Chapter 1: Understanding Anxiety

When anxiety strikes, it can feel as if the ground is shifting beneath you. The enormity of the world can be overwhelming, making you feel detached and lost. Breathing becomes a challenge, and the weight of existence can seem unbearable.

If you've battled with anxiety, you might recognize the racing heartbeat and the icy chill that grips your hands. While it may seem impossible to fully escape anxiety, it’s vital to learn to ride the waves of these emotions.

Though countless resources focus on exercise and breathing techniques, my personal journey over the past two years has centered around four key strategies:

1. Reaching Out to Friends

   A year ago, I faced frequent panic attacks. In the moments before these episodes, despair and catastrophic thoughts would consume me. I realized that expressing my feelings and thoughts aloud significantly lessened the intensity of my panic.

Calling a friend during a panic episode can provide a sense of safety amidst the perceived danger. Vulnerability is essential when confronting anxiety; sharing your most troubling thoughts, no matter how daunting they may sound, can be liberating.

According to research from the University of Cambridge, a study involving 2,000 adolescents highlighted that support from friends during stressful times can enhance resilience.

2. Journaling Your Thoughts

   The incessant noise in my head often keeps me awake at night. Writing down my thoughts has proven to be an effective outlet, freeing my mind from its burdens.

Often, the thoughts we find too intense or embarrassing to share with others can be safely expressed on paper. Unlike people who might offer unsolicited advice, journaling provides a space for unfiltered expression and self-discovery.

If you’re unsure where to start with journaling, just write about whatever crosses your mind—your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Psychologist Barbara Markway notes, “there’s simply no better way to learn about your thought processes than to write them down.” Recognizing negative self-talk is the first step towards addressing anxiety.

3. Engaging with Puzzles

   Puzzles are my go-to distraction. They draw me out of my anxious thoughts and create a sense of achievement with each piece that fits.

Life often feels like a puzzle—we’re constantly searching for missing pieces to create a clearer picture. If you’re hesitant, consider starting with a smaller puzzle of around 500 pieces. Engaging in this type of activity can be a creative way to combat anxiety, as highlighted by psychologist Dr. Stephan Lermer, who states that achieving set goals fosters self-confidence and inner peace.

4. Therapeutic Support

   I genuinely look forward to my therapy sessions. During particularly challenging times, therapy has illuminated the chaos within my mind.

It provides a non-judgmental environment to explore thoughts and feelings while equipping you with tools to manage stress. Many confuse self-care with therapy, but the latter involves a trained professional who guides you through your challenges.

The monster of anxiety can be intimidating, robbing you of joyful moments and revealing deeper issues that require introspection. However, by finding ways to confront this monster, you can emerge victorious.

Let’s connect and continue this journey together.

Chapter 2: Practical Tools to Tame Anxiety

The first video titled "RECORDING FNAF: Monster In Your Head (Security Breach song)" explores the themes of confronting inner fears and anxieties through creative expression.

The second video, "Cry of Fear - The Best Free Game You Never Played," dives into the psychological aspects of fear and anxiety, illustrating how art and gaming can serve as therapeutic outlets.