Anxiety - The Monster

 

People  have this idea that anxiety is not the scary thing to live with,  but anxiety can be scary like an evil .

Anxiety is like a Monster!  

It's important to acknowledge the ways anxiety can impact someone's life and to remind young people living with anxiety , that anxiety is not their fault. 

 

1. How anxiety feels like? 

•  Anxiety feels like you are surrounded by darkness and fear,  you might feel like the world is being held upside down and that's how everything in your life upside down.  

•  Anxiety feels like living in a box and the box keeps getting smaller and smaller every single day. 

• It's like you lost in the jungle at night and you have no flashlight to guide you.  

• Anxiety feels like a black sludge and you are sinking in  without  any tools to cope.  

• Living with anxiety means having renovations done,  it's constant building and being broken down.

2. What is Anxiety ? 

" Anxiety is an emotional state,  unpleasant in nature  , associated with uneasiness,  discomfort,  and concern and fear about some defined or undefined threats "

These threats are generally future threats . 

3. Difference between Feeling Anxious and having Anxiety Disorder .

There is a difference between normal everyday anxiety and having an anxiety disorder.  

1 . Anxious Feeling  - Person can feel anxious about his exams,  tests,  interview etc.  

That means,  this feeling is temporary and quite normal.  

2. Anxiety Disorder  - It is mental illness.  

A mental health disorder characterized by feeling of worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily life.  

Anxiety Disorder is a very common mental health disorder.  

Did you know  ?? 

In 2017 , 197 million Indians (14.3 % of total population)  were suffering from mental disorder of whom 46 million had depression and 45 million anxiety disorder.  

Globally an estimated 284 million people are suffering from anxiety and these numbers are increasing day by day.  

4. How to diagnose anxiety disorder  ? 

Anxiety disorder is self diagnosable .

There  are no lab test or imaging to diagnose.  

 * Self diagnosis 

Symptoms include stress that's out of proportion to the impact of events,  inability to set aside a worry .

Person with anxiety may experience 

- Uneasiness 

- Irritability 

- Running thoughts 

- Excessive Worry 

- Insomnia 

* Warning signs of mood 

1. Apathy - inability to feel motivated .

2. Hyperaurosal - Underlying feelings as tough,  something bad is going to happen. 

3. You don't like talking to people face to face .

4. You are always self conscious .

5. You over think past conversation .

6. You have lot of negative thoughts. 

7. You talk yourself down all the time,  you start doubting yourself. 

8. You are always making yourself busy. 

9. You are indecisive.  

10. You experience  physical symptoms,  

     - Fatigue 

     - Sweating 

     - Sleep disturbance 

     - Palpitations 

5. Treatment of  Anxiety Disorder . 

1. Self-help 

1. Accept that you can not control everything. 

2. Welcome humour. 

3. Maintain a positive attitude. 

4. Take deep breaths. 

5. Get enough sleep  

6. Eat well balanced meal.  

7. Drink enough water. 

8. Exercise daily. 

9. Aromatherapy .

10. Talk to Someone  .

2. Therapies 

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy 

A talk therapy focused on modifying negative thoughts,  behavioral and emotional responses associated with psychological distress. 

2. Meditation 

Improves mental health and helps with relaxation.  

3.Psychotherapy 

Treatment of mental or behavioral disorders trough talk therapy.  

3. Medication 

Medication includes drugs like 

SSRI

Anxiolytics

Antidepressants 

Sedatives 

Nerve pain medication 

Anxiety disorder is highly treatable  but recent survey shows that  nearly about 40 % of those suffering from it seek treatment  .

This might  be  because  most of people with anxiety worry about the judgement of others and how the  sigma against mental illness might negatively  affects their lives.  

Anxiety is the human feature,  not their fault  !

How we can help someone with anxiety  ?

Encourage them to practice  self care and find strategy that works for them - weather that is journaling,  going for a walk,  drawing or playing music,  talking to family members or friends or seeking professional help  . 

Tell them,  you are there to help,  let them know that they matter. 

* Reminders * 

- Your mistakes don't define you .

- Your wants and needs are valid. 

- You are allowed to say no. 

- You are so loved.  

- Productivity doesn't define your  worth . 

Take care of yourself !