Dealing with Anxiety and Panic Attacks

So this isn't my usual blog post but after watching Zoella's video about this I thought it IS important to talk about anxiety and panic attacks because not only does it help me but other people who suffer with them too!

When did it start?

I started having these when I was about 12/13, but they got alot worse when I started college. I can say that I didn't have the best time at college. I didn't want to get up in the morning, I didn't eat for days and when I did it was hardly anything. I had the bad panics every morning before I went and would constantly say "I don't want to go".

Why does this happen?

There are many things that I think may have started this all off. After reading a few anxiety self help books it says past events could be the cause of current panic attacks as you never dealt with them in the past. I 100% am the sort of person to not deal with things and just push them to one side because its too hard at the time to do that. I can't really say I enjoyed school completely, I enjoyed the lessons and being with my friends but along the way I lost all my confidence and belief in myself from bullies! I was always told I was "Ugly" "You'll always be alone" and the worst of them all "Thin, Anorexic" which is equally as hurtful as being told your overweight! There were many things that contributed to this which i can't go into detail because I'd be here all day!
After being told these things over and over you start to actually believe them and think am I? Even to this day thinking about what they said and talking about it still upsets me as I think "why me, I did nothing to you"? At the time I told no one how I felt and just continued covering it up. This doesn't help and I would encourage anyone who is or has gone through the same thing to just tell someone, you'll feel so much better and it helps just to know someone is listening. I believe this is the main cause of mine. I would never put anyone through this so it kind of makes me very cautious about what I say or do as I know what its like to be on the other side of comments like that. So in that respect it has helped me be who I am today. 

My advice is to not worry about what you look like, I spent so much of my teenage years worrying if I was wearing the right thing or did my hair look ok or do I wear make up? As long as you're happy with how you look that's the main thing. I still think "Hmmm shall I wear this" I always will but I have grown to accept that that's not the most important thing so I will wear what I like and have my hair how I want it. I know there is a lot of pressure to look a certain way but just be YOU!!! I never wore make up throughout the whole of school and in a way I'm proud of myself for not following the crowd and being a clone of everyone else!! As I think that this is also a big cause of unnecessary worry and wish I had just had the confidence to be me! I know its easy for me to say that and harder to to do because believe me I don't even listen to this advice myself when other people say it. Deep down I know it isn't true and I shouldn't care what people say but the part of me that believe them is so much stronger.

What are panic/anxiety attacks and how to overcome them?

For everyone who has them they are different. I think the main feeling is like you're suffocating and they're isn't enough air for to breathe which then makes me panic even more. It can make you feel sick, dizzy or like you're going to pass out. 
I also notice that when I start panicking I just totally switch off and don't listen to anyone. I can't hear anything or anyone at that point and feel the need to just leave the room or shop immediately.
I have had tablets from the doctors because I worried and panicked so much that I had really bad pains in my back, stomach and by my ribs which was caused by a high acid reflux. They have got better and I know longer have the tables but occasionally I still get them but I'm getting better at dealing with them now!

Dealing with panic attacks is hard and I know that it's easier said than done. But my top tips are:

• Open a window or step outside. It's so simple but fresh air can help a whole lot and I often have my bedroom window open even if it makes me cold, I love fresh air!!!
• Have a glass of water. Another simple thing but a cold glass of water can really help as it cools you down and helps you breath more fluently while drinking.
• 10 minute breathing. Every morning and evening I sit down for 10 minutes and turn everything off and just breath in and out calmly. Just focus on breathing and slowly you will have a more calmer rhythm.
• Saying the word "Calm"  - Just simply saying the word "Calm" as you breathe out can instanly make you feel better becuase it helps control your breathing.
• Having someone to talk to - This is where I went wrong, I didn't speak to anyone which caused everything to get a whole lot worse the older I got. Just speak to someone about how you feel. They might have experienced the same and give you advice.

Just remember that loads of people have them and you're not alone!

The present day

I do still have panic attacks and anxiety some times worse that others but I can deal with it a better and remember it doesn't control your life, you have to control it!! I have had those really low times which I don't want to think about but I have had more happy times and memories. 

In a way these experiences have helped me be a stronger person because I know that I can get through whatever comes my way and even though I have them I am still a very happy person who likes to enjoy themself! I have amazing people around me who probably don't know it but they help in there own little ways so I would like to thank them very much :)

If you have any ways of dealing with anxiety or panic attacks please leave them in the comments below or message me, I always like a good tip :) hope I've helped and thank you for reading :

Natasha

xxx