My anxiety makes me want to curl up and hide. Am I going crazy?
photo credit: Nap via photopin (license)
In this week's podcast we're responding to the question: “My anxiety is making me feel so terrified that sometimes I just have to curl up and put my hands over my head. Am I going crazy?”
We wanted to cover this in a podcast to reassure anyone going through the same that you are not going crazy. And to share some simple tips to help you support yourself, feel safe and rest your nervous system.
Here’s what’s really happening:
Feeling like this is a natural startle response. If we feel that we are in danger, our hands automatically go to our heads. Feeling the need to curl up with your hands over your head can be a physical reaction to the fact that inside you feel so startled and afraid due to high anxiety that your body is responding to extreme stress by wanting to curl up and protect itself.
Points covered in the podcast:
Feeling the need to curl up doesn't mean your crazy - it means you need to feel still and safe - and that's OK
We wouldn't question a child who wanted to curl up and feel quiet and safe, and we shuould be kind to ourselves about it too.
The benefit's of Child's pose to calm anxiety:
Grounding
Anxiety reducing
Calming
Listen to a walkthrough of child's pose here
Make a nest
Make yourself a safe resting place. Use pillows and blankets to create a space that feels soft and warm.
What to do when you're in your safe place
Many anxiety sufferers find it hard to be alone because they fear their anxiety wil grow and fill the space. If this is true for you, try listening to a guided relaxation or follow along with a breathing exercise for calming anxiety.
Self-care challenge try spending 15 minutes a day for 30 days in your safe place - keep a journal see whats different for you after 30 days commitment to nest time.
Listen to the full podcast here:
Further information & resources:
