Mental Health Awareness for Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, or nervousness when one is about to do something challenging. Everybody experiences anxiety across different situations, and it is a normal experience. However, anxiety becomes a medical condition when it is prolonged and starts to impact the way one would normally perform ordinary tasks. It can start affecting your sleep, your ability to work, and your relationships.

Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety

You may be feeling
  • Excessive fear or worry
  • A sense of impending danger
  • Restlessness
  • Nervous or tensed
  • Agitated
  • Intimidated with social interactions
  • Detached from people
You may be experiencing
  • Sleep problems
  • Shortness of breath/rapid breathing
  • Heart palpitations
  • Nausea/dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Headaches or stomach aches
  • Problem with concentration
You may be thinking
  • Everything’s going to go wrong
  • I can’t control the way I feel
  • I can’t focus on anything
  • Everyone is looking at me

Some questions you can ask yourself

  • Do I find it hard to stop worrying?
  • Have I spent most of my time worrying over the last three months?
  • Have I been overthinking?
  • Do I experience tightness in my chest, shortness of breath, a pounding heart or dizziness?
  • Do I feel excessively nervous or embarrassed when faced with social situations?
  • Do I avoid activities that I think may cause more anxiety?
  • Are my thoughts unpleasant and repetitive?
  • Do I have trouble staying focused on tasks?
  • Am I having trouble falling asleep or is my sleep being interrupted?

If you answered yes to most of the questions, it may be time for you to seek professional help. It is important to remember that there are ways to reduce anxiety and that anxiety disorders can be managed and treated.

How can you help yourself?

Here are a few ways to cope with anxiety.

Talking to someone

If you are aware that you are experiencing anxiety, you can talk to a friend or a family member about it.

Making lifestyle changes

These will include eating a healthy diet, exercising, meditating, decluttering and maintaining regular sleep patterns.

Maintaining a routine

Having a fixed routine or schedule can help manage anxiety.

Joining a support group

A support group can provide an opportunity to share experiences and coping strategies.

Seeking professional help

Mental health professionals can help with a variety of treatments, including individual or group therapy, and possibly medication.

How can you help someone else?

Here are a few things you can do to help someone cope with anxiety.

Recognize the signs

Learning about the illness can help you recognize the signs and better understand what the other person is going through.

Listen

Often, a person who is experiencing anxiety wants someone to listen to them in a non-judgmental way. Be patient and engaged while they speak.

Be supportive

Show you care by telling them that you will be there for them and remind them that recovery is possible.

Encourage them to engage in self-care

Activities such as exercise, meditation, reading, listening to music, or art can help a person with anxiety to cope with their condition better.

Stay connected

Ask how they are feeling every once in a while, and find ways to spend time together when there is an opportunity.

Encourage them to seek help

If you feel that they are unable to cope with their condition, urge them to seek help from a mental health professional. You could also offer to accompany them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Know more about the conditions that can and might co-exist with anxiety.

HELPLINES

#YouAreNotAlone

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