My Journey with Anxiety: Breaking Down the Numbers

I have suffered from anxiety on and off for years.  From a teenager to the grand old age of (well middle aged, put it that way). Living with anxiety can be really tough. As many of us who suffer from anxiety, it’s a bit like having this constant voice in your head that’s always worried about something, even when there’s nothing to worry about!!! The positive (if there is such a thing) is that we are not alone in this; anxiety affects so many people.

A number of my friends, family members and colleagues have also had times where anxiety has taken hold. The good thing is, with appropriate strategies and support, there are effective ways that we, as individuals, can help remove or at least lessen the symptoms and lead a happy, productive life.

How Common is Anxiety, Really?

I used to think I was the only one dealing with anxiety, but it turns out that’s far from true. According to the Mental Health Foundation, about 1 in 20 people in the UK have a generalised anxiety disorder. That’s a lot of people feeling like they’re walking on eggshells all the time.

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

For me, anxiety is like a constant hum in the background. It’s hard to explain, but it’s like my brain is always on high alert, waiting generally for something to go wrong. Here are some of the symptoms I experience:

• Mental Symptoms: Feeling jittery, having trouble focusing, and just being really irritable.

• Physical Symptoms: Heart racing, feeling short of breath, and sweating for no reason.

• Behavioural Changes: I sometimes avoid social situations because they feel overwhelming, which can make me feel even more isolated.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are different types of anxiety disorders, and it can be helpful to know what you’re dealing with:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD):  A general feeling of worry all the time.

• Panic Disorder: Some people have panic attacks, which are super intense episodes of fear.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: This is when social situations feel terrifying because you’re worried about what others think.

• Phobias: These are intense fears of specific things, like spiders or heights.

What Triggers Anxiety?

For me, anxiety can be triggered by anything from big life changes to small everyday things. It’s like my brain is always looking for something to worry about. Here are some common triggers:

• Genetics: If your family members have anxiety, you might be more likely to experience it too.

• Life Events: Traumatic experiences or big changes can definitely trigger anxiety.

• Current Life Situations: Work stress, financial worries, or relationship issues can all contribute.

Seeking Help

If you’re struggling with anxiety, please know that you’re not alone, and there is help available. Here are some things that have helped me:

• Talk to Your GP: They can recommend therapy or medication that might help.  There are a number of Health and Wellbeing services available.  Your local GP will be able to advise on this.

• Self-Help Resources: There are some great online courses and books that can teach you how to manage anxiety.  We will be conducting book reviews and also sharing strategies and techniques on the Happy Mind hub blog.  Please keep an eye out for these!

• Support Networks: Talking to friends and family, or joining a support group can make a big difference.

Final thoughts

Anxiety might feel overwhelming, but it’s not something you have to face alone. By talking about it and seeking help, we can make it easier for others to do the same. 

Let’s break down the stigma around mental health and help support each other!!