FIRST KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ANXIETY

Understanding Anxiety: Navigating the Path to Inner Calm

Anxiety, like a relentless storm, can sweep into our lives, stirring a tempest of worry, fear, and uncertainty. It is a natural response to stress, warning us of potential dangers and motivating us to take action. However, when anxiety becomes chronic and overwhelming, it can hinder our ability to enjoy life and fulfill our potential. In this article, we embark on a journey to understand anxiety, recognize its manifestations, and equip ourselves with tools to find inner calm amidst life's storms.

Let’s begin, to say that it is so natural to be anxious .

Anxiety is something that comes and then goes when you adjust yourself to a new , unknown situation. But when the feelings of uncertainty and nervousness supersedes your day-to-day activity and stops you from carrying out activities you usually do, then it can be said to become an anxiety disorder.

Defining Anxiety:

Anxiety is a complex emotional state characterized by excessive worry, nervousness, and apprehension. While it can arise from various stressors such as work, relationships, or personal challenges, it can also manifest as a generalized feeling of unease without a specific cause. Understanding the different types of anxiety, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder, is crucial in recognizing its unique expressions.

The Impact of Anxiety:

Anxiety can cast a profound shadow over our lives, affecting our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It may hinder our ability to concentrate, disrupt our sleep patterns, and erode our self-confidence. Moreover, chronic anxiety can strain relationships and limit our engagement with the world, preventing us from fully experiencing life's joys.

Unraveling the Triggers:

Identifying the triggers of anxiety is a pivotal step in managing its impact. Reflecting on our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors during anxious moments can shed light on the underlying causes. By pinpointing specific triggers, we can develop personalized coping strategies to mitigate anxiety's effects and regain a sense of control.

Embracing Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:

Practicing mindfulness – being fully present in the moment – can help anchor us in the now, reducing the influence of anxious thoughts about the future. Additionally, cultivating self-compassion enables us to embrace our vulnerabilities without judgment, fostering a sense of inner peace and acceptance.

Seeking Support and Professional Help:

It is essential to recognize that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Engaging in open conversations with friends, family, or mental health professionals can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Therapy and counseling offer tailored approaches to address anxiety, empowering us with coping mechanisms and resilience-building techniques.

Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle:

Creating a balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a nourishing diet, and sufficient rest can significantly impact our mental well-being. Engaging in activities that bring joy, connecting with nature, and practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, can also alleviate anxiety.

usually, it’s believed that feeling extremely anxious is a thing for only adults. Well , on the contrary Children also feel anxious . 

Here are list of things to say to an anxious child to provide a certain amount of comfort and show the child ,there’s a way out of the feeling at the moment .

THINGS TO SAY TO AN ANXIOUS CHILD .

YOU ARE SAFE WITH ME.

Everyone cherish the idea of  being protected in a situation the feel fear ,lost and uncertain. Safety is considered the first phase for an anxious child . The feeling that you understand them and you are there to walk them through that situation is important for them .

IT’S OKAY TO FEEL NERVOUS , I DO TOO SOMETIMES.
it is essential for them to know that ,they are not abnormal , what they feel right now , have being felt by everyone else . Especially ones that are close to them at the moment.

LET’S GO FOR A WALK.

Taking a walk around the park, environment, or any of their favourite places can help to relieve them of anxiety that they can’t easily shake off . Also having a random conversation on things that make them happy or distract their attention from disturbing thoughts during the walk will definitely help the situation.

LET'S DRAW THE WORRY , HOW BIG IT IS . 

Using art , illustrations has proven to be much helpful for some  individuals. Special children find it difficult to be expressive about their feelings , so allowing them use drawing to express how they feel gives you closure on how the view the situation, the extent of the impact it’s having on them and help can be given . 

So, it’s essentially not to shut them out/up. scolding, throwing unreasonable words might not really be of help to the situation .

Most people who have not being around , someone who has anxiety disorder ,do not have the knowledge of what is happening ,how to handle it and how to identify when a person , mostly a partner is anxious about something or a situation . 

THINGS PEOPLE WITH ANXIETY MAY DO WHEN THEY FEEL ANXIOUS .

FREQUENTLY ZONE OUT OF CONVERSATIONS . 

It is important to know , It might not be willingly for them to zone out of conversation. But when what is being discussed is creating more worry situations in their mind , than peace, the leave the chat and hide under other distracting thoughts in their mind , leaving that particular conversation. 

OFTEN USE THEIR PHONE AS A DISTRACTION .

They prefer staying on their phones , chatting, watching funny videos and stuffs rather than be in a situation or thought that makes them anxious when they are around people . 

BITE OR PICK THEIR LIPS ,NAILS, AND SKIN .

This has being physiologically proven, that when one is extremely anxious , the bit their lips , nails and skin to provide a kind distractions and calmness . Also helps them through the thinking process . This is not considered a very pleasant experience, but once displayed helps you figure out what that person is feeling and how to help.

OVERCOMPENSATE BY TALKING A LOT DURING A CONVERSATION OR CHOOSE TO KEEP TO THEMSELVES .

This we call a double edge. So ,careful observation is required. It is usually advised to give the other party the privilege not to get anxious by not using conclusive statements while conversing , it promotes the other part to sir their views .Ask question with a less judgemental attitude, this reduces the need for the other party to overcompensate by excessive talking and explaining. 

SEEM AS THOUGH THEY’RE NOT FULLY PRESENT .

Anxiousness can create a space in time , it can cause the person feeling anxious at the moment , lost and missing in action . An anxious person might be their in physically but never present, because their are one million constant worry , response to unanticipated questions and plan of escape running through their mind . 

An anxious partner require patience, an anxious child needs a buddy mostly .

I can’t overemphasis on the need to visit a therapist, either as an individual or family , it is very important. 

Conclusion:

As we traverse the intricate landscape of anxiety, let us remember that we are not alone in our struggles. Understanding anxiety, recognizing its impact, and equipping ourselves with coping strategies can pave the way for a life of inner calm and emotional resilience. With compassionate self-care and support, we can navigate the path to healing, embracing life's challenges with courage and finding moments of peace amidst the chaos. 

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