by Rush Mckenzie

Created on: May 21, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Coping with anxiety, flashbacks and stress is a full time job. For me it is the basis of my life. If I do not have those under control, I cannot even make it to my mail box. Coping with anxiety is difficult, but doable. I use breathing exercises. Inhaling for four seconds, holding for one, and exhaling for five. It assists in grounding myself into the present. I also use positive affirmations, such has "I am strong and capable." These are beneficial in reminding myself that I am not a pool on the floor. I also take in my surroundings to see if my anxiety is "justified", or if it is a cognitive distortion. If it is a cognitive distortion, then I replace the thought that goes with the anxiety, with a true thought.

Coping with flashbacks can be tricky. I use many grounding techniques. Breathing and assessing my surroundings are a couple. Also using positive affirmations such has "It is 2008.", or "I am in a safe place now." I also carry a grounding stone. It soothes me to feel the tactile ridges and slopes. I also have a red beaded bracelet that a friend made for me. I look at it, feel it, and remember the strength that he carried. I using rhythmic tapping of my fingers to different beats. These relax me and redirect my thinking. I sometimes smell different fragrances such has lavender to bring me back into the present. It works like a charm at times. Music is a major tool for myself in flashbacks. It brings me to other worlds, and ultimately, back to the present. Writing is a wonderful outlet. Free writing works the best for me. It pours out like a waterfall. It does not have to make sense. The point is to let it out. Sometimes, I just have to let the flash back take its course. That is the most effective way if it keeps bombarding me. I go to a safe place with something comforting and let it flow right through me.

Coping with stress is by far the most frequent thing that I work with. Counting helps me. Although I must count way past ten. Writing, music, breathing. They all work. Taking time outs on a regular basis regulates my stress. Just standing and getting in touch with me can calm myself down to a reasonable rate. Exercising is wonderful. It lets out physical tension. It also provides a preoccupation for me. Concentrating on my body movements, and breathing, ensures not only safety and effectiveness of the exercise; but it provides an escape. Daydreaming about things that I enjoy moves my mind to a less stressful zone. It is healthy to have a imaginative outlook on life. Looking at art and losing myself in it is calming and zoning in peaceful manner. Creating my own art is a great outlet. It provides expression of my feelings in a powerful manner.

Dealing with my anxiety, flashbacks and stress is doable. It is the very first thing that I must take care of. Otherwise, I am unable to provide to anyone or anything of any value. It is a constant job.

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