The truth about anxiety

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times. Many people feel anxious or nervous when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or while making an important decision. Anxiety disorders, however, are different. They can cause such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life. In America, 42million adults live with anxiety disorders.

These statistics show that having this mental illness is actually pretty common, something I did not know until recently. I wish so many people did not have to live with anxiety, but knowing that others experience similar thoughts and moods as me is encouraging, no matter how chaotic things seem, I can get through it because so many others have to also. Sometimes I feel irrational or like I am not being understood, but knowing I am not the only one is comforting during those times.

I think many people misunderstand what an anxiety disorder looks like and how it presents itself, so here is the real truth about anxiety.

It is a mental illness.

But that term should not scare you. In our society it has such a negative connotation. We need to break that stigma. So many people live with it, so why is it not discussed more? We need to begin this dialogue and understand that we cannot repress the word and everything will be okay, because that's not the case. People will still have anxiety. We need to be open about our triggers and be educational rather than repressive; support is essential to someone dealing with anxiety on a daily basis.

Everyone experiences it differently.

Some people have panic attacks. Some people develop a fear of social interactions. Some have crippling mood swings and insomnia. Some just cannot get the hang of presentations. Some take longer to do tasks because they are thinking about all of the other tasks they are not doing. Some lash out at loved ones when their anxiety pushes them to the point of intense frustration. The point is, everyone is different and their anxiety reflects that.

Medication should not be the first answer.

I understand there are exceptions to this. My case is relatively mild compared to the worst case, but I still have it nonetheless. Anxiety is not something you can simply “control.” It is about managing your illness and its symptoms in your own way. I was prescribed a daily dose of medicine, which I subsequently stopped because of how much it changed my personality. I was not myself. As much as I wish I did not have anxiety, it is a part of me, and I do not resent it or want to hide it with pills. Choosing an alternative to medicine such as exercise, a new hobby, breathing techniques, talking to a therapist, joining a support group, or discussing your anxiety with trusted friends is so rewarding. If at all possible, say no to the drugs.

There are emotional and physical symptoms.

Anxiety is in your brain and it is in your head. It is a way of thinking, but it is also outward behavior. Say you are anxious for an upcoming presentation you have. Most people may get nervous before it and may not sleep well the night before. Someone with anxiety may worry constantly about it the week before, letting it affect other responsibilities like school or work. In addition to the extended stress and worrying, insomnia the entire week before and sweating and blushing during the presentation gives you a glimpse into the seen and unseen effects of the illness.

Breaking the mental health stigma will not happen unless we begin the discussion. It starts with mental health education and support for the anxious.

P.S. I hope you liked this article. I will be worrying if you did all week.

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FOR THE ODYSSEY