This is Part 2 of Anxiety: Resources For Healing. If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.
Blogs/Websites
When we have any health condition, it’s beneficial to talk to others who are or have been in our situation. The following article shares 9 blogs written by people who have experience with anxiety. According to Healthline,
Even though estimates show that over 30 percent of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, it’s very easy to feel alone when you live with anxiety. You aren’t — and these bloggers are here to empower you, help break down the shame and stigma of mental illness, and give you tips and resources for managing anxiety in your everyday life.
You can check out these blogs here.
Second, The Mighty is a unique website that publishes readers posts about different chronic conditions. You can read about other people’s experiences, and even submit something you have written about your chronic illness/es. They have a whole section devoted to Mental Health. Find them at https://www.themighty.com
The Mighty also has an online post-a-thought or ask-a-question section specifically on Mental Health. You can access that here.
Books
Third, if you like to read, this resource discusses 22 books/workbooks that you can look through for something that appeals to you. https://liveboldandbloom.com/07/product-reviews/best-books-on-anxiety
Panic Attacks
Fourth, no discussion of tools for healing anxiety would be complete without discussing panic attacks.
Panic Free: The 10-Day Program to End Panic, Anxiety, and Claustrophobia by Tom Burn was reviewed by Navigating The Storms Blog here.
“Panic Free presents excellent explanations in layman’s language about the brain’s part in panic. It includes specific strategies, with clear step-by-step instructions, to combat panic, anxiety, and claustrophobia.”
I haven’t gotten to read this book yet, but I want to, because I struggle with anxiety and am claustrophobic, especially in medical scanners! The idea that there is a way to prevent these unpleasant symptoms is very appealing. I also have several family members who suffer from anxiety, and panic attacks that I’m going to share this book with.
Are You A Highly Sensitive Person?
Fifth, I’ve been learning about Highly Sensitive People or HSPs. An HSP is very in-tune with what is going on around them, and can therefore get easily overwhelmed in busy environments. They can pick up on other’s emotions and social clues and absorb them.
I mention this because, it might play a part in your anxiety. I’ve discovered that I am a HSP. Add that to being an introvert, and it gave me some clues to why I get anxious in certain situations, but not others. You can read this blog post to see if you might be a HSP yourself. https://hisensitives.com/sensitive-newsflash-you-might-be-a-highly-sensitive-person/
Reducing Stress
Finally, we live in a highly stressful, fast-paced world. Reducing stress in our lives is a vital component of any mental health plan. As with any other treatment ideas, we need to customize our plan for what actually works for us. So please pick and choose what works for you, and ignore what isn’t helpful.
Julie at Counting My Spoons, wrote a great article on decreasing stress. She covers the essentials of reducing stress in ten tips. You can read it here.
Personally, I find that going outside in nature or watching nature videos, is very calming when I’m feeling stressed. You can read more about the healing benefits of nature here.
Wrap-Up of Anxiety Resources
I hope this two part series has given you new resources to help you improve your mental health by decreasing your anxiety. If you also struggle with depression you can find more resources here.
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Till next time, Kathy
Hi, Terri! I’m so glad you came by and commented. I tend to soak up other people’s emotions, which probably wasn’t a good trait for a nurse. I’m also not a fan of large, noisy gatherings. I get what I call “sensory overload” easily.
Thanks for sharing some great resources Kathy. I would say I probably fall under the Highly Sensitive Person umbrella, and it can be exhausting. I avoid large gatherings as much as possible, partly because all the noise and activity around me can put me on edge. I’m sure the information you’ve shared here will help people who are dealing with anxiety or panic disorders. Blessings to you!