Anxiety is the most common disorder in today’s society but why is it so difficult to talk about?
According to The National Institute of Health one-third of all adults and children in America suffer from anxiety. Meanwhile, only one-third of those suffering with anxiety actively seek treatment. Signs and symptoms can range from moderate to severe. Each individual person will experience these signs and symptoms differently because no two types are the same. The Anxiety Center developed a full list of signs and symptoms including:
- Numbness and tingling
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Neck tension
- Stomach upset, nervous stomach
- Pulsing in the ear
- Burning skin
- Fear of impending doom
- Shortness of breath
- Electric shock feeling
- Heart palpitations
- Weakness in legs
- Feeling like you are going crazy
- Sleep problems
- Depression
Society has created a stigma around mental health disorders, especially anxiety. Anxiety is the human body’s natural reaction to stress. A common misconception about anxiety is that it hinders our ability to reach our goals. When in contrast, if properly utilized, it can actually help us. Understanding our anxiety and how it works can help change the stigma that surrounds mental illness. If we learn to embrace it as a naturally occurring tool rather, a hindrance we can better help ourselves overcome it and others understand it.
How to Talk About Anxiety
Talking about it can be difficult, however, do not allow yourself to suffer in silence. Not talking about you it can result in more stress and anxiety, which can result in isolation from your friends and family.
The Steps:
- Find someone you can talk to. Finding someone you can talk to may be difficult. Engage in general conversations about mental illnesses with others that are close to you. This will allow you to gauge their understanding and compassion toward people experiencing mental illness and in turn, that will help you decide whether or not you feel that you can share your story with them.
- Make sure you are relaxed and calm. This will help you properly educate others about anxiety while also, helping them accurately understand how you feel.
- Talk about your anxiety in a positive way. Talking about it in a positive way will help you remain calm and stay focused on the message you want to convey. Likewise, it may leave you with a more positive view of it.
- Volunteer to do good for you and for others. The Corporation for National and Community Service conducted a study displaying the positive correlation between volunteerism and mental wellness.
So, go ahead and talk about it.
Go to https://projecthelping.org/mental-health-resources/ for more information about mental health resources.