Understanding and Managing Anxiety

Anxiety is a common mental health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It can manifest in various ways, including persistent worry, panic attacks, and physical symptoms such as a racing heart or shortness of breath.

Understanding anxiety and learning how to manage it can significantly improve one's quality of life. Today, my aim is to offer perhaps some unconventional insights into anxiety, and tips for women to manage it effectively.

What is Anxiety?

Did you know women are more likely than men to experience anxiety disorders? This is due to a combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Anxiety is a natural response to stress or perceived danger that exists within all of us. It becomes problematic when it is excessive, persistent, and interferes with daily life.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can present itself through a variety of symptoms, including:

• Excessive worry or fear

• Irritability

• Restlessness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Muscle tension

• Sleep disturbances

• Fatigue

Common Triggers

Common triggers include:

• Stressful life events (e.g., job loss, divorce)

• Relationship issues

• Financial problems

• Health concerns

• Traumatic experiences

By now, most of us have seen or at least become familiar with the character of Anxiety in the famous animation Inside Out 2. You might be thinking, "That's a children's film," but the portrayal of the emotion is spot on! Remember when Anxiety apologizes to Joy, saying, "I'm sorry, I was just trying to protect her"? That moment is so true to life.

The truth is, our anxiety shows up as a form of survival against perceived, yet invisible, threats. Its intention is good—it's trying to keep us safe. However, because it doesn't know how to stop when we're actually safe, we can get stuck in a constant state of worry.

Take a moment now to think of a time when you felt anxious. Hold that moment and pause. Become the observer, knowing that right now, you are perfectly safe. Ask yourself, what am I really afraid of? Why is anxiety showing up for me? Listen closely. Did you get an answer? Dive deeper. Keep asking yourself: Where is this fear stemming from? When did it start? How was it created? It didn’t just always exist.

Embracing our anxious selves as the parts of us that need nurturing, showing ourselves compassion when we aren't functioning at our best, and removing judgment—these are practices we can all adopt. It takes time and patience. We're so conditioned to believe anxiety is bad that we fear even the thought of it. In reality, it's just a part of us that needs understanding and love. We are the only ones who can heal ourselves, though sometimes we may need a little help from others.

You deserve to hear that maybe it's not your fault. Maybe feeling down is okay sometimes. Maybe, just maybe, the parts of you that you hide are the parts that deserve to be seen and heard too. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, taking a bath, or practicing a hobby. Remember, it’s okay to prioritize your well-being.

As a mental health professional, I believe it’s essential to seek professional help if anxiety becomes unmanageable. However, I also believe you can empower yourself by taking time to get to know yourself. With the knowledge that comes from self-awareness, you can begin to lead a healthier, more balanced life.

See anxiety as a sign that there is something you need to heal, not as a life sentence that prevents you from functioning in a healthy way. You've got this!