Gregor P. Mandhu
Today was one of those days where my anxiety seemed to have taken over everything. From the moment I woke up, I felt a knot in my throat and a sense of apprehension that I couldn't explain. It's like there's a dark cloud hovering over me, always ready to unleash a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. The feeling is as if someone is on top of my chest, squeezing, suffocating.
I know that some people may find it difficult to understand what goes on inside my mind, but I will try to explain it as best as I can. Anxiety is like an unwanted and persistent friend who is always by my side, whispering incessant doubts and worries in my ear.
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with anxiety is the lack of control over my thoughts. They can start with something small, like a task I need to accomplish, but quickly escalate into an avalanche of "what ifs" and "buts" that leave me paralyzed. I feel like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster, constantly going up and down, never finding lasting stability.
The physical manifestations of my anxiety are equally intense. My heart races, my hands tremble, and I feel a tightness in my chest as if I'm about to suffocate. Sometimes, my breath becomes shallow and gasping, as if I were running a marathon even though I'm standing still. It's an exhausting cycle of physical and mental sensations that can last for hours or even days.
Social interactions are also a constant source of anxiety for me. I'm constantly worried about what others are thinking of me, whether I'm being accepted or judged. I believe that everyone is watching me, analyzing every word I say and every gesture I make. This makes me insecure and cautious in my interactions, often leading me to avoid social situations altogether.
One of the biggest challenges of living with anxiety is the feeling of being trapped in a vicious cycle. Anxiety prevents me from doing things I would like to do, such as meeting new people, trying new activities, or taking on challenges. And, at the same time, the lack of exposure to these experiences ends up fueling my anxiety even more, reinforcing my worries and fears.
However, even with all these challenges, I am determined not to let anxiety define me. I am seeking professional help, learning relaxation techniques, and practicing self-compassion. Gradually, I am learning to recognize negative thoughts as just that - thoughts - and not concrete facts. I am allowing myself space to breathe, to make mistakes, and to be kind to myself.
Writing about my anxiety today has helped me process some of what I feel. It's a difficult journey, but I know that I am making progress little by little. Anxiety can be overwhelming, but I am determined to find ways to live a balanced life, even with it by my side. I will not let anxiety stop me from pursuing my dreams and enjoying the simple things in life. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the determination to face it bravely.
If you are also struggling with anxiety, know that you are not alone. There is support and help available. Don't be afraid to seek support from mental health professionals and share your journey with trusted individuals. Anxiety can be challenging, but with patience, self-care, and support, it is possible to find ways to manage it and live a fulfilling and rewarding life.
* The above account was created in a fictional manner based on real information available about anxiety. It is not based on any specific personal experience and does not violate the professional confidentiality between a patient and a professional. Learn more in the article below.
Understanding Anxiety
In this article, we will explore the causes and symptoms of anxiety disorders and understand how CBT - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help.
These disorders are part of a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that can profoundly affect a person's quality of life. They are part of a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. These conditions can be debilitating, impacting the ability to function in daily life.
Below is a brief description of the most common anxiety-related disorders and symptoms.
Anxiety disorders can manifest in different ways, including:
1. Transtorno de ansiedade generalizada (TAG): Excessive and persistent worry about everyday events and activities.
2. Transtorno de pânico: Recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden and intense periods of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes.
3. Transtorno de ansiedade social: Fear and avoidance of social situations due to the fear of judgment or embarrassment.
4. Fobias específicas: Intense fear or discomfort in response to a specific object, animal, or situation, such as flying or heights.
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders include:
Difficulty breathing; (physiological response)
Feeling of suffocation; (physiological response)
Fear that the worst will happen; (emotional response)
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia); (physiological response)
Trembling; (physiological response)
Feeling of dizziness or lightheadedness; (physiological response)
Sensations of numbness or tingling; (physiological response)
Escape, avoidance, avoidance (behavioral responses)
Fear of losing control; (emotional response)
Nervousness; (emotional response)
Inability to relax; (behavioral response)
Excessive sweating on the face, armpits, body, or hands; (physiological response)
Causes and Risk Factors
The causes of anxiety disorders can be multifactorial. Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of anxiety disorders include:
Genetics: There may be a genetic component to anxiety disorders as they can occur in families.
Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine can contribute to anxiety disorders.
Environmental factors: Traumatic events, chronic stress, and lack of social support can increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options available for anxiety disorders, including medications and psychotherapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has high scientific rigor and is extensively studied. Online CBT is a convenient and accessible option for individuals with anxiety disorders.
It teaches people different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations to help you feel less anxious and fearful. CBT has been well studied and is the gold standard for psychotherapy." - NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)
Online psychotherapy has various benefits for the treatment of anxiety disorders, including:
Accessibility: Online therapy allows individuals to access treatment from anywhere with an internet connection.
Convenience: Online therapy eliminates the need to travel to appointments, saving time and money.
Anonymity: Online therapy enables individuals to receive treatment in a private and confidential environment.
Effectiveness: Online CBT therapy has been shown to be as effective as in-person therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders can have a significant impact on the quality of life, but there are effective treatment options available. Online CBT therapy is a convenient and accessible option for individuals with anxiety disorders, offering accessibility, convenience, anonymity, and effectiveness. If you or someone you know is dealing with anxiety disorders, consider talking to a mental health professional about how CBT can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Click the button and talk to a professional.
Read more
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Andrews, G., Basu, A., Cuijpers, P., Craske, M. G., McEvoy, P., English, C. L., & Newby, J. M. (2018). Computer therapy for the anxiety and depression disorders is effective, acceptable and practical health care: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 55, 70–78.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Anxiety disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml.
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