Anxiety & Stress

I apologize for the delay in posting this week. It has been an exceptionally busy week, as indicated by the late hour at which this post was created. Consequently, I've decided to combine the topics of Anxiety and Stress into a single post.

Understanding Anxiety:

Anxiety is a natural emotional response we experience when we perceive potential threats or danger. It's the feeling of fear or apprehension that arises when we believe something adverse might occur. While experiencing anxiety is a normal part of human life, it becomes problematic when it lingers for an extended period and interferes with our daily functioning.

Anxiety comprises three primary components:

1. Thoughts: Anxious thoughts often take individuals to places they'd rather avoid. Worries and fears can lead to emotional distress and uncontrollable tears, as they often do in my case. For example, thoughts like "If I return home, there's a chance he may show up, and that won't be good" can trigger anxiety.

2. Body: Anxiety can manifest physically with symptoms such as an upset stomach, trembling, increased heart rate, or sweating. These bodily responses vary from person to person but are all characteristic of heightened anxiety.

3. Actions: Different people respond to anxiety in different ways. Some may avoid situations, while others may become confrontational, speak out, or become immobilized by fear. Personally, I tend to avoid anxiety-inducing situations by avoiding returning home.

Anxiety can strike unexpectedly, catching individuals off guard with no apparent cause.

Understanding Stress:

Stress, like anxiety, is a natural response to external pressures or demands, particularly when they are perceived as threatening or challenging. It is a normal aspect of daily life and is a result of the release of stress hormones in the body. However, chronic stress can lead to mental health issues and physical ailments.

Common signs of stress include:

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

• Memory problems.

• Pervasive negativity or a loss of self-confidence.

• Constant worrying.

• Mood swings.

• Low morale.

• Irritability.

• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, anxiety, depression, or unhappiness.

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, stomach problems, and rapid heart rate.

• Fatigue.

• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

• Social withdrawal.

• Nervous habits like nail biting or teeth grinding.

Stress has taken a toll on my health, notably contributing to my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). During my younger years, I even experienced hair loss, including eyelashes. Even today, wearing mascara occasionally causes discomfort, making my eyes feel as though they are burning. While I have observed many signs of depression, anxiety, and stress, stress-related symptoms have been particularly prevalent in my experience.

Recognizing the signs of depression, anxiety, and stress is essential. Managing these emotions is crucial, and seeking help when necessary is a proactive step. For many years, I was unaware that I was suffering from these conditions. In recent years, I have come to acknowledge them, though I kept them private due to feelings of shame.