“I have anxiety!” A phrase that we have heard and perhaps also said many times.
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 emotional roller coaster and not feeling anything.”
“My head doesn’t stop; I can’t stop worrying and thinking that something bad will happen.”
“What if I get fired from my job? Nowadays, there is nothing for sure.”
“What if this pain and tiredness that I have permanently is something terrible?”
“I’m not going to be able to, and if I do, I don’t think it will work out for me.”
“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 calm ourselves by smoking, eating, and doing a lot of sports. Others resort to more suitable and fashionable methods such as meditation, yoga, mindfulness, etc.
When is anxiety a problem?
Anxiety is not getting nervous in the face of an already stressful situation. This would be a natural response.
It becomes a problem when we are easily stressed and feel that we have no control over our lives, that we cannot organize our time or prioritize, that we can never relax, and that, as we said, we are filled with excessive worry and negative thoughts.
In addition, it can cause physical symptoms such as tachycardia, sweating, muscle pain, contractures, and permanent tiredness.
It is a problem when it appears in situations that a priori should not be stressful; it extends over time and interferes with our daily lives: family, social, and work.
What to do if we have anxiety?
Do not use anxiety as an excuse or resort only to temporary solutions. Do not fall into the temptation of saying, “It will pass; it is something temporary.”
Observe to what extent anxiety is limiting and affecting our lives, see what is essential, manage our time well, and, above all, give ourselves time.
Remember, seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step towards reclaiming a life free from personal, social, or work limitations. You are not alone in this journey, and professional support can make a significant difference.
The secret then: LISTEN TO YOURSELF, ASK FOR HELP, GIVE YOURSELF TIME. These are not just words, but a roadmap to managing your anxiety.