Anxiety. Even the word itself gives me shivers and makes me nervous about something.
Some of you may not know this, but I suffer from acute or situational anxiety. I get anxiety when I go to the dentist, doctor’s office, hospitals, even the vet! I also get anxiety while flying. These things are fairly new and developed within the last three years for almost no reason. As a kid, I used to LOVE flying. Even though I didn’t fly often, I always loved it, even just going to the airport got me excited. When I left to go on my exchange, it had been the first time flying since I was little. It was the best experience to be able to do something I had longed to do for a long time, and to do it alone made me feel awesome and independent.
All of a sudden, on my way back from Israel two years ago, I started feeling anxious and nervous. Every time I fly since then, I get nervous during take off and get sick randomly mid flight.
I am always nervous to go places, including work, because I am afraid of getting sick. I hate the thought of feeling sick and being away from home or somewhere where I feel comfortable and safe- away from other people. I don’t like the thought of something happening to me in public, because I don’t want other people to worry or help me. Damn you, pride! Sometimes when I am not feeling well (not like a runny nose, but I might pass out or worse), I won’t tell people because I don’t want them to worry and it’s embarrassing for me. I also think that maybe it will get better or pass, and sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t.
Some things I do to help me out in situations I can’t avoid–like going to the doctor or vet– are:
- I will sometimes go with someone who knows that I struggle with this, so when I suddenly leave the room, they know why.
- When I have to go alone and I notice that I won’t make it, sometimes I will tell whoever I am meeting with that I might have to leave the room. It is sometimes (okay, most of the time), embarrassing, but it helps in the end.
- I always bring a water bottle and try to sit down as often as possible. These things comfort me.
- I always look for the nearest restroom for a quick escape if needed.
- And lastly, I pray before I go. This is the most calming solution out of all of them.
Do you also suffer from anxiety? I know for a fact that I am not alone, and I am thankful that I do not have it as bad as others. I would love to hear your stories and what steps you take in order to help! Maybe they will help me, too 🙂
Go in grace,
Sara ❤
See Sara Go 