Anxiety
Anxiety is our mind and body’s natural response to life’s stressors. Whether it be a job interview, moving to a new area, or even speaking in front of a crowd, anxiety and nervousness are unavoidable. For some, this sense of worry only lasts for a short while. However, for others, the anxiety doesn’t just go away with time, and it may even significantly interfere with day-to-day functioning.
Someone living with an anxiety disorder, more often than not, has a difficult time pushing past their anxious thoughts. These thoughts are persistent and excessive; making it hard for some individuals to differentiate between a rational fear and an irrational one.
rational fear: “I’m going to stutter during the speech.”
irrational fear: “I’m going to stutter during the speech and everyone will laugh at me.”
Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), is defined as excessive worry about different events or situations.
Sometimes, one’s anxiety may be about social situations in which someone is worried about being embarrassed or scrutinized by others. They may fear anything from having a conversation with someone, to being observed while eating/drinking. This social anxiety effects someone’s ability to form and keep healthy relationships.
Common symptoms include:
excessive worry, most days (for at least six months)
difficult to “control” the worry
restlessness or feeling “on edge”
trouble concentrating
sleep disturbance
irritability
In an attempt to avoid uncomfortable situations or anything that may trigger one’s anxiety, people often keep to themselves. For some, it may get to the point of agoraphobia, or fear of leaving one’s home. For many others, it’s a daily fight between having control over their minds and fear of the unknown.
Like many mental illnesses, anxiety is manageable through treatment. It may seem like no one understands what you’re going through, but anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of. There are many possible triggers for anxiety, and the symptoms can effect every aspect of your life.
If you or someone you know have experienced any of the symptoms above, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone for support.