Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety and Panic Attacks: How to Calm the Heck Down!

 I have a lot of work to do today. I created the work. I want the work and darn it, I’m going to do the work. Getting myself in a space where the work is possible is a challenge. Here is what I’m going to do.


 


1. Notice the position of my shoulders. Yep. Up against my ears. I just lowered them. Doing this helped me take a natural and deep breath.


 


2. Focus on breathing. I put my arms behind my head and clasp them together. I push my shoulders back and breathe.


 


3. Go through a short EFT tapping session. Ah, that feels better. I am now back in my body instead of floating with anxiety.


 


4. Create a short to do list. Get it Done When You’re Depressed reminds me that to do lists can be short and in the moment. I have one task, to answer email and bill my clients. I have five hundred other things I need to do as well, but this is what comes first. So my to do list can be short. Answer email. Send invoices. I don’t have to make the list any longer than this.


 


5. Feel the anxiety and do it anyway. Work anxiety is my bugaboo. Grand goals send me out of my body and into a universe of worry. Getting myself BACK IN MY BODY helps me focus on what is in front of me instead of what might happen or what might go wrong.


 


6. Praise myself all day long. I do my best. You do your best. We are doing our best. Bipolar disorder is a challenge we can rise to and meet.


 


We are strong. What project do you want to start today? What are the first three, tiny steps. Do those little steps and go from there.


 


I can do it. You can do it! We can do it!


 


This is the Mental Health Bipolar Disorder Brigade from my new book Hortensia and the Magical Brain. (The Kickstarter will be ready in September!)



 



This Brigade is there to help kids with their wayward thoughts. I love this fun sketch from my amazing illustrator Kaytie Spellman. (There is more info on this book project in earlier posts below.) 


 


Remaining playful during a panic attack helps. Yes, I just talked myself through a panic attack. You can do the same!


 


Julie

Related posts:
Working through bipolar anxiety
Bipolar disorder anxiety and work!
Excellent book on anxiety!