Calling out Anxiety for what it is!
If you suffer from anxiety it is quite likely that along with the discomfort of the anxiety itself, you have also been working hard to keep your angst top secret.
In this hectic competitive world of ours, we do all we can to keep the bright side out, look our best, be strong. Appearing weak and vulnerable doesn’t seem to fit with the way of things. Yet it is sometimes by exposing that very part of ourselves that we actually grow stronger.
More and more people are calling it out that they too have suffered mental anguish and have overcome all sorts of trials with the purpose ending stigmas and inspiring others to take action to seek an improved life experience.
Anxiety in truth is more associated with learned behaviour, habit or response to something that has frightened us at some point in our lives, particularly at an early age when we are most susceptible and lacking in knowledge.
It is suggested in some circles that being of a more sensitive disposition makes us more susceptible to anxiety. Personally I am of the opinion that without role models to show that sensitivity is actually strength and not weakness we may fool ourselves to thinking it’s all our own fault and not much we can do.
The responsibility does, however, rest solely with each individual to move on from anxiety and to set about being that very role model for others.
Some amount of anxiety is normal and, similar to fear, it alerts us to take stock of something or pay attention in certain situations. Messages we pick up through our environment, combined with thoughts/stored memories can lead to sensations in our body, triggered by our nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems.
Adrenaline is one of the notable hormones being released into our blood stream when we are anxious. The term ‘fight or flight’ is used to describe how adrenaline prepares our body when we feel there may be some threat or danger imminent e.g. delivering more glucose and oxygen to specific sites such as muscles to help us move faster by generating more energy.
Anxiety (including panic attacks and phobias) however can be triggered when there is no apparent threat. Parts of our brain (e.g. the limbic system) house an extensive record of stored memories, for comparison purposes, with our on-going life experiences. If a significant match is found in these records, suggesting something in our current environment ‘is is not good for us or may cause a problem’ then the anxiety response is likely to be triggered.
When our anxiety is constantly being triggered we are effectively ‘leaking adrenaline’ into our system. Left unattended, this constant excess of adrenaline has consequences for our long-term health and well-being.
Energy level, sleep quality and concentration are all set to suffer. There can be consequences too for creating imbalance in our endocrine system, as hormones affecting fertility and digestion are impacted by excess amounts of adrenaline.
Another detrimental factor of prolonged anxiety (especially if it presents as panic attack or phobia) is the avoidance of places, situations and people. This in turn can lead to restricted life experiences which can impact our self-esteem and mental health by cutting off some of our basic needs which are obtained from social engagement and personal relationships.
Are you somebody who has taken on the challenge of moving beyond the limits of anxiety? What encouragement can you add here, for those who are contemplating taking steps to dealing with their own anxiety?
Or are you someone who needs additional support and encouragement in dealing with anxiety?
In my book, ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your anxiety-free self’ I offer additional support. A work-book is included, making it easy to use for those who would like to follow through on the suggested exercises in the Seven C’s plan.
If you are not sure if this is for you, you can also avail of my FREE eBook ‘Preparing for Calm’ . This is a wonderful opportunity so be sure to avail – FREE eBook Please
Thank you for reading!
©Caroline Cunningham
Inspiring your Authentic Path
If you are near Carlow or Dublin 2 (Ireland), I also provide reflexology therapy as an effective means for restoring calm and bringing balance to body systems – Make a Booking!
References/Reading Material:
- When Panic Attacks by Dr Áine Tubridy
- Helping Young People Manage Anxiety by Carol Fitzpatrick
- The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne
- The Physiology of Behaviour by Neil R. Carlson
Useful information! Always surprising to see new blog posts that put things into a different perspective rather than just repeating what
I already know. I personally was diagnosed with diabetes
on put on Insulin on September 5th, 2014, but I won’t let it
dampen my mood – things like alternative management methods and exercising
more have helped. Anyway, I hope this post gets more commenters and I’m
posting it to social media. Good share!
Many thanks and wishing you well on your journey.
Hey Caroline,
Thanks so much. It’s people like you that want to rescue people like me that makes me feel so good. I was suffering greatly with heavy bouts of anxiety at the time I spoke to you at your art exhibition. In some way I felt “safe” whilst you were around..does that make sense? I “think” I have come a long way since and I “hope” I continue to pull my way out of this dreaded quicksand. I think you are an amazing person the way you go about your life! It’s great to know your out there still caring….thanks Caroline
Absolutely thrilled to have such positive influence for others Martin and you are so kind and genorous to give this commendation. It’s helpful for other readers to know that I am someone who wants to help, can help and has done the work for myself also.
There are real people out there who have suceeded in doing great things despite obstacles such as anxiety. I believe you are on your way to being the inspiration for others who need help in this area too. Here’s to the restoration of calm and having a much richer life experience!
Hi there, thanks for the great article. I have a question I’m hoping
you might be able to answer. I was wondering, What’s the difference between general anxiety and social anxiety?
My doctor told me I may suffer from anxiety but I don’t know which…
I would appreciate any insight you can provide.
Hi there, first of all thanks for taking the time to read my article and the positive feedback.
My understanding of social anxiety is that it affects the persons ability to be at ease in company of others and may possibly affect their ability to interact or form meaningful relationships with others.
This can create a vicious circle of unmet emotional needs and further health problems if not addressed.
It is most likely quite common. In more recent years we have people shining a light on these issues. There are lots of experienced therapists and medical professionals who offer support for anxiety of all types.
My purpose is to encourage poeple to take up the challenge to move beyond anxiety and I hope that I can inspire them through my various works in writing, therapy and artwork. I wish you well dear reader and hope you will feel encouraged also.