating sugar and naughty carbs gives me clarity and just makes me feel good. And when you feel good about yourself you have good days. It makes getting out of bed in the morning a little easier, and my anxiety attacks are far and few between.
The third step is get out and exercise your mind, body and soul. Try yoga, a hike, a treadmill, whatever it takes to get your body moving! Releasing endorphins that help take away our unrealistic worry for a moment is a great quick fix. Endorphins are amazing little creatures that make our brain happy when we exercise. You can even write out what is going on on your head if there are days you can't hit the gym or get outside. Have never ending lists or worries? Write them out! You'll be surprised what that will do.
Lastly, always remember we matter and we have a purpose. It's hard to not be hard on ourselves, and not to worry what others think. Having anxiety doesn't make us weak or less of a human being. It's part of our DNA, It's what makes us us.
So next time we survive a panic attack, remember to breathe, or ask for help, lets give ourselves self care awards. Those are the best awards in life.
Positive vibes from me to you!!!
Love always,
Daniele XOXO
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