ANXIETY
FEELING THE FEAR
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
The answer to this question usually conjures up words like “overwhelm, loss of control, worry, intrusive thoughts, panic, irrational, cloudy, hazy, confused”. These words are useful to describe how anxiety makes us feel. Anxiety is a response to fear, whilst it’s natural to experience anxiety from time to time (it’s actually quite helpful when we’re feeling unsure of a situation) but, it shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying day-to-day life.
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Because feeling scared often causes stress, we can end up rolling anxiety and stress into one big ball of worry - making it difficult to separate and manage.
Here’s the difference:
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STRESS: it’s guaranteed to happen or currently happening and based on evidence.
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ANXIETY: is not guaranteed to happen or isn’t happening, nor is it based on facts.
ANXIETY UNPICKED
Did you know that you can’t be diagnosed with anxiety? Sure, Google might tell you otherwise BUT…
Just like breathing, anxiety is a bodily resource. And no-one has been diagnosed as “having breathing”. It’s just lazy language.
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Remember the stress signature? Well you will have signatures for your anxiety too, these might include…
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PHYSICAL - palpitations, rapid heartbeat, flushes, headache, dry cough, muscles aches and pains, restlessness, feeling on edge
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PSYCHOLOGICAL - loss of memory, impatience, feeling on edge, tiredness, vivid dreams, intrusive thoughts
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BEHAVIOURAL - avoiding situations, restless behaviour, seeking reassurance
IMPORTANT
Experiencing anxiety is different to being diagnosed an anxiety disorder. If you’re feeling anxious frequently that it is hindering your ability to work, socialise and sleep - you can (and should) seek a diagnosis from your GP, such anxiety disorders include:
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Panic attacks - OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder) - Phobias - PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) - GAD (Generalised anxiety disorder - the catch-all) - Mixed anxiety and depression.
All of these disorders can be managed with the right support, tools and when needed, medication - do not hesitate to reach out and find the help you deserve.
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REAL TALK, we are not medical experts, so if you have been diagnosed with an Anxiety disorder, please follow your doctor's or medical professional's guidance.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re not feeling like your usual self. You might be feeling alone, lost, angry or scared. Please remember that you haven’t always felt like this. Whatever you’re feeling right now will pass. It might be in a few moments, hours or even days - but you will feel differently. This feeling will change.
YOU WILL FEEL HAPPY AGAIN.
ANXIETY - LOOSEN ITS GRIP
1. It’s okay to not fully understand how you’re feeling. Use some of the language in this booklet to help describe it, and whether you think it’s driven by stress or anxiety.
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2. Get to know your anxiety signature - recognising it’s happening will mean you’re better equipped to manage it.
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3. Be in nature - as much as you can. Walk with a friend.
4. Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust - someone you know or a helpline with listeners who care.
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Sharing your experience will help to ease your anxious feelings and help those you work with, live with or loved ones to support you.
