How to Live Your Life When You Have Anxiety

If you were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder like myself, you know how debilitating the bad days can be. I'd say 80-90% of the time my anxiety disorder doesn't disrupt my life, and if I'm having a bad day I know which coping mechanisms work for me (journaling, talking to my parents, getting outside, etc.). But when we have those bouts of really bad anxiety—the kind that keeps us in the house all day crying and feeling like the world is falling apart—it can be a monumental task to try and feel normal again.

First thing's first, when I'm having this type of anxiety, I go see my therapist. That is non-negotiable. If I cannot get myself to walk out of my front door or even eat, I need to see a mental health professional. Once I start seeing her, I already feel like I'm taking a crucial step to getting back to normal. I also make sure to take my prescribed medication to make sure I have that temporary aid to get me out the door; this type of medication helps calm down my nervous system for a couple hours so I can feel like a functioning person, but I can't drive while on it so I plan my day ahead of time.

Once I start seeing my therapist, I slowly push myself to do things that my anxious self is scared of, as in going outside and being social. It can feel like a death sentence when you're experiencing overwhelming anxiety, but once you take that first step of seeing a therapist and getting medication, this task doesn't feel nearly as deadly. I have a vivid memory of being in one of my bouts of severe anxiety and had just started seeing my therapist again; a guy friend said he and our group of friends were going out for Mexican food and that I should come. I was hesitant and feared I would start sobbing and hyperventilating in front of everyone, but if there's one thing I've learned about conquering anxiety, is that you have to face it head-on.

He and I arrived at the restaurant and saw our group of friends chatting at a long table strewn with chips and salsa. I remember I wore my glasses to help conceal any possible tears, and sat next to two girlfriends of mine. We chatted and laughed, all while I was admittedly still on edge and felt my fight or flight instinct pulsating throughout my body—but I did it. I sat through the entire dinner, ate my food (huge accomplishment when I'm anxious since I usually lose my appetite), and made it home without crying. Huzzah! This small act was a huge victory and helped give me the confidence to do it again, and would slowly become less and less trying as the weeks went on.

After this dinner I gained more confidence in going out with friends and doing things that weren't mandatory (like going to class and work). I went to the local mall with my best friend and perused the sweaters at H&M; I went to the cinema (huge trigger for my anxiety; I'm always convinced I'm going to get shot. #america); and I spoke more than one sentence in class. I spent more time outside of my dorm room actually living my life instead of cooping myself up in fear of being nervous in public. It was a huge turn around, but it takes a lot of hard work.

It's never easy to try and continue living your life when you're going through a hard time. Everyone's coping mechanisms and methods for getting out of these bouts of severe anxiety look different, and I know I found mine by going to therapy. My therapist's advice gave me options to try so I could see what worked best for me, and what didn't. It can be scary going to see a therapist for the first time, but nothing's scarier than wasting months of your life being ruled by anxiety.

I hope you found this post helpful; I want us all to continue to take care of our mental health, especially during the tougher times. Keep getting outside, keep seeing your friends, and keep talking to a therapist. Day by day you'll see small improvements, and soon they'll snowball into whole days without feeling an anxiety attack coming on. It can be a tremendous feeling.