Are you worried about being judged or criticized by others? Is it hard to slow down and enjoy time with your friends or your partner?Are you always worried about making mistakes, looking bad, or being embarrassed? Do you look put together on the outside but feel worried on the inside? Do you have trouble focusing during the day, and have trouble falling asleep at night?
Some Anxiety is Normal
Anxiety or stress happens to everyone on a regular basis. A little stress can be a good thing. For example, if you are taking a test a little anxiety can help you focus and increase your critical thinking skills. Then, imagine taking a test and being 100% relaxed. Instead of taking the test, you might find yourself daydreaming or wanting to take a nap.Everyone has some amount of anxiety. But, for some people, anxiety can get to a point where it is persistent and starts to hold you back.When anxiety starts to impact you on a daily basis, holds you back from things you usually enjoy or creeps into other areas of your life, you may be developing an anxiety disorder. The good news is you can get unstuck and work through your stress and anxiety.
Symptoms of Anxiety
People suffering from an anxiety disorder might notice some of the following:
- Feeling on-edge
- Constant tiredness
- Difficulty relaxing
- Numbing activities like long stretches of Netflix, drinking too much, or gaming
- Self-doubt
- Self-criticism
- Difficulty focusing at work
- Racing thoughts
- Irritability
- Difficulty with sleeping / insomnia
- Muscle tightness / digestive problems / migraines / chronic pain
- Panic attacks
- Obsessions / compulsions
- Nightmares
Anxiety Comes in All Shapes and Forms
Maybe, you have repetitive worries and an overactive mind that is hard to slow down. Or, you might experience social anxiety that is specifically related to being around and interacting with other people. You could feel defeated, exhausted, overwhelmed, stressed, anxious and consumed by achieving perfection.It might seem like you have everything going for you. You’re successful, but you’re not happy. Your mind always focuses on all your problems. Therefore, you can’t enjoy any of your success. In fact, you are not even sure if you deserve the success you have. At night your mind won’t shut off and you can’t fall asleep. All this worry makes it hard to connect with others. So you feel alone. You wonder if there is something wrong with you.
Anyone Can Experience Anxiety
People from all walks of life experience anxiety, even those who are highly successful. You are able to perform at a high level at your job. And, you are able to maintain a relationship. But inside, you are suffering. You are not getting fulfillment and satisfaction from your work or relationships because you are always worried.Perhaps you are worried about whether you are doing a good enough job. Or you’re worried about what others think of you. You might even worry because you’re always worrying. Your ability to worry about something seems boundless. Your mind races and your body feels tense. Sometimes, it is hard to breathe and at times it may feel like your heart is going to beat out of your chest.The good news is that our counselors can help. Anxiety is common and anxiety treatment can help you start to feel better. It is possible to fully enjoy all of the good things in your life that you worked so hard to create.