Anxiety
By: Merry Simonyan, LCSW
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is worry or an uneasy feeling that occurs when we think something bad is about to happen. All people experience anxiety in different levels. Anxiety is helpful when protecting us from danger. Anxiety becomes a problem when it interferes with our everyday activities, such as eating, sleeping, going to school, and having fun.
What does Anxiety feel like?
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Trouble sleeping
Chronic anxiety can lead to a sudden physical reaction, such as a panic attack. A panic attack may feel scary, but it is not harmful. It is just your body’s way of trying to escape the possible danger that your thoughts have created.
Signs of a Panic Attack
- Palpitations or a fast heart rate
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Feeling short of breath
- Feeling choked
- Chest pain
- Nausea or abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Numbness or tingling
- Chills or hot flashes
- Fear of losing control
- A feeling of unreality (derealization) or being detached from oneself (depersonalization)
Coping with Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Identify a trusted person that will listen and support you during anxious and non-anxious times.
- Read a book. Focusing on a story can easily get your mind off of your own worries.
- Take a walk. Exercise releases serotonin which also helps with anxiety!
- Question your worry/negative thoughts. What are you afraid of? What are the chances that it will actually happen? What’s the worst thing that can occur if it does happen?
- Take several deep breaths and relax all of the muscles in your body.
- Talk to a friend
- Drink some water and eat a healthy snack.