Anxiety is not a Moral Failing: Here Are Some Ways to Calm Your Anxious Heart
Many people struggle silently with anxiety because they believe it reflects poorly on them. The truth is, anxiety is your body’s response to trauma, challenges, and stressful situations.
For people who have anxiety all the time, the body is on overdrive and can’t seem to calm down. Anxiety is a common but often misunderstood condition.
Calm Your Anxious Heart
While it can be debilitating, anxiety doesn’t have to be permanent. Here are some ways you can manage and reduce your anxiety symptoms:
Remember That Anxiety is a Response to Something
Anxiety is not a moral failing. It’s not even a weakness, though it can feel like one when you’re in the middle of an anxiety attack and all you want to do is curl up into a ball and hide from the world.
Anxiety is simply your body’s response to something that causes stress or fear. While you may think that you shouldn’t be anxious, the body remembers things that the brain sometimes can’t.
A situation that impacted you as a child can sometimes come out as anxiety later in life. Some people are more at risk of anxiety due to genetics, eating habits, and family of origin.
Try Different Therapeutic Approaches Like CBT
If you suffer from anxiety, there are many therapeutic approaches available. Cognitive behavioral therapy is rising in popularity because people who use it find that they can manage their anxious thoughts and feelings and be more present in their lives.
A licensed therapist trained in CBT modalities can help you if you struggle with anxiety and find that normal talk therapy isn’t helping. There is CBT in San Antonio, San Francisco, and NYC—basically, from coast to coast.
The truth is that CBT therapy has become so common that most major cities have at least a few practicing therapists who can take that approach.
Plus, with teletherapy becoming more common, you can find a therapist in your state who can help even if they are not nearby.
Get Curious About Why You Feel Anxious
When you recognize that anxiety is not a moral failing, you can start to get curious about why you feel so anxious.
Did something happen in your life that you were unable to process? What things trigger your anxiety the most? Some parents find that they are more anxious when their children do behaviors that they got in trouble for when they were a kid.
Others find that they are anxious in situations where they might be perceived as bad parents. Some men feel anxiety when they are coming up to a deadline at work. They feel like if they don’t do well, then they may be at risk of losing their jobs.
Change up the Foods You Eat
Some people find that food sensitivities can heighten their anxiety. New research is starting to show the effects of gluten on the brain as an example.
For some people, eating a gluten-free diet isn’t about an allergy or autoimmune response, but about managing their anxiety. It improves brain health.
Working with knowledgeable medical practitioners can help you determine if your brain health is being impacted by specific types of foods.
Use Medication if Needed to Function
One of the hardest things for people with anxiety is accepting that they may need medication, at least for a little while, to function effectively.
Medication can help you get your life back from the debilitating effects of anxiety. It is not a moral failing or a cure for anxiety, but it can be an effective tool in your treatment plan.
Many people find that medication combined with other treatments, like CBT and talk therapy, work best for them. The key is finding the right medication for your particular symptoms and needs. This can take a bit of time.
Ask for Help to Complete Household Tasks
Asking for help can be difficult, especially when you’re feeling anxious. But getting help can alleviate a lot of the burdens that may trigger an anxiety attack. Hiring help to clean your house for instance can be worthwhile as well.
Getting a few hours of care for your children when you are a stay-at-home mom can also be a lifesaver. It’s okay to get help when you feel too anxious or overwhelmed to do it yourself.
Engage in Healthy Self-Care
It’s important to remember that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s an act of love towards yourself, and it can help you feel calmer and more in control of your emotions.
Self-care activities can include spending time with friends or family who make you feel good about yourself, going for walks outdoors, listening to your favorite music, and more.
