Boys are usually pretty rubbish when it comes to opening up about their feelings. Which is one of the reasons why GuysLikeU exists in the first place – to assure you all that no one is ever alone, no matter what you are going through in life.
And one of the most common stories we are hearing from you is about suffering from debilitating anxiety.
Recently, Hollywood actor Colton Haynes – a man who models, acts and looks so damn fine – revealed that he has been living with anxiety since school and posted a message on Twitter to reassure other sufferers that they weren’t going through the same thing alone.
He wrote: ‘For those of you who are suffering with intense anxiety, he wrote. ‘[you’re] not alone. It’s been a constant struggle for me since 5th grade. It’s a battle. Anxiety ha[s] put me in the hospital a countless amount of times. Whether it be fainting, hyperventilating, or seizures…I’ve been through it. I’ve quit jobs because of anxiety, flaked on social events, family gatherings, birthdays, important movie/work tests. It’s a serious problem. Just know [you’re] not alone and it affects more [people] than you would ever know. We can overcome this. We can fight thru it and will. Be there for those who struggle with anxiety & realize it’s a serious disorder. Its not a case of “being dramatic”…its a life long struggle.’
GuysLikeU recently ran two young men’s moving stories about dealing with anxiety, which you can read here:
Aaron Endersby ‘PEOPLE TERRIFIED ME. I WAS SCARED OF BEING JUDGED’
Matt Wells ‘INSECURITY ALMOST WRECKED MY LIFE!’
How you can do something about it.
When you suffer from anxiety, the symptoms can be psychological or physical. Soemtimes, you feel like you need medical help. But there are ways you can help yourself.
Take a time-out.
Calm down, breathe deeply. Listen to music, have a massage. Step back from the problem and try to relax.
Limit alcohol and caffeine
These can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
Sleep well
If you’re not sleeping well, your body is more prone to attacks.
Exercise daily
It will help you feel good and maintain your health.
Take deep breaths
Inhale and exhale slowly.
Accept that you cannot control everything
Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
Enjoy life
Laughing fights off any stress levels you have in your body!
Maintain a positive attitude
Even when things seem to be going wrong, look at the positive aspects of any situation. There will be some. Honest!
Identify what triggers your anxiety
Is it work that sends you over the edge, , family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
Talk to someone
Tell loved ones that you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Or go to a doctor.