Help

[cyoung18]

Hi, I’m new to this but I was wandering if anyone has any tips about how to help with my anxiety because it is starting to feel like everything is getting on top of me, just when I was handling things. I’ve tried some ideas from the internet but it’s not working and everything is getting too much, I’m struggling to concentrate on my homework which is due soon which makes me more stressed but then I’m too stressed to concentrate and it’s a vicious circle I can’t get out of. Has anybody got any ideas please, I could really do with some help xx

[A_T01]

Hey! It sounds like you’re rlly struggling atm and I definitely understand that. When I find myself in those situations I tend to try and sort my priorities out. So I would go in the notes on my phone or get a piece of paper and just outline everything that I find is getting on top of me. And then I’ll try and prioritise them and give the chaos I’m feeling a little bit of order. If you know there are things in your life that are making you feel worse, then if possible I would try and get rid of those problems or reduce the power they have over you. It’s always best to just have a look in hindsight at the situation you’re in now and what could help to improve. Set out checklists to get things done ( I find they always help me ) or create more time in your day to do things that you enjoy or would make you feel less under pressure. Hope this helps

[cyoung18 in reply to A_T01]

Thanks, that is helpful, I will try and prioritise them, I’m just finding it hard to find time to get it done with being at college, work placement and my job. I know I’m to blame for this as well but I was hoping I could manage it all. But I’ll make a checklist and start at the top, thank you x

[A_T01 in reply to cyoung18]

Yh I get that, sometimes when you’re so swamped in many different things it’s hard to see an end point/a place where it won’t be so hectic. Just remember that things do improve and it won’t be like that forever and the best thing you can do is help yourself. Put your mental health first because it’s just as important as your physical health

[Lyneet]

Hello theres hope I used to have anxiety years ago. I had success with taking omega 3,6,9 fish oil and drinking chamomile tea. Selfcare is key and eat foods rich in Vitamin B like eggs and nuts. I also recommend taking walks in nature 3 times a week and surround yourself with positive people who lift you up.

[Blueshirt]

Try slow breathing exercises, whilst saying to yourself over and over "Don't think, don't think," starting with a long slow deep breath in and long slow breath out. Think of the air filling your nose and into your body; then slowly exhaling.

Good luck

[happy_kitty]

Hi there,

I have ADHD so my situation might be a little different from yours but I'm in College right now and that vicious circle you described sounds awfully familiar. I've come up with a few things that help me battle it, maybe they can help you too.

Checklists, as A_T01 mentioned, are very helpful. If you know what you're doing and what still needs to be done it's less scary. I also like to put a description of each assignment and/or break them into steps, so I know exactly what is expected of me without having to dig through all the papers, my notes, and the class website just to figure it out each time.

I also find it easier to work with a study-buddy. It could be a friend who will just sits beside me while we each do our own work or it could be someone who is doing the same work and we work together to get it done. Either way it can help ease the pressure to have someone else there supporting me, plus the gentle accountability it provides can help ward off procrastination(my worst enemy) without putting a lot at steak.

Lastly I think it's also a good idea to stop and appreciate the things you have completed and reward yourself for them. If you just keep pressing on you'll adopt the mindset of "I'll never get a break, there will always be more work to do." and that quickly leads to burnout which only makes things worse. I like to keep a sticker page that I add to whenever I complete a task or assignment so I can look back at it and see just how much I've accomplished.

Well I hope that helps! Best of luck!

[cyoung18 in reply to happy_kitty]

Breaking it down into steps is a good idea, thank you. Then I can see exactly what needs to be done. I also have Tourette’s, so when I’m anxious it makes all my tics worse, so these tips are helping both my problems.

[MomLeslieM]

Anxiety is so hard because, as you said, it creates a vicious circle My own college age son has Tourette's and anxiety as well as High Functioning Autism and sometimes he just has to say no to something. So for example, as a college student, your schoolwork needs to be your biggest priority so making a checklist as others have said of what you need to do step by step is a good idea for that. You'll start to feel less anxious as you are able to cross off tasks as it will be obvious that you ARE getting things done instead of only looking at the big pictures. You said you have a job and are also looking at work placement - is it possible to forgo one of those things until you finish your coursework? Taking breaks is also important -- go outside, take a walk (or a run if you're a runner), somehow get some fresh air and exercise, and be sure to eat well. I know when I'm anxious I tend to want to eat high sugar, fatty, junk foods that taste great but give me no nutrition -- fuel your body the right way right now!! Have you heard of the "5 things" approach? It can help you when you start to feel more anxious - take a short break and look around you. Find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This is something you can do ANYWHERE and if you don't remember what's what just find 5 of one thing, 4 of something, 3 of another,etc. The key is to focus on something BESIDES your anxiety!! Something else that might help you too is to use earbuds or a headset even if you're not listening to any music because it will help block out other sounds going on around you. Praying you are able to make your priority list and get things done that need to be finished.