Last night, anxiety swooped in without warning – the way it sometimes does, catching us completely off guard when we least expect it.
You know that feeling, don’t you? When your mind starts racing and your chest tightens, and suddenly you’re searching through your toolkit of coping strategies, hoping something will stick. Being self-aware enough to recognize what’s happening is huge – it’s the first step in taking back control.
When Your Usual Tools Don’t Take Flight
I reached for my go-to: reading. Something calming, something to redirect my focus. But instead of soothing my mind, the words seemed to make everything louder, more overwhelming. Sometimes our most reliable coping skills just don’t land the way we need them to.
So I switched gears. I removed all stimulation – no screens, no sounds, just darkness and the gentle whoosh of a fan. I focused on my breathing, on feeling the air move across my face. But my anxiety kept climbing higher, and I could feel that familiar panic trying to take hold.
Breaking Free from Old Shame
Here’s where I had to make a choice that used to fill me with shame: I took my PRN medication.
In the past, reaching for that little pill felt like admitting defeat. I’d hear the judgments – both from others and my own inner critic – telling me I’d failed somehow. That if I was really strong enough, really trying hard enough, I wouldn’t need it.
But here’s what I’ve learned, and what I keep having to remind myself: My PRN is just another tool in my toolkit. It’s prescribed for a reason. Taking it doesn’t mean I’ve failed – it means I’m being smart about my mental health.
I still use my coping skills after taking medication. The PRN doesn’t replace them – it creates space for them to actually work. It quiets the noise just enough so that my breathing techniques, my grounding exercises, my other strategies can find their footing.
Flying Together, Not Alone
As my anxiety began to settle and I was able to get on with my evening, I held onto this moment. When anxiety feels overwhelming again – and it will – I’ll remember that I conquered it this time. I took back control. I used every tool available to me without shame.
If you’re reading this and nodding along, know that you’re not flying solo through this. Your flock is here, and we understand. Anxiety doesn’t always need a reason to show up, and healing doesn’t always look the same from one day to the next. Sometimes being gentle with ourselves is the bravest thing we can do.
Resources for Your Mental Health Toolkit
Building a strong foundation for managing anxiety takes time and the right resources. Here are some that can help:
Understanding Anxiety:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America – comprehensive information and support
- The Anxiety Toolkit – practical strategies for managing symptoms
Coping Strategies:
- Headspace for Anxiety – guided meditations and mindfulness exercises
- DARE Response Method – technique for dealing with anxiety and panic attacks
- Grounding Techniques – ways to stay present during overwhelming moments
Medication and Treatment:
- NAMI: Treatment and Services – understanding your options
- Therapy Finder Tools – connecting with mental health professionals
Crisis Support:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for immediate support, available 24/7, free and confidential
Remember: every tool in your toolkit matters, including medication when it’s needed. You’re not failing when you use every resource available to take care of yourself – you’re being wise, compassionate, and strong.
Your flock believes in you, especially on the days when it’s hard to believe in yourself.