You’d never know it by looking at him, but the Scottish actor Robert Pattinson has a problem. He has anxiety, which he copes with by taking Xanax, a prescription drug sold under the brand name Alprazolam.
The 33-year-old actor, who was recently seen playing the lead in the new James Bond movie, was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in 2016 after suffering for years with panic attacks and obsessive thoughts.
“I’ve been struggling with anxiety for a while but didn’t really know what it was. During my lunch break, I’d get really nervous about being seen walking to my car,” Pattinson told Glamour. “Then it would hit me that I was probably having a panic attack. I’d go home and lie down. As soon as I’d lie down, the anxiety would subside; sometimes I’d even dream about being in a movie.]”
The self-described “workaholic” admits that he’s taken advantage of his newfound fame to the hilt, often working 16-hour days on set and even later into the evenings. Although he’s always happy to jump into another film role, his addiction to the spotlight has left him exhausted and somewhat isolated.
Anxiety disorders are common and affect more than one in 10 people. They can range from mild to severe, with panic attacks being among the more extreme forms. Many people with anxiety disorders are scared of going outside alone or in public spaces. They’re also often plagued by intrusive thoughts and can experience insomnia and panic attacks. Some people who suffer from anxiety have even been known to self-harm.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to get help. Anxiety is treatable and many people with the condition can live happy and normal lives. If you’re looking for ways to cope with anxiety, here are some scientifically proven methods to try.
Exercise
Whether it’s taking a stroll, riding a bike, or going to the gym, getting moving can help reduce anxiety. Yoga, meditation, and even dance moves can all help to lower your heart rate and put your body in a better place to deal with stressful situations. Regular exercise is also known to increase the level of endorphins in your body, which can help to make you feel calmer and happier. It’s no secret that celebrities often use their bodies as tools to enhance their mental wellbeing. Many actors and actresses work out regularly to manage their bodies and keep them at the perfect age. You should try to do the same.
Although exercise can be highly beneficial to your physical health, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t relieve your mental health problems. It can, however, provide you with a much-needed break from your busy day and give you a chance to decompress.
Hydration
We’re always told to stay hydrated, but did you know that dehydration can also cause anxiety? Your body needs sufficient hydration to regulate your blood pH and to function properly. When you’re dehydrated, your blood becomes more alkaline, which makes you more prone to anxiety. A simple way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water. Try to drink eight glasses of water a day to maintain an optimal hydration level in your body. Even when you’re not thirsty, drink sufficient water to stay hydrated. You should also try to avoid dehydration by avoiding alcohol and caffeine, which can cause you to lose hydration faster than usual.
Dehydration can also make you more tired, so it’s important to drink enough water to stay awake and aware. Try drinking a glass of water before every meal and snack to maintain a healthy hydration level in your body. If you’ve ever noticed that you feel more relaxed and less anxious when you’re drinking sufficient amounts of water, you’ll understand why.
Positive Self-Talk
Your body is a reflection of your mind, so saying positive things about yourself can help to boost your mood. Studies have shown that people with anxiety disorders tend to have lower self-esteem, which makes them more vulnerable to mental health problems. Talking positively about yourself can help to raise your self-esteem and make you feel less anxious. Try saying things like, “I’m a good person,” “I can do this,” and “This will be fun.”
Avoid Thinking About Your Problems
To be frank, when you’re overwhelmed with problems, your body chemistry changes and you start to feel worse. When you start to feel anxious, your brain releases chemicals that cause you to feel short-tempered and irritable. If you continually think about your problems, these chemicals will stay in your system and make you feel worse. Try to push your problems to the back of your mind. When you feel yourself getting worried about something, you can ask yourself, “Is it really necessary?” or “Is there something else I should be thinking about?” These questions will help you to focus on what’s important in your life and avoid dwelling on your problems. Remember that whatever you’re worrying about, it will eventually work out the same way anyway. So, you might as well not worry about it!
Avoid Exposure To Anxiety-Causing Situations
Even when you’re not experiencing symptoms, anxiety can still be a dangerous thing. Many people with anxiety disorders are scared of going outside alone or in public spaces. They’re also often plagued by intrusive thoughts and can experience insomnia and panic attacks. If you’re exposed to these kinds of situations, they can make you feel anxious. As much as possible, you should try to avoid these kinds of situations. It’s important to remember that you’re only human and will unavoidably face anxiety-inducing situations from time to time. Try to be as prepared as possible for these situations and know what to do. If you feel anxious in a public space, there are several things you can do. First, ask for help from a person or a dog. Yelling for help is not always possible or desirable, especially if it’s in a public space. Second, take a deep breath and try to relax. Third, if you’re with a dog, they may be able to tell you if you’re feeling anxious or not. If you are, they may even be able to help you stay relaxed by walking with you or lying down next to you. It might seem strange to you but being near or with a dog can actually make you feel calmer and less anxious.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can do wonders for your mental health. During sleep, your body produces chemicals called “endorphins” that make you feel happy and relaxed. Sometimes, when we’re not getting enough sleep, these chemicals can overstay in our body, causing us to feel restless and anxious. Everyone needs at least seven hours of sleep a day, but for some people, this can be difficult to achieve. If you know that you need more time than this to feel refreshed and ready to take on the world, then you should try to make sure that you get the sleep you need. It’s important to note here that getting too much sleep can also be harmful to your mental health. Excessive daytime sleepiness can make you anxious and nervous, especially in situations where you feel out of place or scared. If you think that you might be in this situation often, it might be a good idea to try and reduce the amount of sleep you’re getting. This might also mean taking a power nap during the day once or twice a week. This should not be misconstrued as sleeping during the day. This is normal and healthy sleep, which will let you recharge and be at your best for the rest of the day. Studies have also shown that a lack of sleep can cause you to gain weight, another potentially dangerous symptom of anxiety. This is yet another reason why you should make sure that you get at least seven hours of sleep a night. This will help to ensure that your health is not at risk and that you’re living your best life.
Take Your Medication
One of the most effective things that you can do for your mental health is to take your medication. There are several medications out there that can help to treat anxiety disorders. One of the most popular is Xanax. If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, it might be worth looking into these medications. Make sure to consult with your doctor or psychiatrist about the best medication for you, as each one has different effects and side effects. Most people who take Xanax experience a reduced number of anxiety attacks and feel much more relaxed and comfortable in their own company. There’s also a chance that they might even experience a reduction in their need for sleep. Even when medication is not indicated or suitable, it can still be a helpful and calming aid for people who suffer from anxiety.