Anxiety is a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness. Anxiety can cause different symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, the feeling of restless, and tense. Anxiety can come from many different things like being nervous or a reaction to stress. There are many different ways to cope with anxiety like learning about it, being mindful, understanding and learning breathing techniques, exercise, medication, and therapy. People all around the United States deal with anxiety on a daily basis. Like I said, anxiety attacks can be caused by so many things: exhaustion, a lot of change, feeling under pressure, long working hours, being out of work, money problems, housing problems, etc. Anxiety stems from a lot of things and it is not anything to be embarrassed about. There is always a way to overcome anxiety which is a personal journey. Also, there is medication that helps overcome anxiety. How this connects to my life is just like how many people have anxiety. I remember being in a play for school and I had been having anxiety leading up to it. I was so nervous to get onto stage and read my lines, worried if I would mess up. My mom gave me advice to just take a deep breath and relax. She kept reassuring me that I know these lines and I will do okay. That memory was from third grade but even still it is a memory I still remember. Now, being in college I still have anxiety before taking exams or just keeping up with school. Even things like meeting new friends and being worried people will not like me and I will not be accepted. However, in the end, it is always okay and I always seem to work it out. Even though the anxiety in the moment is awful and I can not seem to forget about it, I always feel happier once it is over knowing that in the end it all worked out.
I truly enjoyed and connected with the advice from your mother to step back, take a deep breath, and relax. When dealing with anxiety the negative emotions and thoughts can take over and care small troubles to seem life altering. Anxiety is very common during college with the emended amount of stress, work load, social life, and productivity. This can limit the true potential of enjoying and succeeding during school. I too suffer from test anxiety which causes much distress before an an important grade or assignment. By taking each day and task at a time the worries tend to be less intense. By taking a deep breath, it can help the reality set in and relax your body and lower your high stress and anxiety levels.
I really like how you explained some of the symptoms that come with anxiety. Sometimes I get confused when people mention anxiety because the term is somewhat generalized so I enjoyed being able to hear more about it in general. I love how you incorporated all the different breathing exercises. This was so mindful because this is something that everyone should learn and use because it can be so beneficial. I sometimes suffer with anxiety as I get very nervous in school and sometimes I rarely have panic attacks. I myself have had my own personal journey and I’m currently navigating through my life, and am trying to figure out the best ways to help myself.
Thank you for sharing your experience with anxiety. It’s incredibly common, and your story highlights how it can manifest in various situations throughout life. Your mention of using breathing techniques to cope with anxiety is particularly important. Deep breathing exercises can help activate the body’s relaxation response, counteracting the physiological symptoms of anxiety like rapid heartbeat and shallow breathing.
In addition to breathing techniques, another valuable strategy for managing anxiety is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. It’s a structured approach that equips people with practical skills to cope with anxious thoughts and behaviors.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also play a significant role in managing anxiety. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can all contribute to improved mental well-being. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones, can also help alleviate stress and anxiety.
Your experience with anxiety in school and now in college underscores the importance of self-awareness and seeking support when needed. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or mental health professionals if anxiety becomes overwhelming. You’re not alone in this journey, and there are effective strategies and resources available to help you navigate through it.
Very well said! Anxiety is a common experience that many people face, and it can manifest in various ways. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and understand that anxiety is not something to be embarrassed about. There are numerous coping strategies available, such as learning about anxiety, practicing mindfulness, utilizing breathing techniques, engaging in exercise, considering medication, and seeking therapy. Personal experiences with anxiety can vary, but it’s reassuring to know that many individuals have successfully navigated through anxious moments and found resolution. Remembering past instances of overcoming anxiety can provide encouragement and confidence for future challenges.