A lot of us are struggling with anxiety right now. I know I am. I find myself needing to take a break from television news and social media. Of course, I will feel anxious if I spend hours watching and listening to what is going on right now. If you are feeling anxious you should not blame yourself. It will only make things worse. You are human and occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Sometimes when we experience a tough time mentally people will blame us for how we feel. We will get the shake it off speech. Don’t let other people make you feel guilty about your emotions.

In the past, I would use food to deal with anxiety. Nothing was more calming than eating a half gallon of ice cream. I have learned healthy ways to deal with anxiety. I listen to music, pray, watch one of my favorite comedians, write or take a walk. I stay away from things or people that will feed my anxiety. Meditation works for some people. Each of us are different and what works for me might not work for you. You should not use unhealthy mechanisms to cope with anxiety. Overeating, drinking too much, smoking, or taking drugs will only exacerbate the problem.

If your anxiety is long term and you consistently feel nervous, fearful or you have a difficult time functioning in your normal activities. You may have an anxiety disorder. If that is the case you should talk with your doctor. Your doctor should be able to recommend a mental healthcare professional that can provide treatment.