Controlling anxiety
There's an event tonight and I'm extremely nervous and I know I shouldn't be. It's getting in the way of my daily life and I just don't know what to do.
Hi there. In the long run therapy is probably the best way to learn to control your anxiety. It is something worth considering, but it won't help you in this moment. For now, take a few deep breaths. Maybe meditate if you have the chance. Examine what it is that makes you feel anxious, and how valid it really is. Challenge your negative thoughts with questions and try to disprove your anxiety. For example:
-Negative thought: ''I'll make a fool out of myself and people will think I'm weird''
-Questions:
''What evidence do I have that this will happen? How will I even know if people think I'm weird?''
''Has this happened before? If yes, what did I do? How did it affect my life?''
''If this happens, what will be the consequence? Will it have a big impact on me?''
''Why do I think I'll make a fool out of myself?''
You can also try talking about it with someone, be it in real life or on here. I find that talking about anxiety takes power away from it. And the person you're talking with may have some insight for you.