When anxiety consumes a persons life, even time spent in a quiet room can be a fight for mental survival. Anxiety can be a crippling roller coaster of fear, dread and emotional turmoil. When someone understands how to control anxiety, they are better equipped to cope with the day-to-day issues that control their mental state.
What is Basic Anxiety?
The first thing an individual needs to know is that “basic anxiety” is natural and healthy. The basic “fight or flight” response is a protective measure from severe stress. The body provides an adrenaline boost in times of crisis that is beneficial to a persons mental outlook.
From elementary school to adulthood, stress is an everyday occurrence. However, with mental stability and focus, general stress can be used as fuel or motivation to achieve bigger and better things in life.
Stress may encourage a person to break out of their comfort zone and face situations that do not cater to their personal choices. These stressors may actually be used as platforms to build character and mental toughness as an individual navigates the road of life. However, once anxiety begins to control a persons life and adversely affect their mental state, numerous mental and physical issues may develop.
Signs of an Anxiety Disorder
When anxiety reaches a crisis state, the mind and body will begin a downward spiral. Changes in diet, sleeping pattern, and concentration are all signs of uncontrolled anxiety. Massive mood swings and overall lack of happiness are also outwards signs of a serious problem.
Often, the lack of anxiety coping skills can escalate into depression. When a persons mental state is so compromised where they can no longer complete simple tasks and maintain a daily routine of living, professional help is necessary.
Anxiety disorders can be paralyzing and cost a person not only their happiness, but also their personal obligations. With severe anxiety comes a lack of confidence. Many times the person in question will avoid certain personal obligations due to the fear of social interaction.
Procrastination becomes another sign of severe anxiety disorder. The fear of a social setting is so paramount, personal obligations are often unfulfilled. Often the person with severe anxiety will spend his or her day in deep worry over an obligation or event that will not occur for several months. Constant thoughts about an uncertain future or personal self doubt can cause severe mental and physical debilitation.
Anxiety Coping Skills
Medical treatment is always an option if an individual can’t escape the web of anxiety. However, with self help and the guidance of others, many people are able to cope with the basic stresses of life and begin the road to mental recovery with a few simple steps. In order to properly handle stress…face the stressor head on. Take an overview of the situation and decide what can be controlled…and what can’t be controlled. Not every problem is meant to be solved, and not every obligation or event requires stress. Many times the actual “worry” is bigger than the actual situation or problem.
Ultimately, the solution is to gain the ability to put everything in perspective. Often, a stressful situation is only a testing ground for a bigger and better outcome. Keep an open and clear mind, and simply understand that “no pain no gain,” is a lesson for life and personal improvement. Live in the present; don’t let the “worry of tomorrow” ruin the happiness of today.
Source:
- Davis, Lerche Jeanie (2008) "Coping With Anxiety" Retrieved April 16, 2009 from WebMD.com
Bryan Parker - Bryan Parker has been a passionate and successful writer for 20 years. His enthusiasm and love for his craft are second to none. His love ...
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