So, You’ve Been Diagnosed with Anxiety?

I have struggled with anxiety since high school. I can remember early high school in the times before it, but ever since my sophomore year I began struggling with deep feelings of panic, stress, worry, and the unshakable feeling that something was wrong. For years I did my best to work through it and push off those thoughts, but soon they became debilitating. Exacerbated by COVID and the challenges of navigating the adult world, panic attacks and constant anxiety began to impede my daily life to the point of being absolutely debilitating. 

Just this year, after years of struggle and years of internal debate, I finally contacted my doctor for help and came out of the appointment with a final diagnosis of GAD: generalized anxiety disorder. This set me out on a journey to find ways to adapt to the disorder and improve myself both mentally and physically. While this isn’t medical advice, I will share with you the changes I have made that have helped me so far as I navigate my newfound world with an answer I have needed for years. 

1. Anxiety can cause a lot of persistent and stressful thoughts, at least for me. Finding ways to ground yourself in these moments and remind yourself that they are only temporary and everything is okay is key. I try to pull up a song, a video, or watch something to quickly distract myself and pull myself out of that headspace. 

2. Warm showers and baths are a great way to calm down and take time away from your busy life. Some music in the background or simply listening to the sound of the water can also be therapeutic. 

3. Separate your workspace from your sleep space. I know this is challenging especially in college, but doing work in bed or the place you sleep can cause subconscious associations that can add stress. Try and work in a different part of your room or in a different room altogether if possible to keep a safe space in your bed for rest and relaxation. 

4. I was also diagnosed with insomnia, and when combined with anxiety it creates a cruel mix. Staying awake for hours with racing thoughts is never fun or easy. I’ve found that drinking tea (or warm water with a slice of lemon, if tea isn’t your thing) can help put me to sleep faster and more easily. I usually read before bed as well to slow my mind down (avoid textbooks though, regardless of how much those put us to sleep). 

5. Lastly and most importantly, if you are fortunate enough to have a prescription for your anxiety, please do your best to remember to take your medication. I set a recurring reminder on my phone for every morning when I wake up so that I remember to take them. 

Sometimes the best advice can be from talking to someone. Therapy and professional advice is unfortunately a privilege in our society, but BU offers temporary counseling to all BU students, free of charge. I understand the stress that comes with seeking help for the first time, but in the end that can be the most helpful thing you can do. You are never alone and things do get better.

Give yourself grace and trust that everything will be okay in the end. You are loved and no matter what your anxiety says, you are strong, capable, and meant to be here.