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I have always been a bit of a nervous person but, when I was diagnosed with anxiety a few years ago, just after my third child was born, things went from bad to worse and at one point I wasn’t able to do much at all without feeling panicky. I have had Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) twice over the past couple of years, through the NHS, and I feel it has been really beneficial at helping me to not only understand why I might feel the way I do about certain things, but also how I can approach these to overcome my fears.
Taking it a Step at a Time
I have several big fears in my life at the moment, things that stress me out just thinking about, and it would be silly to attempt to fight all of these fears in one go. Instead, I have been looking at the fears that I have individually and trying to overcome them one at a time. Something I have been anxious about for quite some time is visiting the dentist. I have had issues with my teeth when I was younger and, several big procedures have had me avoiding attending check-ups regularly, which I know is detrimental to my oral hygiene and overall health. My goal for December is to book a dentist appointment for the new year, so that I am able to start fighting my fear head on, in a safe and calm environment. If you are looking to do the same, you can take care of your teeth with an appointment at Ravenscourt Dental Practise, who offer holistic treatments and are experienced with dealing with nervous patients, like myself.
Pushing my Limits, Slowly
When fighting my fears, I know that it is important to take things slow. I have a bad fear of flying, due to claustrophobia, and my last flight to Mexico for my honeymoon ended up with a panic attack on the way home, so I want to take things slow and start with a shorter haul flight before committing to any destinations too far from home. I have also been trying to go on public transport more, as the feeling of being trapped happens to a lesser extent on buses, trains and boats. By taking things slow, I am able to slowly push myself, without becoming overwhelmed and making the experience have a negative impact.
Knowing When to Stop
The most important thing is for me to know when to stop. It is good to push myself so that I am not limited by my fears, but it is not worth making myself feel ill or overly stressed. My anxiety is currently under control, so the last thing I want to do is cause myself to relapse. Taking things slowly and listening to myself is key in fighting my fears safely and whilst practising self-care.
