More from Magnus

• How does anxiety feel for you? I'm talking about if you have any physical reactions.

Well, I'm a worst-case scenario thinker, and I set up a sort of problem statement. Where I first have the problem, then I ask myself questions that are relevant or that I can imagine could go wrong. Like what do I do if it goes wrong? Then I find answers to that question, and then I have a sense of security, and I do this countless times or until I feel safe. It's no wonder I get tired in my head.

When anxiety kicks in, it's easy for KokoMagnus to outdo my answers. Even though I know it's not dangerous. I get really tired regardless of whether I've had an attack or just overthought. It feels like I've been on a long run. Tired all over, because when I overthink or have an attack, I exert myself a lot, even though I'm not aware of it.

• Do you have panic attacks? What does it feel like for you?

Yes, but not for a while. I haven't had any recently actually, but when I have an attack or when it builds up so I start to cold sweat, shake, and get very dry in the mouth. It's actually totally awful. I haven't had so many panic attacks lately and that's because I believe that I'm able to create enough securities to prevent it from happening. And it's worked really well for me. Not that everything I worry about is going to happen, but I feel safe knowing what to do if I were to have a panic attack. Sometimes it's so bad that I can't save myself or create enough securities. And then the alarm goes off.

When I have an attack, the first thing I do is try to control my anxiety and find a method to distract the brain and try to think about something else. It's not always easy. I can postpone an attack sometimes, but when I've gotten out of a situation, the attack comes afterwards. Then it feels like I have blinders on, the sound from outside shuts off from things and people around me. And there's a little crisis alarm going off in my head. Yeah, I know it sounds weird, but it's actually true. Sometimes I use methods to get the brain onto something else, like something I've learned from the psychologist, like counting from one to ten with letters, like 1, A, 2, B, etc. This can get your brain to think about something else.

How I felt on the train!

I had an incident when I was in France, about to take the train to Monaco. It was extremely hot and crowded with people. I was unsure about it beforehand, but I couldn't say I was scared until I had tried. We bought tickets for the train and nerves started to creep in. After a while, we squeezed onto the train. It was completely packed! Not a single seat, and it was scorching hot. The doors closed, and the thoughts came in a snap. It kicked in, now I have to get out, now I'm panicking! Dad also got stressed and had to move away from me to not make me more stressed. While mom and my brother were talking to me, I said to mom, "I have to get out now!" while hyperventilating. And mom took my hand and sprinted towards the door. She pushed the door open, and we got out before the train left. It was only after I got out of the train that I panicked; I couldn't control my breathing. I remember dad gave me a hug and said, "It's okay, we're out now." I remember that sentence very well. After a while, a lady came over and asked if I was okay, and if I wanted some water and a croissant.

In hindsight, I have actually never dared to take a train since. But it's actually something I have to do to get over it. It's what helps to overcome things you find difficult, even though it's tough, it works. At least for me!

My family is the best!

• I know you've had various concerns since you were younger, but what triggers your anxiety the most now?

  What triggers my anxiety the most now is when I can't find the reassurances I need to feel safe. An example of this is when the store is open. I rely heavily on stores and crowded places to feel safe. If I were to have an attack, I'd run straight there. If stores aren't open, it's worse, even though I know people are at home. It sounds silly, but it helps me. If stores aren't open, gas stations, restaurants, etc., also help. I just always need to know there are people around.

  I also talk to friends and family to assess my situation. If I were to be home alone, for example, I'd ask a family member if they're home, then inform them that I'll be alone at home, and I usually ask if I can come over if necessary. I do the same with my friends.

  Tip from me: Be proactive and create safety measures to calm yourselves down beforehand, then work from there. It makes things so much easier.

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