Is Anxiety Taking Over? You're Not Alone & There's Help (Anxiety & Mental Health)
"I can’t stop feeling anxious, what’s wrong with me?" If this question echoes in your mind, know you are not alone. Anxiety is a universal human experience, yet when it becomes overwhelming, it can leave us feeling lost and isolated. Let's dive into understanding anxiety, when it becomes problematic, and most importantly, how to find support.
Anxiety manifests in diverse ways. Physically, you might notice sweaty palms, a racing heart, rapid breathing, and tense muscles. Mentally, it often presents as a whirlwind of "what if" thoughts: "What if they don’t like me? What if I make a mistake? Is everyone judging me?" Sound familiar? It's important to acknowledge these feelings and validate your experience.
“Nearly 1 in 3 young people experience an anxiety disorder.”
You're far from being alone in feeling this way. Statistics reveal that nearly 1 in 3 young people experience an anxiety disorder lasting 12 months. (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2022). It's one of the most common mental health concerns, making it crucial to break down the stigma and talk openly about it.
Many of us instinctively want to banish anxiety entirely. However, research suggests that trying to suppress it isn't the most effective approach. Evidence-based therapies, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), teach us that a certain level of anxiety is a normal part of life (Harris, 2019); (Hofmann et al., 2012). Rather than fighting against it, we can learn to face it head-on and cultivate acceptance.
So, if some anxiety is normal, when does it cross the line? A key indicator is when anxiety significantly disrupts and interferes with your daily life. Are you avoiding social gatherings due to fear of judgment? Skipping school, work or university classes because of that heavy, uneasy feeling? This avoidance, while seemingly protective in the moment, often fuels anxiety in the long run, making it more destructive.
The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable. A psychologist can offer various evidence-based therapies to help you manage and overcome anxiety-related challenges. These approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solution-Focused Therapy, among others. These therapies provide practical tools and strategies to navigate anxiety and build resilience.
If you're ready to take the first step towards managing your anxiety and improving your wellbeing, we're here to support you. Contact us at Bear Hug Psychology today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you. You don't have to face anxiety alone.
References
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-21 (Cat. no. 4326.0). https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release
Harris, R. (2019). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy (2nd ed.). New Harbinger Publications.
Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1