Most, if not all, of us have been dealing with dizzying levels of anxiety for months now. A devastating pandemic, unemployment, an ugly and contentious election — and then, of course, yesterday’s siege of the Capitol by Trump-stoked extremists. There is so much to be furious and devastated about; there is so much work to do. In the meantime, you need to take care of yourself. And we at Lifehacker want to help you do that.
On a personal note, I am a lifelong anxiety-disorder sufferer — had my first panic attack at 11, I did. I have an arsenal of tools at my disposal: multiple breathing methods, a weighted blanket, friends and family (and a therapist) who can help me ground myself — and a prescription for benzodiazepines when shit gets real. But many of us are new to this jittery and insomnia-racked community; I have not enjoyed welcoming my heretofore serene pals to Club Collywobbles (I’m sorry, that’s terrible, I was trying to make it cute). So I combed through the archives of Lifehacker to find the best advice we had.
Identify what anxiety is doing to you
First, it helps to know what’s going on in your brain, when anxiety takes hold. (“This is a cortisol flood,” I told myself at some point yesterday. “It feels like arse.” Science!)
Learn how to get through a panic attack
Many of you have experienced your first panic attack recently. Welcome, my freaked out lil’ fledglings. One panic attack doesn’t mean you’ll have more, but the anticipatory fear of the next one can be paralyzing in itself. So, again: A plan is good. Here’s how to get through a panic attack, featuring the dulcet tones of …me.
Use this BoJack panic-attack hack
Behold: a quick hack thanks to BoJack Horseman. You don’t need to wait for a full-on panic attack to use this technique. Whenever anxiety feels like it’s getting the upper hand, turn to the BoJack hack.
Curb the urge to self-harm
Many of us deal with anxiety by self-harming. This could be your brain’s way of taking control of a seemingly uncontrollable situation, or to keep from disassociating. If this is you, you’re not alone. Here are some apps to help you manage this impulse and (hopefully) feel more compassion for yourself.
[referenced id=”820060″ url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2018/01/get-through-an-urge-to-self-harm-with-these-apps/” thumb=”https://www.gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/01/23/qor4flhcgin5gm8kaast-300×187.png” title=”Get Through An Urge To Self-Harm With These Apps ” excerpt=”iOS/Android: The urge to self-harm, the Calm Harm app tells us, is like a wave. It’s strongest at the beginning, but if you ride the wave, it will soon be over. Apps are no substitute for a good therapist, but people who struggle with these moments of crisis say the…”]
Distract yourself
My personal favourite tactic for dealing with anxiety: Get under a (weighted) blanket, and watch cartoons.
[referenced id=”1040208″ url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/12/how-to-use-cartoons-as-a-healthy-escape/” thumb=”https://www.gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/12/16/di9buxujovwi7kuqwaqw-300×169.png” title=”How to Use Cartoons as a Healthy Escape” excerpt=”Watching my favourite program until my eyes fall out has its benefits, especially during the pandemic. When emotions are high, television has been a healthy escape and comfort throughout the quarantine. I’ve had in-depth conversations on why I’m not a fan of Molly from Insecure, or how I relate to Craig…”]
Or maybe you need a more active approach (but not the “get off the couch” kind of active). May we suggest video games? Well, we just did.
[referenced id=”1037524″ url=”https://www.lifehacker.com.au/2020/11/actually-video-games-can-be-beneficial-to-your-mental-health/” thumb=”https://www.gizmodo.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/11/24/iahyzm0nmcsusr08ayxz-300×169.jpg” title=”Actually, Video Games Can Be Beneficial to Your Mental Health” excerpt=”As the global pandemic batters economies and consigns billions of people around the world to isolation in their homes, our collective mental health is understandably taking a nosedive. With many people lacking their usual outlets for initiating contact with family, friends, and co-workers, depression has soared globally.”]
As always, we are here for you. Tell us how you’re doing in the comments. Email me if there’s anything else you need from us.
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