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How to Deal with Anxiety, You Can’t Just Toughen Up

by Dawson McAllister

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How to Deal with Anxiety, You Can’t Just Toughen Up

anxiety disorders are real

Living with an Anxiety Disorder

Shelby wrote to us and said, “Living with an anxiety disorder (and one as complex as mine) you just have to learn to keep your mouth shut and keep everything bottled up inside because the second you let it out, you’re labeled as crazy or out of control.  It was to the point that if I cried, people worried about me. I felt alone, pushed into a corner and hid by my family.”

This breaks my heart…the fact that she thought she needed to keep her feelings locked inside for fear of being labeled and judged. I know that many people struggling with an anxiety disorder feel just like Shelby. But Shelby knew she couldn’t just keep her mouth shut. She knew she needed to talk about her feelings, and thankfully she found TheHopeLine. She said, [At TheHopeLine] no one is writing down anything or judging me on what I say, I just get to speak. (Click here to read more of Shelby’s story)

25 Grounding Techniques for Panic Attacks

Do you know how to deal with anxiety?

Talking about your struggle with anxiety is important. Anxiety disorders are real and getting help is critical. Although it may feel like you are alone in this struggle, I want you to know that you are not. Statistics show that approximately 40 million Americans struggle with an anxiety disorder.

40 million Americans struggle with an #anxietydisorder. You are not alone. There is Hope. Click To Tweet

Regardless, I know there are still many mistaken ideas or stigmas surrounding anxiety disorders and these stigmas may keep you from seeking the help you need. Chris called into my radio show and shared this, “I started suffering from depression and I’m having anxiety problems now, and it caused me to lose my job. Now, my dad pretty much doesn’t understand and he kind of disowned me over it and he’s disappointed in me and I don’t know how to make him understand what I’m going through.”

Don’t Let Stigmas Keep You From Seeking Help

I know it’s hard when someone doesn’t understand what you are going through, and if you’ve ever been told to just toughen up or snap out of it, I am sorry. But other people’s misconceptions should not keep you from seeking the help that you need.

I also want to caution you about two things:

  1. Don’t let the stigma surrounding anxiety disorders create self-doubt and shame. Stigma doesn’t just come from others. You may mistakenly believe that your condition is a sign of personal weakness or that you should be able to control it without help. When you think less of yourself because of your disorder and when you assume others will see you negatively because of your mental health, it’s a self-induced shame.
  2. Don’t make excuses about getting the help you need. I talk to so many people struggling with anxiety and often when I encourage them to see a psychologist or a doctor or to consider medication, they respond with a lot of excuses. I say, Find a doctor. And they say Yeah, but…I say, There is a lot of options for medication. And they say, Yeah, but… I say, Find a support group. And they say, Yeah, but… I know it’s hard, but don’t fall into this trap. Be an overcomer rather than a victim. Take baby steps, but DO something.

Be An Overcomer

I encouraged Joy in this way when she called into the radio show. After offering Joy a number of options she said, “I don’t know. I don’t think anything will ever really help.” But by the end of the call she was committed to being an overcomer.

Steps to Take to Help Anxiety

If you are struggling with anxiety, here are some things you should do:

  • Get treatment. You may be reluctant to admit you need treatment, but treatment can provide relief by identifying what’s wrong and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life. Treatment may include medication and medication is not a dirty word.
  • Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to people you trust for the compassion, support and understanding you need. They can help you deal with your anxiety.
  • Join a support group.
  • Don’t equate yourself with your illness. You are not an illness. You are so much more.
  • Speak out. Consider expressing your experiences in a blog or school paper or send a letter to the editor. Your views might help instill courage in others facing similar challenges and educate the public about anxiety disorders.

If you don’t know where to start seeking help, we’ve created a free eBook on Understanding Anxiety. Simply click this image for a free download.

Free eBook Understanding Anxiety and Social Anxiety from TheHopeLIne

Do you struggle with anxiety? What’s the biggest challenge you face? Please leave a comment below. You can help each other by talking about it.

Your Friend,
Dawson

Filed Under: Anxiety, Coronavirus, Mental Health Tagged With: Dawson's Blog, FAQ

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    October 14, 2019 at 1:19 am

    I’m glad reading different situations from different comments on the comment box. My brother as autism. We love them so much. She is fragile that we do not let her hurt. As her sister, I’m searching for tips on how can I take care of her more.

    Reply
  2. Mallory says

    February 13, 2019 at 8:13 pm

    I have autism and generalized anxiety disorder, I have noticed at some times my anxiety is under control, which is usually when I am in a comfortable setting. When I was in college I usually had some anxiety when it came to exams and homework because we had so much of it but it was nothing compared to my job. I took up a job in a deli and even non-sufferers of anxiety didn’t last long! I had to quit my job and now I need to start from scratch. My anxiety is so much lower now! I am just hoping I can find a job that is a better fit for me!

    Reply
  3. Mary says

    March 1, 2017 at 10:52 pm

    I just started TheHopeLine today. I can’t say that I am already okay but it really helped when I got to talk with somebody the feeling I kept bottled inside me for a while. I didn’t know I am already feeling anxious/depressed until I have accepted that I have it. The thing is, I should just know what I can do to battle against it. Thanks for some advice (Logan) by the way.

    Reply
  4. TheHopeLine® says

    April 11, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    The anxiety that arises from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be overwhelming, scary, and paralyzing. We understand and we want to help. Chat with us anytime 24/7 https://www.thehopeline.com/gethelp/ We are here for you and we can connect you with resources to help you through this.

    Reply
  5. Max_Lee says

    April 9, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    I struggle with anxiety stemming from PTSD. There are some states I can’t even drive through or do layovers in because of it.

    Reply
  6. Lexi says

    February 23, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    I struggle with social anxiety and generalized anxiety. It’s hell.

    Reply
    • TheHopeLine says

      February 25, 2016 at 2:27 pm

      Anxiety can be paralyzing. I am sorry you are struggling with this right now. Have you seen our free eBook? It includes real life stories and practical help. http://info.thehopeline.com/anxiety-ebook And we are here to chat with you 24/7 at http://www.thehopeline.com/GetHelp/

      Reply

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Founded over 25 years ago by youth speaker and radio host, Dawson McAllister, we have heard the struggles people face and learned how to offer life-changing support. Our mission is to reach, rescue and restore those who are broken and hopeless. We encourage people in the midst of their struggles by providing clear thinking and right values.

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