How to overcome Anxiety in 10 simple steps

Anxiety is the number one mental illness in the world right now. In 2017 there were 284 million people who suffered from it. That is huge! Anxiety can eat you alive, is destructive and it cripples your everyday life. It can come to a point to destroy your relationship, your friendships and to mess with your job. Anxiety is the enemy of the 21st century.

I have been diagnosed with Anxiety disorder 2 years ago. This is the second time I am on medications. It is literally fucking up my life. 

The first advice I can give to anyone who is fighting with anxiety is Go to therapy! Cognitive behavioral therapy has proven to be most effective. But If you can't go for some reasons there are 10 simple steps on how to overcome anxiety on your own. 

Step 1. Acknowledge the fact that you have a problem. 

First, and most important, admit to yourself that something is happening with you. Put aside your ego and accept that there is something wrong and you have to work on it. Having a mental health illness doesn't make you weak, doesn't make you disabled and certainly doesn't make you less of a person. On the contrary, that makes you a responsible human being. Be a responsible human being for your own sake and for others. 

Step 2. Ask for help. 

There is no shame in asking for help. The best case scenario, you go to see a doctor. But if on some reasons, you can't, there are many support groups, a ton of bloggers, Instagram mental health advocates, non-profit organizations and so on. If you tell me that you have no one to ask for help and at the same time you read this, you are just looking for excuses. If that is the case, go back and read Step 1 again.

Step 3. Read a shit ton of information. 

Internet is full of articles, just be careful to pick your sources. Go to the library and find a book. Educate yourself about it. It's important to know the enemy before you fight it. It will help you also to realize how many people out there suffer from the same thing, You are not alone. we are here for you. 

Step 4. Share.

Share with your family, share with your friends, share on your therapy. even do like me, share with strangers. I created my Instagram account with that reason only, to share with people. It's going to make the burden less painful and you don't know which random piece of knowledge is going to be life-changing. Plus, therapy is invented for a reason. The past 100 years people know that sharing has a powerful healing effect. 

Step 5. Exercise.

It is proven, by the O Mighty scientists, that exercises have a positive effect when it comes to anxiety.  Run, do yoga or long walks. Pilates, Zumba, basketball, whatever you like. Just don't stay still and wait for the next panic attack to come. 

Step 6. Write.

Write it all down. Make a journal and write every fucking obsessive thought that crosses your mind. If you are good at it you can even start a blog and help other people. 

Step 7. Define your negative thoughts and change your perception of it. 

Here it comes the hard part. The basic of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the fact that our thoughts are not defining you. It's the way you percept it. If I think ''Holly shit, I have cancer'', that doesn't mean that I actually have it. And if I let this idea to control my life I will end up in a hospital, giving away money, that I don't have, to prove a disease that I actually never had in a first place. You get it, I am sure. 

Step 8. Do your everyday routine. 

Don't stop your life because you have Anxiety. It's important to feel connected to the presence. The dishes are not going to disappear with magic and your work is waiting for you. You are going to find that there is something relaxing in the routine. Go out with your friends and even if the panic attack comes, they will support you because they love you. 

Step 9. Good night sleep.

I probably should've mentioned that earlier, since the full, healthy sleep is so important. Not only for your mental health but for your physical, also. Create your own evening schedule and you will see a big difference soon. And when we are still on the subject of health, drink plenty of water. 

Step 10. Change your attitude to the world.  

Change your perception completely. Get rid of the negative thoughts, the guilt, the 'I can't' attitude. See the world as a blank page that only you can fill. Be positive. You are stronger than you think. And I know that to change your view of the world so drastically is hard but, step by step, you can do it.  

And remember - you are smart and you are capable to achieve whatever you set on your mind. Rome is not built in a day,  as they say. Give yourself time and the benefit of a doubt. You are so much more than your mental health, your body figure or your job. Stop beating yourself and start to respect yourself. You are going to live with YOU for the rest of your life.