Introduction to Anxiety
(Crash Course)
Understanding Your Anxiety
Before we jump onto the topic, let’s do a simple yet
informative task.
ANXIETY-AWARENESS CHECKLIST
Check the following circles to know if they describe your
anxiety experiences.
⃝ I feel shaky, nauseated, and nervous most of the time.
⃝ I am nervous in social gatherings/interactions and try to
avoid them as much as possible.
⃝ I am shy and often come off as a little awkward.
⃝ I get a little panicky around strangers or easily get
overwhelmed.
⃝ I worry constantly.
⃝ I fear my next anxiety attack.
⃝ I feel jittery and on edge for most of the day.
If you check off most circles, it's time to dive deep into our
course material. Arm yourself with potent CBT and Metacognitive Awareness
Techniques designed to help you combat and conquer the symptoms of anxiety
effectively.
👉You might wonder what anxiety is. What’s Its Story?
Anxiety is a tale as old as time, with its narrative
integrated deeply into the human experience. It manifests in different forms,
each with different symptoms to tell. At its mildest, anxiety is a whisper—a
subtle and often unnoticed background noise that gently nudges us to proceed
with caution or be responsible. It's a low hum of unease that, while not
paralyzing, subtly paints our thoughts and actions. This anxiety level can
sometimes be helpful, serving as a signal for us to pay attention, be cautious,
or act.
Yet, as the narrative of anxiety unfolds, this whisper can
swell into a deafening roar—that’s hard to ignore. It transforms into a
relentless echo that continually magnifies potential threats and misfortunes,
often drowning out positive and joyful moments of life.
According to DSM-5(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders), anxiety is a disorder when:
- It blows the potential danger out of proportion.
- It is consistently there over a long period.
- It is extremely distressing.
- It disrupts normal functioning in day-to-day life.
Know that you’re Not Alone - Many People Experience it:
You have already filled in a checklist for a general idea
about symptoms related to anxiety, however, let’s dig a little deeper for a
better understanding of psychological, physical, and behavioral symptoms.
Psychological Symptoms:
- Persistent, excessive, and uncontrollable worry
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Concentration Issues
Physical Symptoms:
- Consistent fatigue
- Muscle problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Unusual heart palpitations
Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoidance and self-isolation
- Seeking constant affirmation
A Case Illustration
As soon as Alex wakes up, a tight knot of worry forms, with
thoughts racing about the day's tasks and potential pitfalls. This excessive
worry is not focused on one event, but rather a general sense of impending
doom, making breakfast a restless affair with involuntary pacing.
At work, the atmosphere feels tense. Alex is on edge, interpreting colleagues’ remarks as criticisms, with minor issues feeling like major problems. This irritability and tension make interactions strained and the day difficult to navigate.
Despite a deep fatigue setting in early, when night falls, sleep is elusive. Alex’s mind refuses to quiet, and the heartbeat, sometimes fast, sometimes slow, is distractingly noticeable. This cycle of worry, tension, and restlessness is exhausting and disruptive, indicating it might be time for Alex to seek help and understand the roots of these symptoms. With understanding comes the power to change, offering a path toward relief and recovery.
Early intervention is crucial for managing anxiety
effectively. By addressing signs of anxiety as they appear, individuals can
reduce their intensity and long-term effects. Proactive engagement prevents
mild symptoms from worsening and also provides essential coping strategies.
This approach fosters resilience and self-awareness, helping individuals
navigate daily stresses. Seeking timely support through therapy or self-help resources
lays a solid foundation for maintaining mental health and preventing anxiety
escalation.