Imagine falling into a dark, dark ditch. With no visible way out. You could spend days and days, till your last breath, just shouting for help. When little did you know there is a ladder in the dark corner, you just didn't see it.
If you've read a couple of my previous posts you'll know that I struggled with anxiety and depression since I was fifteen. I am now twenty. In the grand scheme of things, no five years isn't a long time at all. I have only got a grip on my negative thoughts and panic attacks in July this year. I tried medication and counselling, which to me seemed like the only two options there was for someone like me. Personally, neither gave that confirmation that I needed that everything was going to be okay for me.
There's nothing more concerning than being in a bad place and believing there is no way out. But that doesn't mean that there is no way out!
There is always a way out!
You just might not have seen it yet.
In a place of desperation I was willing to try anything I could to stop my panic attacks. It was controlling my thoughts, my behaviour and even my eating. It was controlling my life.
Until I took back control.
It's a conscious decision you have to make and takes a lot of hard work. You've let your mind wonder and wonder and wonder and never took back hold of the reins. I let my mind wonder into dark places for five years. It became habit. Habits are hard to break but its possible and its down to you.
I set aside time every single morning to just lie down and breathe. As simple as it sounds, I was practising the exercise of focussing my mind on what I wanted to focus on, which was my breathing. Everytime my mind wondered I would allow it but then choose to focus back on my breathing. I never thought such a simple exercise would have a lasting effect on my anxiety and panic attacks. But if you look at the bigger picture - you're practising how to control your mind and control what thoughts you are focussed on.
Practice this every single day, keep consistent and you will see massive differences. Gradually you will see yourself taking more control over what inhabits your mind.
Anxious thoughts? Lie down. Focus on your breathing. If your mind wonders, don't panic, just let it wonder and then refocus back on your breathing.
Don't be disheartened if you're not successful straight away - as I said this is hard work and you're retraining your brain completely. But consistancy is key and I urge you to give this a go. I've seen a massive difference in myself since.
Remember, there is hope and there is always a way out.
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