30 Women Get Real About What It's Like to Live With Anxiety—And How They Cope

Health

11."Anxiety feels like weak knees, shallow breathing, and heart pounding. I have learned when I feel those sensations in my body to say to myself, 'Oh, there's anxiety.' I stop what I am doing, take a deep breath, close my eyes, and ask myself, 'What are you believing right now?' I try to see myself like an outside observer would, being curious, compassionate, and objective. I'll say something like, 'Sometimes my body does this thing where I feel like I can't catch my breath and my knees feel weak...isn't that interesting?' I have also learned to stop resisting or judging my anxiety and that helps it calm down. This has helped me go from a woman who never wanted to leave her house a few years ago to someone who is mostly just fine in the world."—Karen A., 50, New London, CT

12."Anxiety is a tornado in my mind. Sometimes it is off to the side, in some field far away. It's not hurting me, but I know it's there, and I'm afraid it will come closer and do some damage. It's unpredictable. Sometimes it comes right up to me and I'm consumed by its loud roar and wind. Even though there may be nice skies on the horizon, I'm unable to see anything pleasant because the threat of danger is blocking my view. In those moments, all I can think is to escape. Whatever situation I'm in, no matter what I'm doing, I just want to run away."—Katherine H., 22, Edmonds, WA

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