1. Anxiety can be manageable.
Sometimes people may believe that distress related to anxiety is just part and parcel of their lives, but there are things that we can do to manage and get help with anxiety. Although everyone experiences worry and anxiety to some degree, for others it can be more impactful. If it impacts you in a way that is distressing or impacts your ability to live your life, it’s important to get support.
2. You don’t have to have a diagnosis to see a therapist
Often people believe they have to have something seriously “wrong” to go to a therapist. You don’t! Therapy is sometimes about self-improvement or about managing a certain situation better. If you are struggling, especially with the level of difficulties people are having during the pandemic, please reach and see how someone might be able to help.
3. It might not go away on its own
Often people believe that ignoring the problem or avoiding it will lead to an improvement, however, avoiding is one of the most common (and often unhelpful) methods of managing anxiety.
4. It could impact your life
As mentioned, avoidance is one of the most common factors associated with anxiety. When we try and avoid things that make us anxious, it could often lead us to restrict how we want to live our lives. Getting support with anxiety can give us the opportunity to live the life we want to lead, rather than allowing our decisions to be dictated by anxiety.
Anxiety can get in the way of your work or social life.
5. You might be using unhelpful coping strategies
Often to help manage anxiety, people use substances like alcohol or drugs, to manage their anxiety. People may also eat far beyond when they feel full, which can create issues with health. Another common coping strategy is withdrawing from social occasions, and social isolation can make anxiety worse.
6. It may have an impact on your physical health
Often anxiety can be linked with physical symptoms. Some of these include digestive issues, high blood pressure, heart disease, headaches and respiratory issues, amongst others. High levels of anxiety is a risk factor for many physical health issues
7. It’s impacting your sleep
Sleep is one of the best predictors of physical and mental health, and if we’re not sleeping well it can have significant impacts on our wellbeing. Often people struggle with sleep when their anxious, so getting the right help can improve our sleep and in turn, improve our health!
8. You feel like you need to get something off your chest
One of the signs of anxiety is overthinking or worrying. Often when speaking to a mental health professional, it gives people the opportunity to vent about whatever is going on for them. Sometimes problems can be really impactful and can snowball when we keep them inside, and seeing a professional could give you the opportunity to speak about what’s going on for you.
If you’d like help with managing your anxiety, check out our services here.