Trending post
Melissa Johnson
Bullet point
Follow

How do people find coping skills to overcome anxiety?

I want to one day become a nurse! Cartaking has been one of my biggest and best assets I have cared for my disabled baby brother with cerable palsy and blind for the first 11 out of 18 years he lived! And then I met my husband whom had become ill with renal failure and had to be on dialysis 3 x a week every week.. at that time I was attending full time community college got my first deans honor roll in my life and was enjoying my criminal. Justice courses I took all of for a certificate.. ! But my anxiety just progressed worse and worse and now I feel like I’m sometimes so anxious I have panic attacks.. I want so badly to return for my education.. and I want to work with people where I can share my compassionate nurturing skills I have ! My question is just for any advice that anyone might have to help me find ways to help overcome my anxiety?

11
11 Comments
over 7 years ago
Like
Comment
Share
Niasia Smith
Bullet point
Follow

I feel your pain!! Whst works for my physical panic attacks are praying. Taking long deep breaths so breathe in through your nose. S deep as u can and slowly release your breath through your mouth. I also put on soothing sounds. I have an app on my phone like rain sounds or instrumental music I do the breathing listen to it n make sure I'm not thinking about ANYTHING NEGATIVE think about something or someone that makes u happy!! Try it and good luck hungry those panic attacks are so uncomfortable and scary I know trust me and bless your soul I pray you find a technique for cure!!

8y
Like
Reply
1
Cool Breese .
Bullet point
Follow
Rad Tech

Look up, FasterEFT on youtube. There are several videos on self help for anxiety.

8y
Like
Reply
1
ahmad azizi
Bullet point
Follow
شغل آزاد کار کرده ام at Free Job

من دوستدارم

8y
Like
Reply
1
Diane Christensen
Bullet point
Follow
Operations and Sales Professional

I see the comments posted here, my recommendations is this. First know that you are not alone. Many suffer from this (including me from time to time). I had to learn how to get out of my own head. I went down the path of wanting to learn more about the brain. I would encourage you to read "Change your brain, Change your life." by Dr. Amen. It is scientifically proven that you can change your brain activity. My other recommendation is to grow your faith and visit your local church and talk with one of the pastors or women leaders. Prayer for me is the most important part of my day. I start each day praying seeking God and asking for his guidance. If there is one thing I know, I can't do this crazy thing called life by myself. I need some spiritual intervention. If you need prayer, let me know I will be happy to pray with you.

8y
Like
Reply
3
Mark Stim
Bullet point
Follow

Anxiety is pretty natural in this job. Panic doesn't have to ensue. I work out after my shifts. It truly makes the stressors seem less troubling. Also, studies show we nurses spend at least two hours of our twelve hour shift fretting or complaining. The next time a coworker or fellow student complains about something, ask them what would make the situation better. Then, offer to help. In turn, they will do the same for you at some point. You'll be amazed how much less anxiety exists when you handle stress that way.

8y
Like
Reply
2
Timothy Okpako
Bullet point
Follow
Security Operatives at Southern Gas Construction Under Exscravoe Gas To Liquid Egtl

Melissa sorry about that your story was tragedic I which I were in your shoe sorry so how do I come in

8y
Like
Reply
1
Veronica Jefferson
Bullet point
Follow
Founder Photographer at The Pisces Effect

Melissa Johnson

Take it from someone that suffers from anxiety, and on occasion suffers from attacks. I’m far more controlled now than I was in my beginning, but one of the best ways to better manage your anxiety is to workout. You don’t have to join a gym, the outdoors are more than enough for you. You have to do various things that give your life peace and comfort and work on reducing your anxiety to where it doesn’t affect you as much.

I watch TV (my shows) which helps, I workout (do a lot of walking and hiking outdoors), I write whenever I feel anxious, I’m also a photographer so working with people doing something that I love also helps ease my anxiety. I do things for myself, such as ensuring I get enough sleep (no excuses with this because sleep is important), I get full body hot stone massages on occasion, and I have my animals which are a huge help in easing anxiety. Taking part in various things helps you do more, discover more, and in turn help you control your anxiety. You have to find what works for you because everyone manages their anxiety differently.

Surround yourself with positive people, things, etc. that will keep your mind consistent to avoid having attacks, which are scary and feel awful. If you’re around a lot of noise (people, sounds, etc.), sit in silence, read a book, find something that calms you rather than triggering stress. Once you stress, anxiety triggers and it gets worse and worse. Managing anxiety is a lot of trial and error, some days are good and some are bad. As long as you tell yourself that the ”beauty is in the effort” it will help you move forward.

Best of luck!

8y
Like
Reply
6
Kristen Longfellow-Bergdorf
Bullet point
Follow
Mrs.

Hasn't been the first time either

8y
Like
Reply
1
Robert Church
Bullet point
Follow

Hello Melissa, for many years I dealt with severe panic attacks. It became so bad that the only place I could actually go, was to work. It progressed to the point that going to work almost became impossible. So I know how you feel all too well. What I had to come to terms with was, I was causing my own hell. I was a people pleaser, I was always worried about trying to say and do the right thing. I was always worried about failing, at anything and everything. I was always worried about how people viewed me. I was just always worried. Then I had a realization. I am not a perfect person, I do not know everything and that is ok. When we fail at something, we learn more than if we had accidentally got it right. So I no longer worry about failing because I know if I do, I will learn a great deal from it. I heard this saying somewhere...."show me a person who has never failed at anything and I will show you a person that has never attempted anything". You are a beautiful, compassionate and very intelligent woman. This is what you should remember. Not many women would stick by their man when they had renal failure. Most women don't stick by their man when their man is healthy. That says a ton about what an awesome woman you are. So when you are having anxiety, remember that about yourself. That alone makes you an incredible person. I know a lot of people that say they would do it, but it's a whole different story when it really happens.

8y
Like
Reply
3
Laura Schmuldt
Bullet point
Follow
Professor at University Of M

Dear Melissa, I wouldn't wish panic and anxiety on my worst enemy. I applaud you for seeking out help. Panic is something that is hard to understand unless you have actually experienced it. Many people think they are dying or having a heart attack. And I can see how it is holding you back from the kind of work you would excel at! I agree with Matt's suggestion about seeking counseling at your school. And most therapists will see one or two clients free or low cost. I have no idea if you have insurance, but I would consider medication, just until things get a little better. The meds these days are very safe with few side effects. Finally, TALK! Tell people what you are going through. You might be surprised to learn how many others have been there and will treat you with compassion. I am wishing you all the best... Anxiety CAN be cured!

8y
Like
Reply
2
See more comments
Add