Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety comes in many shapes and forms. People experience it differently, so what works for me may not work for everyone. But I felt compelled to share some of the things that have worked for me over the past two years since I've received my diagnosis of social anxiety.

For me, what this means is that I struggle a whole lot in social situations. Around one or two people I'm usually fine, but when more people are added to the equation my brain goes into panic mode and I feel like all the oxygen is leaving my lungs. Of course, this can throw me into an anxiety attack, and I've had quite a few for several different reasons, even to the point that some days I wake up to anxiety at my door, but I've learned a few tricks to help me get some relief.

Peppermint Oil

I have peppermint oil in many forms and I find this to be my go-to when I'm having an anxiety attack. I have it in just a regular essential oil that I inhale to calm me (you can use it in an oil diffuser). I also have it as a roll-on, though I use this more for migraines than for anxiety. Lastly, I have it in a room spray. I've found that peppermint works best for me, even though lavender is recommended the most out of the essential oils for those suffering with anxiety.

Aromatherapy Stress Lotion from Bath and Body Works

This is more of a recent thing that I've started using, but in the two weeks that I've been using this product I've noticed a huge difference. I'm less stressed and anxious. The stress lotion is eucalyptus and spearmint and the scent of it just calms me, so if I'm feeling overly anxious, I put the lotion on and will smell my hands from time to time to calm down. I know it may look a little odd, but in my case it's better then having an anxiety breakdown at work.

Aromatherapy Stress Pillow Mist from Bath and Body Works

Like the above product, this is eucalyptus and spearmint, except you spray it on your pillow at night before going to bed. And I can say that I've slept the best these last two weeks while using this spray. And sleep is probably one of the best things, especially when you're battling anxiety and can't sleep on occasion. In my case, I was always stressed and could never sleep. This stress may be due to anxiety or some other factors. I've noticed sleeping better has helped with my anxiety as well.

Eucalyptus Bath Bomb

Honestly, any bath bomb in general helps, but the eucalyptus one produces such a calming aroma. This may not help everyone, and is not really a go-to for me.

Talk to a doctor.

This is honestly the big one for me. I've dealt with anxiety my whole life, but ruled it as something else. I finally talked to a doctor two years ago and was told I had social anxiety. She got me on the right medication and that has helped, but from time to time I still have moments where the medication doesn't help. I was afraid to tell someone what was going on because I didn't want to be looked at differently for what I was experiencing. I didn't want anyone to think I was nuts. You're not crazy. What you're going through is a real thing and there are treatment options, so don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.

There are a few other things that I do to help curb my anxiety meltdowns — writing, reading, and drawing. I try to do things I enjoy to keep the anxiety at bay. It doesn't always work, but I try to not let it control me. Somedays, I'm going to suck as a person because I'm having an overly anxious day, and other days I'm going to seem perfectly fine. And that's ok.

Aromatherapy Stress- Pillow Mist- Eucalyptus Spearmint