BIPOC carry additional risk factors compared to the average white American impacting onset of anxiety. Top that with certain stigmas that are carried as well; it can be hard to navigate and feel very lonely. Learning how to manage anxiety when it occurs is key to getting through it. Here are some ways to start.
Many of us were taught not to listen to our emotions or our bodies, and that we were supposed to rule them with our minds. This cut many of us off from these sources of wisdom, guidance, and protection. Women are often told we’re too emotional and that’s why we can’t be in leadership. Men are often taught that being too emotional is a weakness. But from this perspective, couldn’t we take being emotional as a compliment?
It can be hard to watch someone you love battle depression. Ignoring the depression signs your partner presents will not make them go away. This is especially true if your partner engages in self-harm or suicide attempts. Even though you cannot cure your partner’s depression, there is always something you can do to help.
There are a lot of stress factors that have to do with why you have bad ADHD days. Maybe you have trouble managing your stress levels or are experiencing several symptoms at once. While bad ADHD days can be draining, you can control what to do about them. Do not allow yourself to suffer when there are several ways to cope.
Eating disorders can be very competitive. Hearing that another person has lost weight can fuel your desire to lose more than them. You may figure that as long as you are the weight you want, you are winning the game. It is possible you may have the personality of an overachiever or a perfectionist. If so, you never want to put in little effort.
When you’re struggling with long-haul COVID anxiety and fear, it’s understandable that you might get wrapped up in thoughts about how and when you’ll recover fully. You may wonder if a return to your old life and healthy state is possible. You don't have to navigate these fears alone. Your body and mind work in concert. While constant tension, unease, and worry can wear you down, there are steps you can take to ease your anxiety.
Recovering from your PTSD is not a solitary journey. If you are tempted to compare your recovery (or will to recover) to that of your neighbors or other witnesses, don't. That just compounds your distress with guilt and shame. Your losses are real and there's a very real and productive way forward. PTSD treatment is made for times like these. Serving Boulder, Longmont, Denver...
