Having anxiety and coping with depression is not the easiest thing in the world to do. For a long time, my major coping mechanism was to pretend it didn't exist. I do not recommend this method. I am no expert, but I've learned a few things particularly with my last severe and disabling bout last year. Some of these things are a little funny, but humor helps. It's strange. It can be a gift this anxiety attacks and even depression. It changed my life more than all the self-help books I've been reading since I was a zygote. Ok, ignore your churning stomach, cold sweats and feeling of impending death and enjoy a helpful list:
1) It's real.
2) If you ignore it it gets worse.
3) People give you lame advice. Ignore it.
4) Lame advice looks something like this: You can't "just (insert lame advice.) Ex. "Just relax." "Just try not to think of it." "Just watch a funny movie." "Just calm down."
5) Hating yourself doesn't help.
6) Being anxious because you can't "Just Insert lame advice" only adds to it. But if you can't help it see tip 5.
7) Your hair can fall out.
8) If you keep vomiting stomach acid it will effect your molars. Brush and floss often if you can muster the energy.
9) Sometimes you will lose the feeling in your face.
10) Drinking doesn't help it--even if your entire office seems to think it strange that you don't want to drink at work.
11) If your job makes you anxious, bursting into tears at work and flipping out can lead to the help you so desperately deserve. (Really! If I'd only known I would have done it sooner.)
11) Nobody else can make you feel less anxious, but in the midst of an attack calling your big sister helps.
12) Support groups offer some comfort, but those other people are REALLY screwed up. :)
13) Try not to "pick" at anything.
14) Meditation works.
15) Worry about not "meditating right" fades over time.
16) Any type of spiritual connection be it God, Nature, Science, The Universe, or my favorite "The Force" helps.
Stay tuned for Part II.
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