Entry #8- Anxious?

 

Hello! Welcome back!

Today’s topic will be something we all may experience at some point in our life: Anxiety. Some may not experience this but may know someone who does, and understanding why can help you help yourself or someone you care about.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is like having a little alarm bell in your brain that goes off when it thinks there might be danger, even if there isn't any real threat. It can make you feel worried, nervous, or scared about things that might happen in the future. Your body might react too, like with a faster heartbeat or feeling shaky. It's your brain's way of trying to protect you. Fight or flight kicks in, but there is no real danger. Things like phobias, stressors, and the unknown can easily trigger this. School is no exception to this. Having a specific amount of time to complete an assignment puts much stress on you, and you may even shut down as a response.

This disorder can be genetic and can be triggered in those who are a little less social, and the pressure of speaking to people you do not know can make your heart race and feel overwhelmed. This can also be a cause of underlying health problems, such as a thyroid disorder or arrhythmia. I hate to say it, but caffeine can worsen the symptoms that you may be experiencing.

However, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms of anxiety and, depending on the severity, can be overcome. Psychotherapy can help find the trigger or source of the stress and help you fight back what is causing the feeling of uneasiness and pressure. An example is what phobia you may have and, with time, allow you to confront and overcome said fear. Another form of treatment is medications that are taken daily to help keep the anxiety at ease and not allow it to cause you to feel this way. The rule of 333 can also help you get out of your panic mode.

Mental health is important, and someone may need all the support they can get. Supporting those who reach out can do more than you can imagine. Thank you for stopping by! Until next time, bye!