Did you know that there are just over 301 million people in the world who suffer from anxiety? If you are one of those people you know exactly how it feels. Chances are if you do not suffer from anxiety yourself, you do know others that suffer from this condition. You did read that correctly, “anxiety” is a condition and a very difficult one at that. I have spent extensive time learning about anxiety and let me tell you if you do not have it you are truly blessed.
What Is Anxiety?
Let me start by saying that most people have felt anxious at some point in their lives. Anxiety makes you feel a little nervous, anxious, worried, scared or on edge. This is very normal. However, for people who suffer from anxiety, these feelings are much more intense and intrusive. They are so intrusive that a person can become paralyzed by fear. I have several clients who are so anxious they don’t even want to go outside they would rather stay in their room alone where they can control everything than go out and deal with the issues life might throw at them. Anxiety can truly be debilitating for people and take control of their lives.
What Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder?
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences explains this condition as the following: “Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. People with symptoms of GAD tend to always expect disaster and can’t stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. The feelings of excessive worry and anxiety generally occur more days than not for at least 6 months. In people with GAD, the worry is often unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person’s thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities, and relationships.”
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
While many people think of anxiety as a strictly mental condition it also can have a great impact on a person’s body. Some of the physical symptoms of anxiety are; headaches, sweating, nausea, tiredness, trembling, muscle fatigue and problems sleeping. For many people, anxiety can become all-encompassing and overwhelming and they feel like there is no hope.
How to Help People
Many people do not understand anxiety and are often unintentionally condescending to those who suffer from it. I have had clients tell me stories of parents who tell them, “Just get over it”, “don’t be stupid” and that they are being “ridiculous”. As parents, we need to realize that anxiety is an illness just like any physical one.
The first thing you should do if you have a friend or family member with anxiety is to ask them what it feels like. How does the anxiety present itself”, what makes the anxiety worse and what makes it better? The more you can understand how the person is feeling the more equipped you will be to help them. Ask them “What is a good day”, “What makes you feel at peace”, and “Where do you feel the safest”. Based on these answers you will not only learn a great deal about them, but you, will also, learn how best to interact with them.
If you have a child with anxiety encourage them to express their feelings to you. For some children, therapy can be extremely helpful. Buy your child a journal and encourage them to write in it daily and to get their thoughts and emotions out and onto paper. Additionally, daily affirmations can be a big help. Never condescend to your child, or, alter your activities to minimize things that cause them anxiety. This last one may not make sense to you, but, our children must continue to live regular lives and partake in daily activities that other children participate in. While it is essential to understand your child you must also encourage them to face challenges and develop strategies to cope with their thoughts and feelings.
In Conclusion
Often when someone has anxiety they tend to focus on their mental health and often neglect their physical health. In the case of children, ensure they exercise regularly, eat properly and get plenty of sleep. If you suffer from anxiety yourself the same rules apply. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can also be very effective as is hypnosis. The most important thing is to make sure nobody suffers in silence. I hope this article has helped provide some clarification and suggestions for understanding and treating anxiety.