Have you ever attended an event and wished you were wearing an invisible cloak to hide from everyone else. You may have avoided events, places, or being around others because you felt overwhelmed by your feelings that you would be a weirdo around others, or say or do the wrong thing? Have you attempted to participate in conversation and felt yourself having a mini panic attack before you spoke or while you were speaking. This intense feeling may then cause you to stutter, sweat, or even shake like a leaf. You may have been afraid that people may know exactly how you're feeling, you fear they may notice your sweaty or your shaky hands.. Often these reactions may also cause you to feel self-conscious, in turn intensifying your feelings.
If you fit most or all of these characteristics, then more than likely you have a form of social anxiety.
Reminder: Anxiety is often caused by an irrational fear, causing an extremely uncomfortable feeling.
In no way am I minimizing the experience, as unfortunately, in the moment anxiety feels much greater than mere discomfort. For some, they may feel the are having a heart attack, losing control, or are feeling that they are dying. Additionally, anxiety may be accompanied with other symptoms, such as depression, compulsions, and psychosis.
As with all feelings and actions, they begin with your thoughts, so it's important to reframe your thoughts, to in turn reshape your actions, giving you the confidence to function in your daily life. This is easier said than done and requires skills provided under the care of a licenced professional, literature from a credible author skilled in anxiety reduction and relaxation techniques, or in some case; anxiolytic medication.
Mindfulness practices, yoga, and other disciplines that incorporate being present and quieting the mind are effective means to reduce the debilitating effects of anxiety as well.
For those with anxiety that causes severe impairment, there are multiple treatment options available, including medication which may cause significant relief of symptoms.
As with all issues that lead to therapy, follow your instincts and never feel obligated that you must continue with someone you are not comfortable with. If you are meeting with a psychiatrist or a provider who may prescribe medication, it is this provider's professional obligation to ensure that you are under the care of a therapist as well. Medication is effective to address symptoms, while therapy addresses thoughts, feelings, and actions, offering support as you are working through this experience.
Here is an article below that provides great insight and advice about anxiety and feel free to comment below:
#anxiety #depression #panic #nervous #fear #feelings #thoughts #discomfort #therapy #medication #relaxation #skills #techniques
Comments