If you suspect you or a friend may benefit from talking about it, please visit the SSVO or CSCD on the corner of Bosman and Victoria street. You can email terapie@sun.ac.za to find out how it works or simply walk in. Laurinda is very helpful.
Check out the blog next week for a more in depth guide to using the SSVO
Short term ways to manage anxiety
Anxiety occurs in a spectrum of intensity ranging from simply hating phone calls or getting pre-exam jitters to having a full blown disorder interspersed with some fun 2 am panic attacks. Most people have experienced or will experience some degree or form of anxiety.
If you've ever hidden in a bathroom stall during lunch hour because you KNOW that failing your test means the apocalypse will start tomorrow - or changed your outfit five times because your socks looked funny - you will also know exactly how brave you have to be to put on your game face and go get shit done.
Learning to cope with that nagging, nauseating, sneaky, sweaty feeling is a highly personal journey but not necessarily one you have to embark on alone.
1. If you're feeling overwhelmed by a situation or group of people - just leave
Remember how timeouts used to be a punishment? Much like naps, they are now your best friend. Often just exiting the situation will help to calm you down. The trick is to leave on time and not wait until tears are already streaming down your face.
2. Grounding exercises (for when timeouts aren't enough or you can't leave the exam venue).
Pick three things you can see, two things you can hear and one thing you can touch. This helps to refocus your mind on something other than the panic. Having something to fiddle with like tinfoil or a smooth pebble can also calm you down or distract negative, anxious bad thoughts.
3. Smell the roses – or scented candle or perfume or malva flower or herbal tea.
Acknowledge you’re doing your best and sternly tell yourself to be kind to yourself. What would you tell your best friend if they felt this way? Exactly. Be your own best friend. Tell the bitchy negative version of yourself to calm tf down and acknowledge that you are doing your best.
It's simply the truth.
***Please please please remember that severe social and/or general anxiety disorder are debilitating illnesses which require professional attention. Medication and/or being equipped with skills acquired in therapy sessions are essential to improve your quality of life.