Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Covid-19

Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Covid-19 

How are you dealing?

It wasn’t until grad school that I was told that crouching in a corner, shaking uncontrollably, and not being able to catch my breath was called a panic attack. These words were foreign to me. I thought it was somewhat normal to become overwhelmed and react to life in the way that I did, well that was until it became an everyday occurrence. You see every once in a while I would have a panic attack in high school. Being a high strung, over achieving teenager can do that to a person. However, I always trudged it out, got up off the bathroom floor of the upstairs main campus, and went on about my day. It was normal. Then college came and basically the same scenario—

1. Panic attack on the floor

2. Unable to catch my breath 

3. Finally it’s over 

4. Okay back to everyday life. 

But, then grad school came, and oh shit was that a different ball game. Grad school was the combination of working full time, going to school full time, and planning a wedding full time…oh and did I mention doing all of this 4 hours away from my family and my fiancé. Life was rough. Anxiety hit me like a bulldozer. It didn’t just come and sprinkle a panic attack here and there. It came at me like a bill collector—persistent, vexatious, and always at the wrong time. With the help of my fiancé, family, and very concerned friends I sought out help. That’s when I learned the truth about anxiety and panic attacks and what management looked like for me. It took years after grad school to completely feel in control of my anxiety and truly have a handle on my panic attacks. Of course life isn’t perfect and every once in a while I would have to come face to face with my anxiety, but now I had the tools. 

Then Covid-19 came along and turned my world upside down…you know what that isn’t accurate enough. Let’s try this- Covid-19 came along and took a colossal sized dump on my life, routine, and everything holding my anxiety in place. Maybe you felt the same way? So, how did I deal? How am I currently dealing? Well, I found a new normal. Here are my top 3 suggestions:

1. Hunny, routine truly is the key! You must, must, MUST, carve out a routine. Here is mine. Every morning, I get up and out of the bed by 8 am. I am a morning person. I didn’t want to lose that energy just because I don’t have to go to work. Once up, I take my sweet doggie for a walk. We currently walk a 5K a day. This gives me time to clear my thoughts, think through my day, and get some fresh air. After the walk I look at my schedule and put time in at work. This is a basic morning routine, but it is helping me stay consistent. 
2. A chore a day will keep the anxiety away! Choose a chore, project, hobby, sport, workout… honestly it really doesn’t matter, but pick one thing to do a day. I choose one different chore to complete a day. For example, cleaning under the couch was my chore yesterday. When do you have time to completely move your furniture out and sweep under your couch? Now, is the time! I found a water bowl for my cats we thought was lost, and a remote we haven’t seen in two years. I know gross two years, but like I said before when else do you have time to move your furniture out of the way and really clean? Don’t judge! I bet you have some hidden treasures of your own. Selecting a chore a day helps me in two ways. One it gives me something to do. Two it helps calms me and gives me a sense of accomplishment. My brain tells my body “look you did something, that is clean because of you! High five!” This type of one-on-one conversation really helps to boost my morale making me a better version of myself. 
3. Lose yourself in something creative! My last and maybe most important suggestion is find something creative to enjoy. Maybe now is the time that you pick up painting or learn to sew. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn a second language or how to plant a garden. Now is your chance! My friends will be the first to tell you that I am the least crafty person on the planet, but my creativity comes by way of food. I could spend hours researching, planning, organizing, and designing activities centered on food. Growing up, I spent summers with my grandma. She taught me how to cook food that kisses your soul.  I learned how to make fried pork chops smothered in gravy and creamy mashed potatoes, amongst many other favorites. Every day with my granny was an adventure. She could take something raw and make it not only delicious, but beautiful. This is where my creative side thrives—in the kitchen. Experimenting with new recipes, perfecting old ones, and living in every moment. 

I know everyone is different, and so what works for me might not work for you. However, I encourage you to give at least one of these suggestions a true chance. You might just surprise yourself. I’ll leave you with this, don’t let panic attacks win. Don’t give in to your anxiety. They aren’t deserving of your time and energy. Every day is an opportunity to fall in love with life, whether it be by trying a new dish for dinner or finding hidden treasure underneath your couch. Each day presents a unique way for us to find joy...we just have to be willing to search.