Understanding Anxiety
Myra McNair
When does it help and when does it hurt?
When you hear the word anxiety, you might automatically think of it as a problem, as something to be corrected. It’s time to kick that perception to the curb. Anxiety is a natural part of life.
Every one of us has faced anxiety at varying degrees and points in our lives and we will all very likely have future scenarios where the feeling crops up. Knowing the difference between healthy anxiety and debilitating anxiety and learning how to cope is important for navigating this often misunderstood emotion.
Healthy anxiety
Get comfortable with the word “healthy” right beside anxiety, because it isn’t all bad news. There are some situations in our life where it’s actually helpful and natural to experience anxiety.
Examples of healthy anxiety:
Deadlines/due dates
Tests
Giving a presentation or speech in front of a crowd
Getting ready for a performance or competition
Expecting a baby
In these examples, our anxiety helps us because it encourages us to prepare, practice, and achieve milestones that mean something to us. If we approached these events without anxiety, we may not do a very good job or put in much effort.
When anxiety is a concern
There is a tipping point, of course, when anxiety no longer serves us. When we find ourselves unable to “turn it off” or step away from it, we may need extra support. And when it starts to interfere with our daily lives, we need to dig deeper to figure out what’s going on and how we can change it.
Examples of when anxiety is a concern:
Anxiety manifests into ongoing physical symptoms like headaches, stomach aches, shortness of breath, increased heart rate
Ruminating thoughts of worry
Constant fear
Loss of joy from things that usually would have brought you joy
Irritability
Restlessness
Sleep problems
Wherever you are on your anxiety journey – even if you’re in the lowest point in a spiral of feeling like you’ll never overcome it – you can get yourself back on track.
You’re in control
One of the hallmarks of anxiety is feeling like you’re not in control. Take a step back and remember that you are in control of your decisions and how your thoughts affect your feelings. One of the keys to limiting feelings of anxiety is to create predictability in your days. Find a schedule or routine that works for you and try to stick with it. Make sure it includes space for self-care practices like a good, consistent bedtime and healthy foods.
Some other ways to cope with anxiety:
Yoga
Exercise
Talk out your feelings with a family member or close friend
Avoid caffeine and other substances known to increase anxiety
Don’t self-medicate – stay away from substances that may reduce substances temporarily but could cause addiction or other health issues
If you’re still feeling anxious and can’t seem to shake it despite your best efforts to problem solve, there is no shame in finding a therapist and/or psychiatrist for some therapy sessions and a consultation for the possibility of introducing anxiety medication.
Mental health issues like anxiety are not something you have to deal with on your own or get over. They are real, you are feeling those feelings, and it’s okay to reach out for support and help yourself feel better.
At Anesis Therapy, we believe everyone deserves to be seen and honored fully–not only as dynamic and nuanced individuals, but also as people who are shaped by, and are shaping, their communities, cultures, faiths and families. We meet our clients where they are, and together chart a course for healing that is supportive, accessible, creative and joyous!
Get to know our team and connect with us. We’re here to answer your questions and start your therapy journey with you.