Everyone experiences Anxiety at some point in their lives, some more than others, and some people may suffer from it more severely which is when someone may look for help as it is hindering their lives and stops them from being able to get things done day to day.
The main symptoms for Anxiety are ‘increasing heart rate and breathing, concentrating blood to your brain’ and more severely with ‘nausea and feeling lightheaded.’ (https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/effects-on-body#3)
There are different types of anxiety disorders and its important to know which one that you or someone you may know has. On the Healthline website (linked above) they say that people will be diagnosed with what is known as Generalised anxiety disorder which is ‘diagnosed when extreme worry about a variety of things lasts six months or longer. If you have a mild case, you’re probably able to complete your normal day-to-day activities. More severe cases may have a profound impact on your life.’ Another is Social Anxiety Disorder which is where someone will have a ‘paralyzing fear of social situations and of being judged or humiliated by others. This severe social phobia can leave one feeling ashamed and alone.’ If you have this type of anxiety constantly it can ruin your life as it doesn’t allow you to leave your house because you’re worried all the time about what is happening around you, or if people are looking at you and the constant feeling of stress which gets worse throughout the day. Although Anxiety is common it is a mental health problem that is one of main reasons that other mental health issues occur, such as depression.
If you believe you or someone you know has anxiety look out for these main signs:
- a churning feeling in your stomach
- feeling light-headed or dizzy
- pins and needles
- feeling restless or unable to sit still
- headaches, backache or other aches and pains
- faster breathing
- a fast, thumping or irregular heartbeat
- sweating or hot flushes
- problems sleeping
- grinding your teeth, especially at night
- nausea (feeling sick)
- needing the toilet more or less often
- changes in your sex drive
- having panic attacks.
These are important to look out for, as it may help someone or yourself to get diagnosed and find help where is needed. There are helpings and websites that you can use if you are experiencing anxiety and it is taking over your life.
The NHS are always available to help by calling 111 – Call and let them know you are feeling anxious and they will give you the best advice on how to get help, including GP’s that you can see.
Due to everyone in society using mobile phones, we have an easy way to access help, as well as finding ways to calm down and relax on your own, for example ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response) which is something that a lot of people listen to on YouTube in order to help relax. I personally have used ASMR videos to help relax me when I am feeling stressed and anxious and I generally believe these work so well. There are also videos available like the one shared below that help with deep relaxation to prevent anxiety, and stress. This however doesn’t work for everyone so you have to find something that works for you, but it is always good to know you have other options to help calm yourself down at home when needed.
One thing to remember is that you are not alone, and many people are experiencing the same thing as you. If you want to hear other peoples stories about anxiety, looking up ‘Talking about my Anxiety’ on YouTube will give you many videos of people telling their own stories of how they coped with it, and how they also didn’t. This may help you or someone you know, feel like they are not alone and then will be able to relate to it.
Mental Health Awarness Blog 