How can I overcome anxiety if I can't talk to a therapist or my own doctor?

I am no doctor but I can say that good coping skills with help you better manage your anxiety. Everyone is different so every has their own way to handle their emotions. Some examples of healthy coping skills are breathing exercises, mindfulness (being in touch with senses), writing or listing feelings, watching tv, and etc. If you feel comfortable sometimes expressing your feelings to others or using emotional release can help relieve anxiety or any other struggles you may be going through. Sometimes addressing your stress or that makes you anxious and looking at the possible outcomes to show yourself that things aren't as bad as they seem. Hang in there!! I'm rooting for you!! :)

When you feel uncomfortable or too anxious to talk to your therapist, it may be easier to approach this issue in a different manner than what may be expected. You could, if you find it easier, write and send an email or letter to your therapist. If this proves to be too terrifying, you could start slow. Talk to your therapist until you feel more comfortable about talking about more serious topics. Anxiety is a hard thing to overcome, especially without assurance by others. Therefore, working your way up to seeking help is hard, but will eventually prove rewarding.

When I am feeling anxious, I like the take time aside for myself and reflect on my life. I like do to this by laying in bed with calming music playing, in a warm shower or going on a long drive by myself. Isolating myself and having time to think- just me and my thoughts helps calm me down. Remembering all the good things life has to offer and that I will eventually be able to offer the world helps motivate me and eventually get out of some of my anxiety. Eventually being about to talk to a therapist mixed with some of these things helps me overcome my anxiety.

How I overcome my anxiety is that I take up a new hobby or work on my old ones. We need to use this “anxious” energy contructively which will give us a sense of satisfaction and relief. Reading, drawing, listening to music, dancing are all in some form “therapies”. Sports or walking, jogging or running is also a good way to relieve this energy. Distraction would just be temporary. But when we indulge in our hobbies “the things that we enjoy doing”, we get a sense of progress. We dont feel stuck in one place. Another way is to keep a journal. Write down your feelings and let it all out on the paper or talk to a genuine friend or well wisher.

We can find talking a very daunting task whenever we are overcome with anxiety but it is important to talk to healthcare professionals. After all it is what they are there for and they have seen and heard it all before. Perhaps you will find it helpful to write down how you are feeling and what you would like your doctor or therapist to know. That way if you arrive and become too overwhelmed you can show them what you have wrote. The main thing is speaking out in whatever form and getting the help and support. You could always try things like heat pads or weighted blankets which often bring those with anxiety comfort.

I've learned in my battles with anxiety that the more you try to see it as a 'problem' that needs to be eradicated, the more anxiety you'll have. I have tried to see my anxiety as my bodies' alarm system that something isn't quite right.. just at full volume! Your body is giving you physical signs that something feels off. So if you can take a moment (I like to breathe in for four counts, hold for seven, release for eight- I learned it when I was in therapy) and acknowledge that your feelings are just that-feelings- it'll pass. And then later on when things have calmed down a bit, you can analyze what your mind and body were trying to tell you. My anxiety isn't gone by any means, but I have turned it into a partner instead of a demon. I hope this helps :)

I step I usually take is to notice my feelings when I have anxiety. I acknowledge them, and then find ways to minimize them so that they don't impair my functioning. This looks different for everyone. For some it could be colouring, taking a nap, listening to music, doing dishes. As long as it's constructive, I say go for it. Gradually, you'll be able to talk about it. Anxiety can be a vicious cycle in that you can have anxiety about having anxiety or anxiety about talking about it. It is very scary and I hope everything works out for you!

Breathe deeply and stay focused on the present moment. Anxiety is a feeling and it will pass, as long as you let it. It is quite terrifying and paralyzing in the moment, but if one takes active steps to calm themselves and can act as an observer to their feelings, they will calm down faster. Anxiety can be so terrifying, and I'm sorry that anyone has to deal with it. However it is only a feeling and it is temporary. Focus on the sensations in your body. Try to get out of your head and back into your body with breathing or movement. These things will help.

It's all about resources! If you are unable to talk to a therapist or doctor, due to a multitude of reasons, there are many resources out there you can turn to. Friends, family, peers. Knowing yourself and identifying why you feel anxious is also incredibly important. If there's something that you know can help ease your anxiety, do it! Take care of yourself like you would a close friend or family member. There are many websites, videos, apps and other things that you can use to help mellow your anxieties. If all else fails, try something new to manage your anxiety and be mindful about what you're feeling!

There are many self help guides on anxiety which can be very helpful. There is one on 7cups. You can also read many good books on cognitive behavioural therapy, such as Cognitive behavioural therapy for dummies. It is a very insightful and gives you powerful tools to deal with anxiety. Consider also doing more self care as self care improves your emotional well being too. Consider more exercising (moderate physical activity every day at least 30 mins), healthy eating, sleeping well, good personal hygiene, being active through day, distracting self from overthinking, meditation, mindfulness (for latter 7cups is awesome source), etc.