Picked up a random poetry book From the crowded shelf. Quick easy hour read: Delight and wonder. Then, Found…
Anxiety Overview
I was just having coffee with a dear friend who I found out I have more in common than I thought. We both have suffered from some form of anxiety most of our lives, which made me wonder how many other people have these similar symptoms and don’t realize there are ways to overcome them to feel better.
What are the anxiety symptoms?
Here is an example:
I have to cancel our membership to our local YMCA. My parents have been paying for it for us as a Christmas gift since last year. Now, our family schedules have changed and we are not visiting the Y at all. I have not been there since October 11. My girls haven’t been there since the end of September. Even though I have appreciated having this access, I do not want my parents to keep paying for it so I need to call and cancel our membership. I told my husband that I would take care of it. For some reason, the idea of calling creates panic in me. In my mind, I keep replaying the words I need to say. I know it won’t be a big deal, but I cannot help but make it a big deal so much that I cannot actually bring myself to pick up the phone and call. I know that I will feel better once I am done with this task therefore I am mad at myself for having this internal battle.
Grrr…
The mayoclinic.com describes the following anxiety symptoms:
- “Feeling nervous, restless or tense
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
- Having an increased heart rate
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Feeling weak or tired
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Having trouble sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Having difficulty controlling worry
- Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety,” (Mayo Clinic Staff).
The last one is ironic since it is the one that I most commonly notice myself doing. In reality, by avoiding something I am actually inducing more panic.
What are the best strategies to help deal with anxiety?
The mayoclinic.com says, “There’s no way to predict for certain what will cause someone to develop an anxiety disorder, but you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms if you’re anxious: Get help early… Stay Active… Avoid alcohol or drug use.”
For me, my symptoms did not start impacting my daily life until I was in my mid-thirties after I changed careers. I have met with a professional counselor off and on over the last few years. I know see the value in seeking help.
As for staying active, I struggle more with this one especially as the seasons change to cold weather and the sun goes down earlier in the day. I am needing to quit the YMCA when it is what I know I need more than anything to help me stay active. Doesn’t this sound like a catch 22? And yet, because of a switch in my anxiety medicine, I come home from work and am completely unable to gather any other energy to do anything but change into pajamas, bundle under my electric blanket, and sleep. My mind is unable to process the idea of actually getting up and doing anything to help me stay active.
For a long time, people would just call this the winter blues. In reality, seasonal anxiety affects about 10 million Americans; “the age of onset is typically between 18 and 30,” and it is more prone in people who have a biological “relative with a psychological disorder” (“Seasonal Affective Disorder”).
Today, I found the energy to visit with a friend and write this blog. The sunlight now pours through the window. I am slightly motivated to be active, but my eyes are heavy from looking at my laptop screen. I will just take a short nap and then get back up to take my daughter to a birthday party.
I have to take one day at a time. My life seems to be a balancing act between making it through each day’s obligations and giving my body the rest it craves.
What do you do to help yourself, even if you don’t have anxiety? Please share your thoughts below!
Remember to check out my novel on Amazon.com, Married to an Atheist A Love Story from Idaho. I would love to get a review from you!
References:
Mayo Care Clinic Staff. “Anxiety Disorders Overview.” Mayo Clinic, N.D. mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961.
“Seasonal Affective Disorder.” Psychology Today, N.D. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder.