MANAGING YOUR ANXIETY

Anxiety is like a toddler, it never stops talking, tells you constantly that it wants its own way, and keeps you up when you are trying to sleep.

- STEPHANIE ODHIAMBO

I hate crowds. They make me anxious and I do not like to feel anxious. I have discovered that chaotic environments are the number one culprits for my panic attacks. My first anxiety attack happened early last year in a restaurant where I was meeting a friend. We were enjoying chips and kuku with a bottle of Coca-Cola when the almost empty restaurant started to flood with people.

Let me just sum up how it feels to worry all the time. You feel as if you are trapped, have a constant wall and it stops you in your tracks. Then the panic sets in, your heart beats fast, cold chills, you start sweating, your feet and hands go numb. Everything seems to be too loud and your ears ring. You feel like everyone is watching; witnessing your weakness. You try to fight but you feel like you are slipping away fast.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is your body's natural response to stress. Faith Nafula, a psychologist at Marik Counselling and Therapy Center, defines anxiety as a natural intense or excessive worry or fear about everyday activities. To some people, rapid breathing, sweating, fast heart rate and feeling tired may be experienced. This fear is normal but when levels get too high, it might become a medical disorder. So how do you manage your anxiety?

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR ANXIETY

1 Learn your triggers