Constantly worrying about what people think. Worrying about the “what-ifs” and the “could-be”. These are the things that anxiety thrives on.
Did you know that 18% of Americans, 40 million adults, in the U.S. are affected by anxiety disorders? Or that only one third of those who have it are ever treated for it? America alone pays over a third of the country’s total mental health bill on anxiety related health care.
Of course, this does not count the people who have anxiety but don’t actually know. Some ways to determine if you suffer from anxiety are:
1. Taking a screening quiz from a trusted psychology based web site.
2. Constantly worrying about the same thing over and over, even though it has never happened.
3. Problems falling sleeping, staying asleep, and having strange dreams.
4. Having irrational fears.
5. Insecurity.
6. Panic attacks that include anything from rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, and excessive crying.
7. Flash backs to traumatic events.
8. Eventual depression.
Any of these symptoms can be associated with anxiety, and can eventually lead to depression. Many times we are inclined to brush off these things as being emotional, or just having a bad day. Although the reality of it is that if you find that these symptoms are reoccurring and are a nuisance to your everyday life, then you need to start thinking of getting some help.
The word help is often associated with being crazy, or unable to handle your own emotions. However, counseling has proven time and time again to be a wonderful way to ease anxiety and understand yourself much better.
Of course beyond counseling, there are always personal ways to learn how to manage your anxiety without the assistance of a therapist or medication. Some of these ways include:
1. Find breathing techniques. There are dozens of different breathing styles that you can explore and choose from. Breathing is a great way to calm yourself and focus your conscious on the present moment.
2. Write it down! When you experience yourself obsessing over something, or worrying about something you can’t change, get yourself a personal journal to write down your experiences. This is a sort of self-counseling strategy that you can use to vent as well as analyze your anxiety.
3. Exercise. Physical activity can help to use your energy in a positive way. This also reduces stress and helps you focus which will eventually lead to you feeling temporarily less anxious.
4. Talk to someone. Find a friend, a stranger, or even a phone service. Just find someone to talk to. Venting is one of the best ways to figure out how you really feel, and also to relate to other people so you feel less alone.
5. Listen to music. Soothing tunes are a wonderful escape from everyday life. We spend so much time being busy, and worrying. Sometimes you really just need to sit back, relax, and dive into a personal music session.
Regardless of which path you choose, it is very important to understand that counseling is a very normal thing to do. Don’t ever let someone tell you that you’re strange for acquiring extra help with any problem. Therapists are very good at their job, and they are always happy to help you find a way to get better and work on yourself.
Next time you feel helpless, or distraught do not hesitate to reach out to someone and find the help that you need. No one deserves to feel alone.