A year of claustrophobia

Based in a city that is locked down due to COVID you would assume that feelings of being stuck would be a given. And quite rightly so, not knowing if or when the light at the end of the tunnel will come exacerbates feelings of the walls closing in around me which leads to bouts of anxiety and then depression gets thrown into the mix, thus continues the vicious cycle.

Nevertheless, I can tell you that for the last year of my life I have experienced feelings of claustrophobia, more due to the state of my mental health and feelings of lack of control than anything else. As most of you know and according to Beyond Blue “One in six Australians are currently experiencing depression or anxiety or both” to this end I wanted to use my experiences for the good of others, to try to help those that may also be experiencing similar feelings.

One of the tools I use that helps me feel less stuck, less anxious, less claustrophobic is guided imagery. Headspace tells us “Guided imagery is a focused practice that involves each of the five senses to ignite positive healing messages throughout the mind and body”

In detail it is a relaxation technique that draws on your ability to visualize and daydream allowing imagination to create relaxing or positive images and experiences. It works in allowing your body and mind to refocus and interpret these images as real and tangible. I’ve found utilising this practice has a very real impact on my physical and mental responses.

If you are experiencing any of these not so helpful feelings I urge you to give it a try. You can find some resources on the practice here https://www.headspace.com/meditation/guided-imagery and https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/relaxation-exercises