Anxiety can come in many shapes and sizes and can be triggered at any point in time, sometimes for no apparent reason and at other times the reason may be very obvious.
Anxiety is feeling intensely nervous and unsafe for long periods of time when the truth is, you are okay but you cannot recognise it. This may eventually turn into whats called “panic attacks” or “anxiety attacks”. This event at the time may seem like a overreaction or exaggeration to others but to the person experiencing it, it is very real and frightening.
Your Anxious Friend May Be Feeling Some Or All Of The Following Things During Times Of Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Out of control
- Breathlessness or struggling to breathe
- Restlessness
- Racing thoughts
- Light headed/dizzy
- Confused
- Agitated
- Increased heartbeat
- Shivering
- Sweating
- Scared
And in some cases they may say that they feel like they are going to die.
Sometimes exploring why the anxiety is there in the first place is not really the best idea mid panic attack as it may trigger them further into panic mode. It is important to stay calm in order not to make things seem any worse.
Distraction Is Key
To take their mind off the current situation is ideal, to pull them into the present moment and outside of their head. There are many ways this can be done but here is just a few to give you an idea:
- Ask them if there is something in particular that is causing them to feel anxious if so pull them away from that situation (even temporarily until they feel safe again).
- Ask them if they would like to take a walk with you, outside in the fresh air and sun is always a good option.
- BREATHE with them! the 7 rounds of technique: Breathe in for 7 seconds, hold it for 7 seconds, breath out for 7 seconds and repeat this 7 times. This 7 rounds of 7 method will bring plenty of oxygen into the body which will calm the nervous system while distracting your friend from their anxious thoughts.
- Grounding via engaging the 5 senses. What can you smell? What can you see? What can you hear? ect.
- Writing the emotions and feelings down on a piece of paper (or even saying them outloud) this may make the emotions less intimidating and sometimes laughable.
Set Up An Anxiety Plan
These attacks will always pass eventually but at the time can be debilitating and can feel almost life threatening to the person experiencing it, although in reality they are completely safe and it is important to remind them of that.
If your friend or loved one often experiences panic attacks they may know what techniques work well for them. You can prepare and set up an anxiety plan, so as soon as anxious feelings come on you can put the plan into action and this may avoid going into panic attack.
It can be hard work and very taxing of your emotions to watch someone you care go through such an intense experience. In order to help them overcome the anxiety entirely, it may be worth lovingly recommending the following methods:
Meditation and yoga help to calm your racey mind and restore the inner balance within your emotions and feelings. consistent practice is key.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology can help to determine why the anxiety may be there in the first place using seriously of muscle testing and tapping into your subconscious mind. Short term this may trigger some uncomfortable emotions, in the long run it will make life easier.
Colonics
An unhealthy gut can lead to negative feelings as the two organs are intrinsically and undeniably linked. the gut can harbour unwanted pathogens and bacterias that can lead to negative emotions including anxiety. By cleansing the gut we can rid of unwanted wastes this will relieve stresses within the body leaving your mind feeling calm and clear. to learn more about the gut brain connection please click the following link: https://phclinic.com.au/anxiety-and-st-i-ph-clinic/
Massage
Human touch is very calming and relaxing for the body. Most people store their tension and emotions in their upper body, massage may relieve these feelings. To learn more about the positive effect of massage in relation to anxiety click the following link: https://phclinic.com.au/massage-and-its-role-in-alleviating-anxiety/
Support Groups
Support groups such as One Eighty hold regular meetups called “open up”, these sessions are run by experienced facilitators who been through and conquered mental health delimers. Hearing the stories of others and even just to know you are not alone can make all the difference. It is important to know that you don’t need to suffer in silence and there is light at the tunnel. For more info on One Eight and the open up program head to their website: https://www.oneeighty.org.au/openup
Written by Joh
After struggling for years with crippling anxiety, GIT issues and way too many rounds of antibiotics, finding colonic therapy was a massive breakthrough towards Joh’s personal health wellbeing. She had such incredible results and was so keen to share that she decided to study and become certified as a Colonic Hydrotherapist.
Joh has been a huge asset to the team. She is extremely passionate about helping people get healthy and well and brings to the clinic an abundance of determination, attention to detail and most importantly empathy as she’s been on a similar journey.
Joh works at pH on Mondays, Wednesday and Sundays. To book in with Joh call 0420 644 852 or click here to book in online.
