Anxiety disorders are more than just feeling stressed - they are complex mental health conditions that affect millions worldwide. Despite their prevalence, there are still many misconceptions and stigmas surrounding anxiety. We aim to explore the shocking realities of anxiety disorder sufferers, shedding light on their experiences and what they want others to understand. From the physical symptoms to the challenges of managing their triggers in daily life, we will dive into the realities of living with anxiety and how support and understanding can make a significant difference.
Anxiety is not just 'feeling stressed,' it goes far beyond that. The Physical Symptoms Are Real.
The Physical Symptoms Are Real
For many people, it's easy to dismiss anxiety as simply feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Natural anxiety is the body's normal response to nerves or excitement however there is a misconception between what is "Normal" and what tips over into an anxiety disorder. The physical symptoms that come with anxiety are genuine and can be debilitating.
These symptoms can include:
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Chest pain
Nausea
Sweating
Increased fatigue
What anxiety sufferers experience is not just in their heads – it manifests physically and can have a major impact on their daily lives. Imagine feeling any one or more of these symptoms every time you step outside, get on a bus or go to work. Do you think you could make it through the day?
What we want you to know!
The physical symptoms are what we are scared of. We are scared of embarrassing ourselves and you. It's not simply that we don't want to do something, or that we "can't" it runs deeper. Not only do we have to deal with the repetitive thoughts and worry, but on top, we have to deal with the physical effects and sometimes it just feels like it's more than one person can take.
It's Not Always Rational
Anxiety disorders can often lead to thoughts and behaviours that may seem irrational to others. It's important to remember that anxiety is not always rational and it's not always seen.
Anxiety sufferers may find themselves worrying about things that seem trivial or unlikely to happen, but to them, these fears are very real, overwhelming and often repetitive throughout the day. This irrationality can be frustrating for both the individual experiencing it and those trying to understand it.
Anxiety disorders come in many different forms and although they are all "anxiety" they manifest differently from each other and their symptoms may differ:
General Anxiety Disorder
Persistent worry disrupts daily life, with physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and problems sleeping. Worries often revolve around concerns like work, family, or daily tasks.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Intense anxiety and fear of embarrassment, rejection, or humiliation in social situations, lead them to avoid or endure such scenarios with high levels of anxiety. Common triggers include public speaking, meeting new people, and eating or drinking in public.
OCD
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted thoughts (obsessions) leading to repetitive behaviours (compulsions) causing distress and interfering with daily life. Individuals feel compelled to perform rituals to alleviate stress, creating a cycle of OCD.
Phobia
Excessive fear of specific objects or situations, known as specific phobia, causes distress leading to avoidance behaviours. Common examples include public speaking, fear of flying, and fear of spiders.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent panic attacks, an overwhelming combination of physical and psychological distress. Including, a fear of dying, emulated heart attack, chills and hot flashes, shortness of breath and chest pain.
Agoraphobia
Characterized by fear in situations where escape may be challenging, disproportionate to the actual threat, lasting at least six months, and impacting daily life. People who experience Agoraphobia may avoid public spaces, being in a crowd or public transport.
Selective Mutism
Children with selective mutism speak at home but remain silent in social situations like school, even around friends and relatives. Typically starting before age 5. Many children outgrow it but in some cases, it can progress into social anxiety disorder.
Separation anxiety disorder
Excessive fear or anxiety about separation goes beyond normal levels and impacts daily functioning. Symptoms include persistent worry about losing close individuals, reluctance to be apart, and experiencing separation-related nightmares.
You can have one or more of these disorders active at the same time but they are often treated separately.
In addition to that there are other conditions which are especially susceptible to anxiety disorders:
Depression
Neurodiverse conditions such as Autism and ADHD
PTSD
Addiction disease
What we want you to know!
It's more complicated than you realise! Often we can't explain how or why we feel the way we do, so asking won't always mean an answer.
Support Goes a Long Way
Those around individuals with anxiety disorders need to understand that their support can make a significant difference in their loved one's well-being. From offering a listening ear to providing practical assistance, emotional support goes a long way in helping those with anxiety feel validated and understood.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective when it comes to supporting someone with an anxiety disorder and that's listening non-judgementally. Not trying to fix anything, simply listening and being an effective soundboard can give someone with anxiety the confidence to get professional help as well as actively trying to help themselves. Confidence and knowing you have strength behind you is completely invaluable.
What not to do:
Try and "fix" them
It's a human instinct to try and find a solution to something you view as a problem, but when it comes to anxiety disorders understanding is a better option than "fixing", because no one can fix a problem they don't understand in the first place.
Find silver linings When things are bad we try and boost the mood by finding a silver lining, with the "it could be worse" philosophy, this attitude can make someone with anxiety disorder feel small and like their fears aren't observed. They may close themselves off to you or insulate if they don't feel "worthy".
Force them to get help
Pushing or forcing anyone into treatment they aren't susceptible or ready for can have a negative effect. They may not commit to the treatment and this in turn could put them off seeking similar help when they are ready.
Undermine their feelings
Sometimes anxiety fears can seem "irrational" to someone outside of the disorder, just at times it can seem "Irrational" to someone with the condition themselves. Statements like "stop being silly", or "you'll be fine" can the individual feel that they aren't worthy or validated.
Being the founder of a mental health resource business I always say to anyone who is looking at our journals for someone else, if they haven't voiced their concern or need for help, simply share the website link with them and say "Through this looked cool" or something along those lines.
Share our anxiety journals with someone you care about:
Managing Triggers is Complicated
What may seem like a minor inconvenience or discomfort to others can be a major trigger for someone with anxiety. It's not just about avoiding certain situations or stimuli; it's also about navigating the complex web of negative thoughts and emotions that can arise unexpectedly.
This constant vigilance and balance can be exhausting for those living with anxiety and they will likely experience more fatigue and exhaustion than you would expect. A simple trip out can result in naps or oversleeping to regain the strength lost from controlling harmful thoughts and monitoring physical symptoms.
Common Triggers of anxiety may include:
Change
Experiencing any type of life change can trigger anxiety in numerous individuals. Feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement when faced with something unfamiliar is common, but individuals with an anxiety disorder may struggle more to cope with change as it's a fear of the unknown.
Health Concerns
Concerns regarding one's health or the health of a loved one can lead to heightened anxiety levels. While it is natural to have some level of worry about health matters, this general concern can escalate into a continuous cycle of negative thoughts, thereby hindering one's ability to focus on daily tasks.
Lack of Control
Experiencing a lack of control in a specific situation can be extremely challenging for someone living with an anxiety disorder. When they perceive a lack of options or exit strategies, the resulting fear can become overpowering.
Judgement
The fear of feeling embarrassed or not fitting in with social expectations can lead to increased anxiety levels. This heightened anxiety, often accompanied by physical symptoms of an anxiety disorder, can make social interactions particularly difficult.
Financial worries
Experiencing financial worries can act as a significant trigger for individuals with anxiety disorders, leading to heightened levels of anxiety due to feelings of pressure and urgency.
Conflict
Conflict leads to instability in your life. Someone experiencing an anxiety disorder may excessively dwell on a conflict, resulting in stress. This individual may scrutinize their role in the conflict, leading to challenges with sleep and concentration.
If you're unsure about your triggers, the Discovery Journal is here to help you identify them.
Struggling with my anxiety disorder, I felt inundated with overwhelming and chaotic thoughts, unable to comprehend its origins or ways to alleviate it. I devoted ten years to "getting better" because I aspired to lead a fulfilling life. I viewed anxiety as an external force impacting me, rather than defining me, which ultimately enabled me to uncover the underlying reasons and ultimately achieve my recovery goals.
Anyway...The Discovery Journal is designed with this simplicity in mind.
For more about anxiety disorders and treatments you might be interested in:
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