Understanding Your Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental illness that results in extreme feelings of worry, fear, and self-doubt. Anxiety can be caused by a variety of experiences and events in a person’s life; some people may even have a genetic disposition for this condition. Anxiety triggers vary widely from person to person. Therefore, it is important for someone who suffers from anxiety to learn and understand their triggers and how to manage their symptoms.

Mental and physical health go hand in hand. Just as poor mental health can cause physical illness, certain physical illnesses can make a person more susceptible to developing mental illnesses. Anxiety can also be caused by certain medications, caffeine, and a poor diet. Stress is another major cause of anxiety disorders, and this stress can come from any source — work, school, and social or financial problems.

So how do you manage symptoms of anxiety?

Seek the help of a therapist — A therapist can help you get to the root of your anxiety disorder and teach you how to manage your symptoms in a safe and healthy way.

Identify your triggers — By identifying the circumstances that trigger your anxiety, you’ll be able to learn coping strategies for your specific situation.

Stop negative thoughts — This one is easier said than done. Anxiety does cause those who suffer from it to have strong and persistent thoughts of negativity and self-doubt. If you have negative thoughts, you can try simply asking yourself if they’re true. For example, if you think “my friends don’t like me” just stop and ask yourself if that’s true or if you have any evidence to support that because that could just be your anxiety talking. It is also important not to judge your actions too harshly; although judgment is natural, it can be extremely difficult to live your life constantly judging everything you do.

Positive affirmations — It’s essential that you remind yourself that you are more than just your anxiety. Practice saying, “I love and accept myself, and I can do this!”

If you need help managing an anxiety disorder, contact us.