Community Blog: What is anxiety? By Claire Kobylecka

[Fab_2B_Fit]

What is Anxiety? - Claire Kobylecka

Do you suffer from anxiety?

Anxiety is a very common condition, and in these troubled times perhaps you’re in the minority if you don’t experience some symptoms. But that doesn’t mean we should just accept it.

I couldn’t define what anxiety is until I knew more about it. I use the word ‘stressed’ a lot to describe how I’m feeling. Even before COVID-19 blew up beneath us, my messages to friends often referred to ‘nightmares’ at work, counting down to ‘wine o’clock’, and feeling like a ‘hamster on a wheel’ as I juggled the demands of my three small kids, husband, pets, and an over-demanding boss.

In these days of lockdown, sometimes I don’t even know how to describe how I’m feeling.  And I haven’t shared it outside this blog either. That’s because it makes me feel guilty – how can my situation even come close to that of carers and medics, those who have lost loved ones or those, who are all alone? 

I feel like I should count my blessings right now. I’m still working from home. Whilst my husband’s personal training business has had to close there’s no wolf at the door just yet.  The kids are safe and happy. But still, there is that awful tightness in my chest, like someone is sitting on my lungs and my heart beats so fast I think it might explode. It often happens in the night as I wake up with doomsday thoughts swirling through my mind.  Other times it appears like a mugger in the daytime, accompanied by a sinking stomach like I’m on a theme park ride. Relaxing doesn’t come easy to me. If I’m not busy I feel I’m wasting the day. I’m often irritable. But I’ve always considered these personality traits rather than symptoms.

I started to research what anxiety is and what causes it and I soon discovered it is a huge field. The NHS (National Health Service) defines anxiety as ‘A feeling of unease that can be mild or severe’. It acknowledges that ‘everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life’. There are several anxiety disorders and symptoms can be very wide-ranging – mirroring those I have experienced but stretching further – here are some as defined by Mental Health UK:

• Racing thoughts
• Uncontrollable over-thinking
• Difficulties concentrating
• Heightened alertness
• Changes in appetite
• Wanting to escape from the situation you are in
• Dissociation (feeling like you aren’t connected to your own body, watching things happen around you without feeling it)

Mind quotes an estimated 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health disorder each year. And Mental Health UK estimates 8 million people or 1 in 10 of the population will be living with an anxiety disorder at any one time. Amongst this sobering data, I found a positive message. No one should feel alone with these feelings.

For me, when I reflect on my feelings, I have tried to self- medicate in various ways.  A few glasses of wine have definitely made me feel better until I’ve woken up thirsty and panicky.  A long walk with my family has definitely eased my mind, as has some exercise at home. The thing these all have in common is that they give me a distraction.  Looking at the science, it seems they also all release endorphins into the brain, inducing feelings of well- being.

The NHS has a very useful section on its website giving suggestions about things that might work for you. For example, challenging your thoughts and understanding the root cause of your anxiety. There is also a range of relaxation techniques. Just Google ‘NHS anxiety’. I think exercise in any form is also a great way forward. You’ll be boosting your overall health and resilience at the same time.

As for myself, I’m going to take my own advice and explore these options some more, and try and increase my daily steps and activity. I’m going to stop worrying about what my boss thinks about my mid-afternoon walk or time away from my laptop because I’ll still make my deadlines. I’ve also taken the first step by opening up about my feelings. I’d encourage you to do the same; you’re definitely not alone.

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[Vktoria]

I was struggling with anxiety over due to the COVID-19. Being in the older sector and living alone, with no close family that I was becoming more worried about what is hearing and I eventually disciplined myself to no longer watch the news and found that I became more relaxed, no longer feeling anxiety and sleeping much better. Thanks for sharing.

[richardwilson]

The present conditions right now is very hard because of this covid19 

[Skydauer1]

I have had anxiety my entire life. It must be genetic. Everyone in my immediate family suffers with it. It is magnified at this time. Chest pains, increased BP along with difficulty breathing. Even stomachaches. 

Thank you for your caring insights and tips.  Epsom salt baths with frankincense and lavender are very soothing to me. As is Yin yoga by candlelight. Can't luve in the tub or on the mat. Lol

Prayer and meditation are other tools. Present moment living is key. To stop racing heart..

I continue with faith that I will survive. As long as I know how to love others as much as I live myself.

[chriswilsom]

beautiful 

[LynnEmmaline]

Thank you for sharing this.

[Kmac58]

I have dealt with Anxiety and mostly panic attacks all my life.. please anyone with Anxiety , take care of it now, or later down the line after stuffing it away on the shelf..it turns it to full blown panic attacks.. and I don’t wish those on anyone.. god bless..

im 59 now. Mine started when I was 30. 

[Pudsey577]

I’m a child and I have anxiety.

😔😞😔😞😔😞😔😞😔😞

I wish I never had it but there is nothing you can do about it.

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Thanks for sharing 

[KimHeid]

One of the hardest things to do is share personal weaknesses, so a lot of times we keep them to ourselves. But for others who feel your pain because we go through the same things on a daily basis, it is good to read that we are not alone. As someone who lives with anxiety, I know that it is only when others write or share their challenges that we feel safe to share our own struggles without judgement. So for that, I thank you for sharing this blog and the research you have found. It continues to remind me that I am not alone and neither are a lot of others!

Continue to think peaceful and happy thoughts!🤗

[marienichols71]

@KimHeid bless your heart! Thanks for being willing to post a comment. You are not alone in this. I'm praying for you today for any struggle that you may be facing. Have a blessed day! 🙏

[arielleruhland]

Ever since COVID hit, I've noticed I've been experiencing more anxiety. But during this time in quarantine I've made it a priority to find ways to better take care of myself. I've started walking every morning, cooking more often, painting, and meditating - all things that bring me peace. I'm sure this is a difficult time for many, but if anyone would like to share their tips and tricks for coping with anxiety I'd love to hear. 

[Lirrana]

Honestly I am the person that has suffered of anxiety since childhood. I guess, that it was caused by the fact that I grew up to my parents being divorced, or maybe I want to think like that and believe in it. Recently, due to the pandemic, my anxiety reached some .... insane levels actually.

[arampuna]

I have been struggling with anxiety since the lockdown, and it's been unbearable. The feeling of closure and uncertainty was driving me crazy in so many ways and I really didn't want to reside to pills. 

[Lirrana]

Anxiety is what I have been going through for the last year due to so many issues in my life. My doctor suggested me the usual medicine that I hate as they mess up your body and since I had to find a way to deal with my issue I went on to herbceo.com and realized how beneficial weed can be and from the first moment it really allowed me to feel much more relaxed. Before you rush to call me junkie and all that read and come to your own conclusions!

[Lirrana]

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Honestly I am the person that has suffered of anxiety since childhood. I guess, that it was caused by the fact that I grew up to my parents being divorced, or maybe I want to think like that and believe in it. Recently, due to the pandemic, my anxiety reached some .... insane levels actually. I have never been in such a bad state actually. I had no idea what to do and how to "fix" myself. The only thing that actually helped me in dealing with anxiety recently, was the kratom. I found some kratom extract capsules for sale and now I am consuming them on a constant basis in order to get rid of that terrible state.

I really think that we have to be more cautious with our mental health.

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[Lirrana]

Honestly I am the person that has suffered of anxiety since childhood. I guess, that it was caused by the fact that I grew up to my parents being divorced, or maybe I want to think like that and believe in it. Recently, due to the pandemic, my anxiety reached some .... insane levels actually. I have never been in such a bad state actually. I had no idea what to do and how to "fix" myself. The only thing that actually helped me in dealing with anxiety recently, was the kratom. I found some kratom extract capsules for sale and now I am consuming them on a constant basis in order to get rid of that terrible state.

I really think that we have to be more cautious with our mental health.

---

[Lirrana]

Honestly I am the person that has suffered of anxiety since childhood. I guess, that it was caused by the fact that I grew up to my parents being divorced, or maybe I want to think like that and believe in it. Recently, due to the pandemic, my anxiety reached some .... insane levels actually. I have never been in such a bad state actually. I had no idea what to do and how to "fix" myself. The only thing that actually helped me in dealing with anxiety recently, was the kratom. I found some kratom extract capsules for sale and now I am consuming them on a constant basis in order to get rid of that terrible state.

[clarkethomson]

Anxiety is an emotion. This deception works well because you are blind to what is actually happening. Be mindful of what is really happening. When you understand that anxiety is outside energy that is sabotaging your thoughts, in awareness you can begin to heal. First, tell yourself that anxiety isn't a weakness. living with anxiety, going through a lot with anxiety needs more courage & strength most will never know. By inducing positivity in yourself by self-reassurance you'll get your energy back. Secondly, allow yourself to take time to get through this. it does take time because there’s no magic cure. But by giving yourself a reminder that this life is worth living, you deserve to be happy. and trust me when you believe you deserve it you become magnetic in the process of manifesting it.

[AnaFitbit]

Hi @clarkethomson, welcome to the Community Forums.

Thanks for your advice to handle anxiety. I know is not easy to deal with it but we can fight it using our mind which is the best weapon we have against it.  

[MelaniaTaylor]

Whenever we are presented with a new situation, our body's fight-or-flight response is activated which ends up giving this anxiety. Either our body chooses to fight - to take the situation head on - or flight - to just flee the situation. As a result, our body starts to develop symptoms that are associated with anxiety. With proper care and attention, these symptoms can be addressed and mitigated. Also, you must get therapy and address the issues that are causing you your anxiety. Here's an explainer article for the ones who have recently been diagnosed with anxiety; it has all the dos and don'ts for anxiety. 

[WilsonFitbit]

Hi @MelaniaTaylor, it's nice to see you around! 

Thank you very much for the advise and tips! Definitely, the article and information you mentioned won't go unnoticed and I'm pretty sure that will have benefits on other users. 

Have a great day! 

[SAGAB]

Because of life-changing negative events that happened in 2016 and 2017, I've found it harder to relax my mind of the past years. Covid made the situation worse, there were more alcohol consumption involved to get my mind and body to relax. Even though I kept doing sports, Covid made things worse. I miss going out with friends. My current mental state is at its all time low, struggling with anxiety on a daily basis, but I'm working my way up again. We must keep our heads up and be confident things will get better, after a year of surviving this pandemic it's safe to say that in a year from now, life WILL be better again.

Thank you for sharing, and to everyone experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, you're not alone in this. It is important to share your feelings!