Gabby Fabrizio
Mental health is something which affects many people, both young and old, and it is very important. It is something which, deserves to be taken seriously, it deserves to be a topic of social discussion without people shying away from the subject. Thankfully, things in society are starting to improve and people are starting to take mental health more seriously, which is incredible. But for those who suffer from a mental health issue, even though people are there to help and understand you, you can feel very isolated and alone.
It can be pretty intimidating when you’re in public to try and pretend that everything is okay when it really isn’t. But, we have something to tell you. It’s okay not to be okay. You are so amazing in your own way and that is what makes you so special. We know how hard it can be to try and force a smile on your face when you’re in public and you don’t want to let your guard down to people, trust us, we know. Unfortunately, as much as we want to take away that awful feeling from you, we can’t. But we can give you some pretty useful tips on how to deal with anxiety when you’re in public to make your anxiety more manageable.
If you’re out in public, or even if you’re at home, try some of our tips to help manage the anxious feelings and get yourself into a position where you feel comfortable enough to continue with your day. We’re not saying that these tips will work for everyone because everyone is so different, but try them and see if they help you even just a tiny bit.
Focus on your breathing
When an anxiety attack occurs, typically the first thing to change is your breathing and when you notice this it can make you feel more panicked than you did already feel. Breathing exercises can really help you to regain your breathing to a manageable state again. Something which is very useful is to practice your breathing exercises when you’re not going through an anxiety attack so that you can really get to grips with the techniques which work best for you.
Focus on a positive outcome
One of the best things to do is try and visualise a positive outcome. Really focus on this positive image, a simple one to use is an image of you completing the rest of the activities you have planned for the day happy and carefree. Really focus on this image and try and power through combining the positive outcome, and your deep breathing.
Take it slow
The worst thing to do is to try and rush yourself to get back to a manageable state of mind again, although when you’re in public that is the first thing you will want to do. Take your time to get yourself calm, and get yourself into a situation where you are at the point that you can begin to think about moving on from the anxiety attack.
Confide in people
If you are out with someone who you have already opened up to about your anxiety, let them know you are suffering. Sometimes just having a familiar and happy face around you will help in calming yourself down and slowing your breathing down again.
It can be extremely hard when you’re in public and an anxiety attack comes on, but the main thing to remember is that you are in control, focus on a positive outcome, and set yourself realistic goals to get yourself there.
