What do the majority of people suffer from throughout their lives? Anxiety.
My annoyance subsides as the years go by because our generation understands the importance of mental health. Almost every person I’ve interacted with in my friend group and others, has expressed their experience with anxiety. We relieve each other of the pressure of feeling like we’re on our own in dealing with our mental wellness. According to John Hopkins Medicine roughly 26% of Americans ages 18+ suffer from diagnosable mental disorders, but why emphasize the numbers? This emphasis is necessary because mental disorders are highly treatable, but how is it that only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment? I understand that it is more than simply diagnosing, but… where is the effort in trying to improve this hidden epidemic?
Anxiety.
When you search “anxiety” on the internet it shows, “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease.” Now we must remember, it is necessary we understand the distinction between feelings of anxiousness and anxiety disorders.
Anxiety occurs in both children and adults. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) states, “Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, and every child goes through phases. A phase is temporary and usually harmless. But children who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience fear, nervousness, and shyness, and they start to avoid places and activities.” As children, most of us did not really understand how to deal with feelings of anxiety; and that eventually started to affect us in negative ways because it caused us to act out. On a more positive note, the lack of understanding has led us to unite and raise awareness ourselves and for others.
Influencers such as Kid Cudi, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Love, Oprah Winfrey, and Gina Rodriguez have all opened up about their struggles with anxiety. The significance of openly speaking about the topic tends to comfort those who look up to them. One person that I mentioned, Kevin Love, wrote a sincere and personal essay for The Players’ Tribune titled “Everyone Is Going Through Something.” (Below will be the link to his essay). Love’s essay hits base about his thoughts on his panic attack and what has happened since then. He states the reason he wanted to write the essay was for himself, but mostly importantly because mental health isn’t spoken about enough. I commend Love for even having the courage to be able to open up about this, especially since the “norm” isn’t for men to be emotionally open.
What Helps?
(These ways are not the only ways that can help, these are just a few testimonies)
I asked two of my housemates who or what has helped with their anxiety; starting with Jaylene. She tells me how her dog Jax has been a big support to her in more ways than one. Jay further explains how the feeling of loneliness in her household lessened because of him. The ADAA’s article Alleviating Anxiety, Stress, and Depression with the Pet Effect states, “Specifically, pets and therapy animals can help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness and social isolation.” A pet provides constant companionship, and unlimited amounts of love & affection. (ps. one of the best parts of having a dog is that they cuddle with you).
My other housemate Karla began to tell me about her experience with meditation, and its impact. Meditating gave Karla a sense of living in the moment and not overthinking things. It’s all about making the effort and finding the motivation to be consistent with that. Karla also mentions that instead of depending on others to help her feel better, she depends on herself. She explains how she began doing the “smallest of the littlest things.” In doing this, she’s gotten more comfortable with her person and Karla has learned so much more about herself.
Below is a link to many FREE & Accessible Hotlines:
https://teenhealthandwellness.com/static/hotlines
Everyday anxiety or an anxiety disorder? [Picture]: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety
Kevin Love’s Essay: https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/kevin-love-everyone-is-…
Alleviating Anxiety, Stress and Depression with the Pet Effect https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/alle…
Children and Teens: https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children
Mental Health Disorder Statistics: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/mental_health_d… sorder_statistics_85,P00753