May is National Anxiety Month and Mental Health Awareness Month in the States. And this week is also Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK. The theme for this Mental Health Awareness Week is Anxiety. Given my PTSD diagnosis after my accident, anxiety isn’t an unfamiliar term for me. I have been learning to manage my anxiety for a couple of years now, and some days are more successful than others. However, I am grateful that I could share about my anxiety and the tips that I have picked up to help manage it, on the Anxiety Hacks Podcast.
Read also ‘What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder? My Experience‘
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is defined by the organisation Mind as a natural human reaction to a threatening situation that can be experienced through sensation, feelings, or thoughts. It’s totally normal to experience anxiety when we deal with stressful situations or change. We can experience anxiety when we are under pressure. And this is totally normal, but when it gets out of control, it can become a mental health problem.
I experienced anxiety after my accident. It is very common that people who went through a traumatic event also experience anxiety. The main difference between Generalised Anxiety Disorder and PTSD is that the anxiety someone with PTSD experiences is associated with the traumatic event they went through, as opposed to a variety of situations and events.
Read also ‘How to Overcome Fears? Dealing With PTSD and Anxiety‘
I developed anxiety following my accident when a van hit me as I was crossing a road. A week after the accident, I started to experience flashbacks, and two months later, I was diagnosed with PTSD. Now, over two years later, I am still on my journey of healing. And I was grateful for the space to share what I have learnt on the Anxiety Hacks Podcast.
Anxiety Hacks
The Anxiety Hacks Podcast is run by Kate Hudson-Hall. Kate is a therapist, and as the name of the podcast suggests, she shares hacks on dealing with anxiety. Through the real-life stories of people who have actually experienced anxiety and the thoughts of experts on the topic. Her guests share valuable information and practical tips on managing anxiety.
Read also ‘Journaling: What Is It and How to Use It for Healing?‘
And what hacks did I share? Firstly, writing and journaling literally saved me from losing my sanity when I started to experience flashbacks in hospital after my accident. The fact that it was in the middle of a Covid lockdown probably didn’t help. But also practical everyday hacks, such as breathing and grounding techniques. And through discussion with Kate, I also expanded my own knowledge and learnt some valuable additional techniques myself. So, the podcast is packed with useful and effective tools that can help you to manage your anxiety day by day.
Tune in to listen to the Anxiety Hacks Podcast and get the tips that can help you to manage your anxiety here.
If you are experiencing anxiety, do reach out. There are a number of professional networks that can help, such as Samaritans, Anxiety UK and others, or you may be eligible to receive help via your employer.
Trauma doesn’t have to be your life sentence
Although the trauma took so much away from me, I didn’t want to let it control my life. Because whilst we may have experienced trauma, it doesn’t have to become a life sentence. We can move forward and reclaim our power and control. That’s why I have shared my knowledge and experience not only on the Anxiety Hacks Podcast but also in my free e-book 7 Keys To Self-Healing, A Trauma Survivor’s Guide. There you will also find what I have learnt through discussions with health professionals. I created this e-book to empower and encourage you to take your next step towards healing. Because you deserve it! Download your free guide now.
Thank you and till the next blog post,
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I agree writing and journaling is so helpful. Thanks for sharing.
As an LCSW working with folks who struggle with anxiety, I truly appreciate your suggestions and ideas!!
This is such a resourceful and informative post. Thanks for sharing and creating an awareness around these important topics.
Journaling makes such a difference when working through so many emotions. I am glad to hear that you are okay and healing every day. Keep moving forward!
I like writing in my journal and seeing my therapist
Great post and tips on how to deal with anxiety! Living during a pandemic took such a toll on so many people! We all need to spread kindness and as bloggers, we can help people by sharing awareness. Thank you for sharing!
I’m grateful that I finally grew to appreciate the restorative power of journaling. Appreciated this article. ????????????
This is such a great resource. Thanks for sharing!
This is great information, thank you for sharing!
Such great suggestion! So great to not just manage anxiety but to get in front of it. Thanks for sharing.
This post is such a resourceful and informative post. Thanks for sharing us the tip how to deal anxiety.
• Talking about anxiety and how it is common to feel anxious in the face of stress and change but also recognizing that, if left unchecked, anxiety can lead to mental health problems.
• Describing a personal experience of acquiring anxiety following a severe accident and stressing the distinction between PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder.
• I am thankful for the chance to provide advice on anxiety treatment on the Anxiety Hacks Podcast, emphasizing the value of journaling, writing, and doable methods like breathing and grounding.
• Promoting the podcast as a useful source for methods and resources for anxiety control.
• Encouraging those who are anxious to get help from a professional and providing them with resources for support like Samaritans and Anxiety UK.
• Promoting the free e-book “7 Keys To Self-Healing, A Trauma Survivor’s Guide” and stressing that trauma need not define one’s life.