Dealing with Anxiety (Grounding)
Anxiety attacks are scary. They can feel like the world is collapsing in on you, and there’s no one around but you to hold it up. Anxiety attacks may flood your brain and drown out the world around you, keeping you trapped in your own mind. They can be overwhelming and may make you feel helpless, but there are ways to get back to your reality.
Tell me five things you can see around you.
Around me, I see my phone, in a pink case with strawberries on it (1). My water bottle, lavender and covered with stickers, sits in front of me as well (2). On my wall is a poster that says, “empowered women empower women” (3). The lights around my room are set to orange to create the feel for a fall aesthetic (4). My sunglasses, rimmed with brown, sit atop my desk (5).
Tell me four things you can feel around you.
I can feel my pink, fluffy blanket on my legs, keeping me warm (1). I run my fingers along my countertop, smooth and cool (2). I pick up my iced matcha, feeling the moisture of the condensation on the outside of the cup (3). Beneath me, my feet are planted on the hard, steady floor, grounding me (4).
Tell me three things you can hear around you.
My air conditioner is on, keeping a steady flow of white noise in the background (1). I can hear the muffled voices of my housemates speaking in the next room (2). If I focus, I can hear my breathing, slow and deep, as well (3).
Tell me two things you can smell around you.
I can smell my fresh laundry that I just finished (1). Aside from that, the strawberry air freshener plugged into the wall fills my room with the scent of fresh strawberries (2).
Tell me one thing you can taste.
I still have the taste of my finished matcha on my tongue, sweet and earthy (1).
It is so easy to get lost within your own mind. Your anxiety will keep you there if you let it. Don’t panic. Take slow, deep breaths, and find reality around you. Remember your five senses: count to five, then four, three, two, and one. Allow yourself to experience your emotions. Remind yourself that you’re okay. You’ve made it out. You will make it out.
If you are feeling down and need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Letters Against Depression if you haven’t already. We send letters of hope and support to those who need someone there for them. You can request to receive letters here.