<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>anxiety disorder Archives - Braving Boundaries</title> <atom:link href="https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/anxiety-disorder/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/anxiety-disorder/</link> <description>PROFESSIONAL LIFE COACHING & TRAINING</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:14:42 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-ZA</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <image> <url>https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Asset-1.svg</url> <title>anxiety disorder Archives - Braving Boundaries</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/tag/anxiety-disorder/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>I Have Anxiety – I think</title> <link>https://bravingboundaries.com/i-have-anxiety-i-think/</link> <comments>https://bravingboundaries.com/i-have-anxiety-i-think/#respond</comments> <dc:creator><![CDATA[friedaL2020]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jul 2024 15:01:13 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[mental health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-awareness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Self-reflection]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Stress & Anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Work life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiety disorder]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxious]]></category> <category><![CDATA[anxiousness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[General anxiety disorder]]></category> <category><![CDATA[overwhelm]]></category> <category><![CDATA[panic attacks]]></category> <category><![CDATA[stress]]></category> <category><![CDATA[struggling]]></category> <category><![CDATA[work life]]></category> <category><![CDATA[worrying]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://bravingboundaries.com/?p=6247</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/i-have-anxiety-i-think/">I Have Anxiety – I think</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_0 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_0"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_0 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h5><strong><span style="color: #be9727;"><em>WRITTEN BY ALICIA KOCH, FOUNDER OF <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a style="color: #be9727; text-decoration: underline;" href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist">THE LEGAL BELLETRIST</a></span> </em></span></strong></h5> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Have you ever watched the series, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQeUmSD1c3g" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dexter</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">? Dexter Morgan, a man with homicidal tendencies, lives a double life. He works as a forensic technician for the Miami police department during the day and kills wicked perpetrators in his free time. As Showtime describes it – </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’s smart. He’s lovable. He’s Dexter Morgan, America’s favorite serial killer.”</span></i></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kinda weird because you definitely find yourself rooting for the so-called “bad guy.” But it’s so enjoyable. Addictive even. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the series, Dexter talks about having a </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZbyOQ0JUV4&t=68s" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">“dark passenger”</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. He talks about having something dark deep down inside himself, something he hides, something he certainly doesn’t talk about – but it’s there. Always. And when this dark passenger is driving, Dexter feels alive. He doesn’t fight it; he doesn’t even want to. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now to most people, that wouldn’t make sense, but to me I can relate. Wholeheartedly. Now I’m no serial killer. Let’s get that straight. But as far as having a dark passenger of my own is concerned, I have one and she’s constantly hanging on my back, like the heaviest backpack you can imagine. She’s always there. Even though I try my best to hide her. It kind of feels like the more I hide her, the more Hunchback of Notre Dame I become. My shoulders hunched over and my head tipping lower to the floor. I certainly don’t talk about her, why would I? No one would believe me. But she’s there. Always. And when she takes over, I feel everything so keenly, like splinters on my skin. I can’t help feeling more alive. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I can’t fight her. Sometimes I don’t even want to. </span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>What anxiety feels like</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I have suffered with some kind of anxiety most of my life. At least that’s what I thought it was. But it’s only been recently that I was diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, PTSD and what I like to call, melancholy (otherwise known as depression). Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand. Hard diagnoses to accept. Ones that still carry such a stigma. But the one that is most often taken for granted, misdiagnosed, misused and thrown around like today’s “special on a chalkboard” – good old anxiety. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone and their cat has anxiety – no literally my one cat does have anxiety and is medicated for it. No jokes. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But there’s a big difference between an anxiety disorder and simply feeling overwhelmed (although there’s nothing simple about it). We’ll discuss the actual definitions and what it means but I first want to give my own take on it. For perspective.</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_0"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/anxious-cat.png" alt="anxious cat" title="anxious cat" class="wp-image-6275" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>What anxiety feels like to me</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Picture climbing a mountain, with the goal of summiting. Pick any mountain you want. We all have our own backpacks on our backs filled with the bits and pieces of our own demons packed inside. Because let’s face it, every single one of us has some or other “issue”. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I have my dark passenger on my back. She’s heavy, she makes me hunch over – so much so that my head tips closer to the floor. With her, I pack my other necessary items like bottled water, some food – you know, basic items I need to survive – my survival kit. The things we all have. And suddenly the weight is that much heavier. But off we go. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As we start climbing up the mountain, I kind of struggle to see where I’m going, because my head is tipped to the floor, so I trip a little more over rocks scattered around. I’m mocked for being clumsy or too sensitive – letting out a little moan for every bump on the trail. But I carry on regardless. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But as we walk uphill, as the trail gets harder, and with my extra load – my dark passenger – I’m really feeling the extra weight. It’s hard for me to keep up with the others and I need to stop more often to catch my breath. As a result, the rest of the group seems to get a little fed up with me and it feels like – at least to me – that they are somehow plotting against me. </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are they really all talking about me? What can I do to be better? </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ouch! My neck hurts, it feels like it’s in a spasm!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now the climb is getting steep and as I stop to take my breath </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">I worry about where I am in the group, do they still need me, have they left me here, must I carry on alone?</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Suddenly, irrational thoughts cloud my usual calm mind and murk my judgement. I can’t think straight, I can’t concentrate, I lose track of where I’m going. I get lost. It gets dark. I’m all alone and I’m scared. Things are out there in the dark, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">they’re out to get me</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">! I can’t regulate my breathing. I can’t breathe. My heart is racing. It feels like my heart is about to jump right out of my chest. My whole body is shaking. I’m sweating. I feel like I’ve lost all control now. Why am I standing so close to this edge? I don’t understand what’s happening. The world is getting hazy now. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Someone help me! But there’s only silence. Darkness. I’m so tired but how will I ever sleep?!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But then morning comes, and I realise I’m closer to the summit than I thought. I join the others who all summited, the day before and who are already getting ready to leave. I take my seat to look at where I’ve made it to, realising that I made it to the top with my dark passenger and my survival goods all in tow. Ah how beautiful it is up here! It’s at this point that someone in my group comments that it’s nice for me to join the group at last. I just smile to myself – they don’t need to know that I got lost along the way. Instead, I put in my earphones and play </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N4jf6rtyuw" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Crazy by Gnarls Barkley</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Because I can relate to that – then again, can’t we all?</span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>How professionals define anxiety</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Psychiatry.org</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> defines anxiety disorders as follows – </span></p> <blockquote><p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Anxiety disorders can cause people to try to avoid situations that trigger or worsen their symptoms. Job performance, schoolwork and personal relationships can be affected. In general, for a person to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, the fear or anxiety must:</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></i></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Be out of proportion to the situation or be age inappropriate.</span></i></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hinder their ability to function normally.</span></i></li> </ul> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are several types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, specific phobias, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder and selective mutism.”</span></i></p></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whereas merely feeling anxious refers to anticipation of a future concern and is more associated with muscle tension and avoidance behaviour.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And being fearful is an emotional response to an immediate threat and is more associated with a fight or flight reaction – either staying to fight or leaving to escape danger.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like I said, everyone and their cat says they have anxiety these days – it’s a term that’s thrown around like specials on a chalkboard. But what everyday people are feeling is overwhelm, or anxiousness. Fear at the most. It’s not actual anxiety. Having an anxiety disorder is a whole other ball game. And not one you should rush to buy tickets for either.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I’m not sure what it is either. Why the rush to self-diagnose yourself with anxiety? Is it an age thing? Is it a generation thing? Is it a hormonal thing? </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It feels like “anxiety” is the excuse for everything nowadays – can’t commit in a relationship – oh it’s because I suffer with anxiety. Can’t perform at work- oh it’s because of my anxiety. Failing at school – yeah, it’s my anxiety. Anxiety is the reason for every failing known to man. And yet it’s not anxiety at all. </span></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_1"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Blog-I-Have-Anxiety-–-I-think-2.png" alt="anxiety" title="Blog - I Have Anxiety – I think (2)" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>The symptoms of anxiety</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are several types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and various phobia-related disorders.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to the </span><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">National Institute of Mental Health</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_1 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_2"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1.png" alt="" title="1" class="wp-image-1486" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_2 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> usually involves a persistent feeling of anxiety or dread, which can interfere with daily life. It’s not the same as occasionally worrying about things or experiencing anxiety due to stressful life events. People living with GAD experience frequent anxiety for months, if not years. Symptoms of GAD include – </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge;</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being easily fatigued;</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having difficulty concentrating;</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being irritable;</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having headaches, muscle aches, stomach aches, or unexplained pains;</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Difficulty controlling feelings of worry, and</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.</span></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_3 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_3"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2.png" alt="" title="2" class="wp-image-1487" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">People with </span><strong>panic disorder</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks are sudden periods of intense fear, discomfort, or sense of losing control even when there is no clear danger or trigger. Not everyone who experiences a panic attack will develop panic disorder. People with panic disorder often worry about when the next attack will happen and actively try to prevent future attacks by avoiding places, situations, or behaviors they associate with panic attacks. Panic attacks can occur as frequently as several times a day or as rarely as a few times a year. During a panic attack, a person may experience –</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pounding or r</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">acing heart;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sweating;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trembling or tingling;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chest pain;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Feelings of impending doom, and</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Feelings of being out of control.</span></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_4"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3.jpg" alt="" title="3" class="wp-image-1488" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><b>Social anxiety disorder</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. For people with social anxiety disorder, the fear of social situations may feel so intense that it seems beyond their control. For some people, this fear may get in the way of going to work, attending school, or doing everyday things. People with social anxiety disorder may experience – </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blushing, sweating, or trembling;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pounding or racing heart;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stomach aches;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rigid body posture or speaking with an overly soft voice;</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Difficulty making eye contact or being around people they don’t know, and</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Feelings of self-consciousness or fear that people will judge them negatively.</span></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_4 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_7 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_5"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/4.png" alt="" title="4" class="wp-image-1489" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_8 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A </span><strong>phobia</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is an intense fear of—or aversion to—specific objects or situations. Although it can be realistic to be anxious in some circumstances, the fear people with phobias feel is out of proportion to the actual danger caused by the situation or object. People with a phobia – </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"></span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">May have an irrational or excessive worry about encountering the feared object or situation</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take active steps to avoid the feared object or situation</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Experience immediate intense anxiety upon encountering the feared object or situation</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Endure unavoidable objects and situations with intense anxiety (</span><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">nimh</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_9 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have experienced any of the above symptoms on more than one occasion or find yourself struggling with the above symptoms on a regular basis, you should seek the assistance and care of a psychiatrist and psychologist who are able to provide psychotherapy and medication should you need it. Keep in mind that in South Africa only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication and a psychologist is able to offer talk therapy and/or Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy, which can help a person learn a different way of thinking, reacting and behaving to help feel less anxious. Or any combination of therapies and medication. </span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>What then am I going through?</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_6"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Blog-I-Have-Anxiety-–-I-think-3.png" alt="therapy for anxiety" title="Blog - I Have Anxiety – I think (3)" /></span> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you’re not diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, which the majority of people won’t be, you are most likely suffering with stress, overwhelm or anxiousness. And those are bad enough. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every day stresses can leave you feeling like you’re struggling to cope – there’s just too much going on. Or perhaps you’re going through something truly stressful that’s making it hard for you to function. This is what it means to feel (and be) overwhelmed. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">According to </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/feeling-overwhelmed-symptoms-causes-and-coping-5425548" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Very Well Mind</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, when you’re overwhelmed, you can be flooded by thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations that are often related to the specific problem, making it difficult to manage – says </span><a href="https://drsabrinaromanoff.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sabrina Romanoff</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and professor at Yeshiva University.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let’s make one thing crystal clear though – everyone feels overwhelmed on occasion and it’s a completely normal response to everyday stressors to feel a little overwhelmed. We’re only human after all. But being chronically stressed out and constantly feeling overwhelmed can take a toll on your mental and physical health.</span></p> <p><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/feeling-overwhelmed-symptoms-causes-and-coping-5425548" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Very Well Mind </span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">sets out the signs and symptoms of being overwhelmed as follows – </span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Irrational thoughts:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">you may be unable to think rationally, making what you’re going through seem more intense than what it is, and this in turn makes you feel less capable of dealing with it. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Paralysis:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">you may experience a </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/the-four-fear-responses-fight-flight-freeze-and-fawn-5205083" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">freeze response</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that can cause you to feel paralyzed and unable to function. Even simple tasks can feel impossible. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Disproportionate reactions:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong> </strong>you may overreact to minor stressors. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Withdrawal: </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">you may find yourself withdrawing from friends and family. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Pessimism: </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">you may feel helpless and hopeless about the situation. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Mood changes: </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">you may feel angry, </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/irritability-definition-symptoms-traits-causes-treatment-5088062" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">irritable</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, or anxious, and cry easily.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Cognitive fatigue:</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">you may feel confused and have difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and solving problems.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><strong>Physical symptoms: </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">you may even experience physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, cramps, an upset stomach, or other unexplainable aches and pains.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While you’re feeling overwhelmed you may not need the care of a psychiatrist just yet, speaking to a psychologist can be beneficial to nip things in the bud as they say. In addition, seeking out the services of a professional life coach like Frieda Levycky of </span><a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Braving Boundaries</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> can help put things into perspective and get you back on the right track. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Please keep in mind though – as </span><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/feeling-overwhelmed-symptoms-causes-and-coping-5425548" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Very Well Mind</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> points out – being chronically and continuously stressed and overwhelmed </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">can</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> (but not always) lead to physical and mental health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, depression, addiction and eventual anxiety and anxiety disorders if not dealt with. </span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_16 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h2><strong>Tools to help you cope with your anxiousness</strong></h2></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_17 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I would never leave you high and dry without an ounce of hope or tools with which you can help yourself. Yes, anxiety disorders do need professional help and may require medication but that doesn’t mean you can’t ease away anxiousness or stress, even calm down your anxiety in other ways. Here are 5 things you can do at home to ease your feelings of overwhelm and stress – </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_6 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_10 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_7"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1.png" alt="" title="1" class="wp-image-1486" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_11 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_18 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Use drawing as a tool</strong><span style="font-weight: 400;"> – long before I was diagnosed, I would doodle on a piece of paper whenever the feelings of panic would start up. I started doing this as a child. I would often use shapes and intricate designs to calm myself. Some of my doodles were quite elaborate and quite colourful. Beautiful in ways that I can’t really describe. I’m no artist. And I don’t think this requires any real skill. I also never knew it was an actual recognized tool used to help with anxiety. According to </span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/anxiety-drawing#benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Healthline</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> putting pencil to paper, paint brush to easel or water colour to canvas allows you to give yourself much needed space from unwanted, often uncontrollable, thoughts and engage in an activity that you </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">can </span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">control. You decide what to draw and what colours to add to whatever it is that you’re doing. While focused on the creative process, you aren’t giving energy to your anxiety. You give yourself a moment to take a deep breath. And it’s backed up by research!</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_7 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_12 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_8"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/2.png" alt="" title="2" class="wp-image-1487" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_13 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_19 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Put pen to paper</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">– writing for a living has its advantages – I am often able to put how I’m feeling down on a piece of paper so that I can recognize what I’m feeling and break it down into manageable pieces. And that’s the kicker for me – manageable pieces. Because once you realise that what you’re feeling is manageable and that you can handle it, everything else calms down. It’s not always easy, sometimes all I can do is write words, feelings, emotions down on a piece of paper. But that’s better than nothing. It also helps to focus the mind to try and articulate a word, a feeling. But it helps. If nothing comes right away, go back to the doodle. See what flows from that. The two go hand-in-hand often with me and I find they work wonderfully together. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_8"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_14 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_9"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/journaling-for-anxiety.png" alt="journaling for anxiety" title="journaling for anxiety" class="wp-image-6279" /></span> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_9 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_15 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_10"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/3.jpg" alt="" title="3" class="wp-image-1488" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_16 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_20 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Get moving</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">– this is sometimes the last thing you want to hear. Get up and get moving. Sometimes you can’t get out of bed, let alone get to the gym. But it’s not about that. It’s not about big workouts. It’s just about doing something to get you moving. For me, it’s making my bed. I know it sounds ridiculous. But I’ll never forget watching a video of a Sergeant in the US army who spoke about the honour of making a bed – because at the end of the day, even if you accomplished nothing else, at least you accomplished that. You made your bed. Then I brush my two Maine Coon cats. The one loves being brushed, the other hates it. And I have to chase the one that hates being brushed around the house – I’m moving. I love cooking, so will cook a meal for my hubby and that often requires a trip to the store. Again, I’m moving. And each thing is a positive movement in the right direction to a full day of action. Small things that lead to big things. It’s not all about workouts. But if you can get a workout in – then good for you! Endorphins can only benefit you. </span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_10 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_17 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_11"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/4.png" alt="" title="4" class="wp-image-1489" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_18 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_21 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Use scent</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">– this for me is an important one. What started out as bringing in more lavender – which is known for its calming properties – got me to invest in home fragrance like candles and diffusers with fragrances known for calming and healing properties. I have diffusers all over the house whose reeds I turn regularly and then have two pillar candles on each side of my home in my desired scent for that week (or bi-weekly). Once I’ve made the bed, had a proper breakfast and got dressed for the day my reward is getting to light the candles. It’s become almost a ritual for me. And as soon as I smell the candles, I already know that I have accomplished a set number of things for the day, I’ve already begun my day and suddenly I’m calm. Whether it’s the fragrance (which I think helps) or just the ritual of lighting the candles I’m not sure but for me, being surrounded by a calming scent really helps me feel centered.</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_11 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_19 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_12"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/5.png" alt="" title="5" class="wp-image-1490" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_20 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_22 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong>Spending time with animals</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400;">– this is a saving grace for me. I’m a fur mom to four beautiful kitties. My youngest – Miss Georgia Peach y’all – is a real beauty. She’s a silver and grey Maine Coon little girl. I truly believe that she is my emotional support kitty. A little angel sent to me from above. Animals pass no judgement on you, they don’t care if you have money or don’t have money, whether you’re employed or unemployed, whether your stressed out or calm, whether you’re overweight or under. All they care about is you. So, spend time with your pets – if you have them. Take your dogs for a walk, play fetch with them. Brush your cats, play with their balls or toy mice. Or just love them, give them affection. The peace that petting an animal can give you is unbelievable. If you don’t have a pet of your own, volunteer at an animal shelter if you can. And if that’s not possible, virtually adopt a cat or a dog if your funds will allow – the thought of knowing that you are helping an innocent life will fill you with a sense of peace and calm knowing you helped someone else today, outside of yourself. And how can that not make you happy?</span></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_12"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_21 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_23 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I wish I could wave a wand and make anxiety, anxiousness, stress and overwhelm disappear for good. Sadly, it’s an unfortunate reality of today’s day and age that stressors and overwhelm seem to be a normal part of everyday life. Something we all must learn to cope with. I pray that an anxiety disorder is not an affliction any of you get for – </span></p> <blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Charles Spurgeon</span></em></p> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I hope I have imparted some wisdom and that in it you have found some solace. If not, please seek assistance from the necessary professionals who can assist you. This is not something to go ignored. </span></p> <p><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">(Sources used and to whom I owe thanks – </span></i><a href="https://www.arnoldpalmerhospital.com/content-hub/stress-vs-clinical-anxiety-and-how-to-spot-the-difference#:~:text=These%20are%20considered%20normal%20physiologic,or%20constant%20fear%20in%20general" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Orlando Health</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">; </span></i><a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mayo Clinic</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">; </span></i><a href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Psychiatry.org</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">; </span></i><a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">NIMH</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">; </span></i><a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/feeling-overwhelmed-symptoms-causes-and-coping-5425548" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">verywellmind</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">; healthline </span></i><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/anxiety-drawing#benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">here </span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">and </span></i><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-anxiety#use-scent" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">here</span></i></a><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">)</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">. </span></p></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_13"> <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/contact-me/"><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="810" height="450" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/End-of-blog-post-CTA-image-5.png" alt="" title="End of blog post CTA image (5)" class="wp-image-6274" /></span></a> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_13"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_22 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_divider et_pb_divider_0 et_pb_divider_position_bottom et_pb_space"><div class="et_pb_divider_internal"></div></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_14 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_4 et_pb_column_23 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_14"> <span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img decoding="async" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://bravingboundaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Alicia-Koch-The-Legal-Belletrist.jpg" alt="" title="Alicia Koch - The Legal Belletrist" class="wp-image-1704" /></span> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_3_4 et_pb_column_24 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_24 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">About the Author, <strong><em>Alicia Koch, Founder of The Legal Belletrist.</em></strong> Alicia, an admitted attorney with over 10 years PQE, and now a legal writer and researcher, has established The Legal Belletrist to assist companies (in different sectors) to write well-researched articles that speak to each company’s core business, enabling growth and commercialism.</p> <p>Click here to visit <a href="https://legalwhizz.wixsite.com/thelegalbelletrist">The Legal Belletrist website</a>. <strong>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">[email protected]</a> </strong></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com/i-have-anxiety-i-think/">I Have Anxiety – I think</a> appeared first on <a href="https://bravingboundaries.com">Braving Boundaries</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> <wfw:commentRss>https://bravingboundaries.com/i-have-anxiety-i-think/feed/</wfw:commentRss> <slash:comments>0</slash:comments> </item> </channel> </rss>