I think just about everyone out there has a story about a time when they were anxious. For example, when you were trying to get back to school, it was raining too heavily or at night, and you were too anxious, so you couldn't sleep. Anxiety is very common, and we all get it from time to time. However, for big parts of the population, anxiety is not a brief, transient worry but rather a primary part of their lives. One big problem is that people have so many negative attitudes towards anxiety and its treatment that they often feel confused, lost, or even demoralized, rather than willing to get help.
Lemme tell you about some facts regarding anxiety that you're probably not aware of. These aren't donned-in-medical-jargon explanations. This is plain reality that is going to make you realize what's truly happening and what counts.
Myth 1: Anxiety Is All Equal
People often don't know what exactly it is when someone says, "I have anxiety". This is a huge misconception that many people have. When in fact, anxiety disorders have many different aspects, and an individual's experience is very personal.
Here is what actually happens:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder manifests as worry about everything, all the time.
Panic Disorder brings sudden, intense fear, akin to a heart attack, which makes the victim feel worse.
Social Anxiety Disorder makes daily social scenarios a frightening affair.
Specific phobias usually make people very scared, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder are also related to anxiety, but do not make people scared in the same way.
Look at the situation this way? If you suffer from a broken arm, then you cannot expect the doctor to give you the same prescriptions as for someone having a sprained ankle. Both are impairments of the body part, but the care they both need differs. The same is true for anxiety.
Myth 2: Normal Worry is the Only Worry That Kids Face. It's Not Real Anxiety.
This myth is quite painful. It is the reason why a huge number of children do not seek help, no matter how badly they need it. Yes, all children worry, but that is not the same as having an anxiety disorder that dominates a child's life.
The fact is that anxiety is so overwhelming that a child undergoing this can't do even the most basic things like going to school, making friends, or sleeping well at night. Studies show that about 8% of children and teenagers have anxiety disorders, making them the most common psychological illness in young persons.
A child who has anxiety at such a level that he or she cannot perform everyday tasks, as is typical for a child, would be a clear signal for us to notice that something is wrong. These children and teens should be provided with the required compassion and constructive care rather than being shooed away.
Myth 3: Anxieties Aren't Inherited at All
Some people in families wonder why there is anxiety in their family. Some people even believe that children are the main cause of their parents' anxiety. Science provides us with a clearer picture that there's more to it than mere copying of parents' behavior/attitude.
It is well known that anxiety disorders have a genetic link. This doesn't mean that because your parents have an anxiety disorder, you will for sure get one. It means that you are more likely to develop this disorder. However, the key here is that the role of your environment and life experiences also plays a very big role in the process of developing an anxiety disorder.
The awareness of such facts can even be straightforward. You aren't being blamed for causing your anxiety. Furthermore, you know, through it, you can take effective measures against it, irrespective of the family history.
Myth 4: The Only Thing in Reality Is Medication.
This myth causes a lot of emotional suffering unnecessarily. Indeed, a large number of patients avoid a doctor's visit because they have a fear of taking medication. Some are recalled with medication being the undeniable choice, and as a result, are in a kind of emergency.
The fact is that medication is one of the proven approaches to managing the symptoms of anxiety. Let’s understand this with an example: if you had an accident and you broke your arm. The doctor plastered your arm and prescribed painkillers based on your condition to soothe your pain. Will you avoid having painkiller?
The medications prescribed by your doctor can save lives. Remember to thank the scientist who worked hard to develop anxiety medications. Studies show that life expectancy in many countries has increased from 35 to over 80 years, and modern medicine has played a crucial role in this increase.
Furthermore, taking medication doesn't mean you should neglect natural self-care methods. Preferably, a combination of natural self-care, talk therapy, and medication when needed emerges as the key to a longer life.
Additionally, you can also consult or take a second opinion from a psychopharmacologist, who has extensive training in psychopharmacology and medication management. They can recommend the most effective anxiety medication for your anxiety or other mental health issues, taking into account your biological factors, pre-existing medical conditions, and other factors.
Myth 5: Stress Will Get Rid of Anxiety Itself.
At times, this logic gets in the way of getting help for anxiety disorders. Yes, life can sometimes be very much negatively affected by certain situations, which manifest the anxiety symptoms more strongly.
However, research has shown that if anxiety is left untreated, it tends to return. Often, the anxiety is even worse than before. Anxiety disorders are primarily chronic because they are severe and are largely related to how a person thinks and copes with situations.
The good news is that anxiety is treatable. Like any other health problem, anxiety disorders are best treated with a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication (if needed, which is often the case in moderate to severe cases).
Myth 6: People Suffering from Anxiety Should Stay Away from Stressful Situations.
Doing things differently can be challenging, but the alternative is even worse. This instance is perfect for the busy lifestyles of those pursuing their dreams. While avoiding anxiety-causing situations might make you feel happy in the short term, you miss the opportunity to become the kind of person who can handle those situations. The truth is, stress is an inevitable part of life.
The goal isn't to eliminate all sources of stressors. Rather, it's about developing new skills to cope with stress when it arises. This is where professional help can truly make a difference, in genuinely practical ways.
The Real Challenge: Taking Action
Generally speaking, most people already know that anxiety is curable. The majority of people are familiar with medical care. The real problem is not the question of what to do but the question of how to do it.
Consulting a mental health professional, such as a board-certified psychiatrist NYC, for the first time is a daunting and anxious experience for most of us. The whole process of contacting them, booking meetings, trying to get new treatments, or communicating personal information to a total stranger is a very nerve-racking and anxiety-wielding experience in many cases.
However, once you open the door, life usually starts to be happier. Remember that you are not alone in your anxiety. Remember, the need for anxiety treatment help does not make you weak. Rather, it shows that you are strong enough to confront your mind's darkness and get back your good spirit.
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