What is anxiety, really? How does it affect our lives, whether we have diagnosable anxiety or are experiencing anxiety symptoms? How can you help loved ones dealing with anxious thoughts?
According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is “characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure,” and is not the same as fear. Anxiety affects the whole body, from intense, racing thoughts to a pounding heart and shaky extremities. Anxiety can come up in any situation, whether you have a big exam at school, a deadline at work or are dealing with the many stressors of everyday life.
For someone experiencing anxious thoughts or living with an anxiety disorder, life typically looks different. They may avoid certain situations that bring up more anxious thoughts, have anxiety attacks or panic attacks, and may feel constantly exhausted due to the stress that exists in their brain translated to their body. Some with anxiety disorders may experience many anxious days or weeks in a row when big life changes arise, in the time leading up to important school or work events, or before things like traveling.
How can we support family members and friends dealing with anxiety? Validation is a powerful thing, and something that those having anxious thoughts need; oftentimes, those dealing with anxiety will invalidate their thoughts and experiences, pushing the feelings away because they might feel that they aren’t a big deal or that they “should” be able to handle it on their own. Validating your loved one that you see them and believe their anxious thoughts are real is helpful and needed. Sometimes, those with anxiety might not know what they need as they’re experiencing anxious thoughts, especially if they are on the brink of panic or are already within a panic-like state.
Ask your loved one when they are not in an anxious state what things help them when they enter a panic-like state. The next time they enter a panic zone, employ what they told you was helpful. It could be getting them an ice pack to put on the back of their neck or maybe they want to talk through what might be causing their anxiety. Seeing, knowing, and then aiding your loved one in warding off their anxious thoughts can make all the difference in the life of someone with anxiety.
Anxiety is not a uniform, one-size-fits-all experience. Those dealing with anxiety experience it in a number of ways and it truly looks different for every person. Check in on your loved ones if they’re struggling, and ensure they feel supported as they navigate their anxious thoughts and experiences.
There are many resources to learn and read about anxiety. Here are a few:
Read stories of anxiety at Anxiety & Depression Association of America
If you or a loved one is experiencing the mental health challenges of anxiety, take the first step towards symptom relief by contacting TruWave Psychology today at (714) 730-0838 or emailing us at TruWavePsychology@gmail.com.