Mental Health 101
The word “anxiety” is often tossed around conversations casually. It is much more serious than it appears. Often goes undiagnosed, thanks to the social stigma around mental health issues that is still looming large in our present day society. A lot of people don’t even know that they are going through something called anxiety, and some who do, often choose to ignore it and not seek help. There are many other mental health ailments such as bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, OCD; which are again casually used insensitively as adjectives. Mental health issues are as good or bad as any other health issue. Just the way one takes pills for high blood pressure, to keep mental health issues at bay, one may need to pop a pill. Also, just popping a pill won;t help, the transformation has to be holistic from screen time, exercise, diet, mood tracking, journaling to time spent in nature or with animals.
The 7-step way to get well are:
- Accept that there is an issue
- See a therapist first
- Track your mood, journal & observe yourself — be mindful
- Give up drugs, alcohol & tobacco
- Be kind to yourself
- Eat healthy
- Exercise
If you have the intent, no force of nature can stop you from healing!
Anxiety is a feeling of fear, unease, or worry that can range from mild to severe. It is a natural response to stress and can be a normal and healthy emotion when experienced in appropriate situations. However, when anxiety becomes excessive or disproportionate to the situation, it can interfere with daily activities, leading to significant distress and impairment in functioning.
The term “anxiety” was first used in the 16th century and has been used to describe various forms of emotional distress since then. However, it was not until the 19th century that anxiety was recognized as a distinct medical condition.
There are several ways to detect anxiety, including:
- Physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal distress.
- Behavioral symptoms: Anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding social situations or activities that trigger anxiety.
- Emotional symptoms: Anxiety can cause feelings of restlessness, irritability, and a sense of impending doom or danger.
- Cognitive symptoms: Anxiety can lead to negative thoughts, excessive worry, and difficulty concentrating.
- Interpersonal symptoms: Anxiety can affect relationships and lead to difficulties with communication, trust, and intimacy.
To know the root cause of anxiety, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional who can conduct a thorough evaluation and determine the underlying factors contributing to the anxiety. Some common causes of anxiety include past traumatic experiences, genetic predisposition, life stressors, and medical conditions. A mental health professional can work with the individual to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.
