“I have anxiety!”
It’s a phrase we’ve all heard, and many of us have said it ourselves.
These are not just individual struggles, but shared experiences that many of us can relate to:
- “This is my life, a whirlwind where I rarely stop to rest or do what I like.”
- “It’s a mix between an emotional roller coaster and feeling absolutely nothing.”
- “My head won’t stop. I can’t stop worrying and thinking something bad will happen.”
- “What if I get fired from my job? Nothing feels secure anymore.”
- “What if this pain and constant tiredness are signs of something serious?”
- “I won’t be able to do it. And even if I do, I doubt it’ll go well.”
- “I scream because I have anxiety,” “I eat a lot because I have anxiety,” “I smoke a lot to calm my anxiety.”
Some of us try to cope by smoking, eating, or excessive exercise. Others turn to more modern and accepted methods like meditation, yoga, or mindfulness.
So, when is anxiety a problem?
Anxiety isn’t just about feeling nervous before a stressful event; that’s a natural response.
It becomes a problem when:
- Stress appears too easily.
- Life feels out of control.
- We can’t prioritize or rest.
- Worry and negativity feel constant and overwhelming.
And it doesn’t stop at thoughts; it can manifest physically, too: Tachycardia, sweating, muscle tension, fatigue.
Anxiety becomes a serious concern when:
- It appears in situations that shouldn’t be stressful.
- It persists over time.
- It interferes with daily life: family, social activities, work.
What can we do?
Don’t treat anxiety as an excuse or assume it’ll just pass. Avoid the trap of saying, “It’s just a phase.”
Instead:
- Acknowledge how anxiety may be limiting your life.
- Identify what truly matters to you.
- Learn to manage your time realistically.
- Most importantly, give yourself time.
Also, remember that seeking professional help is not a weakness; it’s a brave step toward reclaiming your well-being. You are not alone, and support is available.
The secret?
LISTEN TO YOURSELF. ASK FOR HELP. GIVE YOURSELF TIME.
Not just words but a real roadmap to managing anxiety.