Normally, I’m really chill about social encounters and I’ve never been the kind of person who gets anxious or feels uncomfortable around people. But recently something changed. I started to pay attention that I struggle with repetitive anxiety attacks in certain situations. As a writer, my work involves a lot of interviews with prominent figures and revolves around interacting with people at congested and high-paced events. From there, I realized that I suffer from anxiety attacks, that leave every single part of my body shaking hysterically, also taking over my facial gestures, without me being able to do anything to stop it.
The worst and most embarrassing part is when I notice people’s questioning looks whilst interviewing them. It’s as if they think I’m being possessed by a demon. And of course, the more I try to hide it, the worse it gets. Without laying this on thick, this is one of the toughest and most disturbing feelings I have ever come across.
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I obviously didn’t know what was going on with me and deep inside I was kind of scared to share it with anyone, fearing that it could mean something adverse for my health. But I plucked up the courage in me and opened up to my mom and one of my close friends about my newly unusual experience. And by far, it was the most appropriate decision I have ever made. I learned that these anxiety attacks happen to almost everyone, only with variation in the circumstances. People can get anxious before giving a presentation, conducting an interview or simply by being put in a situation where they’re the center of attention. I did my homework and read a lot about the topic, and here’s how I learned to gradually come to terms with the instant attacks that suddenly consume me. If you suffer from the same issue, please read on.
Talk It Out
If you ever experience an attack during work-related encounters or anything else for that matter, don’t ever try to hide it. I said it before and I’ll say it over and over again, the more you hide it, the worse it gets. It’s absolutely okay and recommended to share that you’re having a nervous moment or a straight up anxiety attack, that you need to deal with at the moment. You’ll be surprised that some people will tell you that they used to struggle with the same issue, but with practice, they were able to make peace with it.
Pull Yourself Out Of Any Uncomfortable Situation
If you get an attack and there is no way you can control it, leave the situation that’s making you uncomfortable immediately. Communicate your unease to whomever you’re around and just go somewhere with fresh air.
Remember That We All Come From The Same Source
This might sound funny but my mom told me something that I now use regularly: ” Whenever you get anxious around someone, no matter who they are, just look at them and remember that at some point in their lives, they were babies who sh*&t themselves and their poor moms had to take care of it.” Laughter aside, trust me, this helps.
Don’t Overthink It
Anxiety attacks are very common and happen frequently to almost everyone. Don’t overthink it and feel like there’s something wrong with you. If you feel like you need consultation and support, go for it. If you learn the way to calm your storms, then there’s no need to worry or overthink it anymore. We got this and I urge you to go forth with confidence and love.
