Are We Masking Our Anxiety?

by | Oct 1, 2020 | Anxiety, Emotions, Treatment

Everyone experiences anxiety in their lives, but what is a situational blip in life’s journey for some is a daily struggle for others. 

I read a statistic somewhere, and it said that 1 in 4 individuals struggles with Anxiety (that is the non-situational type). That’s a whopping 25%, and to me, that number is staggering. 
That means that those you see with a calm demeanour and a smiling face can potentially have a war raging in their minds.

I want to help. Why? Because I know what that war feels like daily, and if we don’t talk about it, we are left to fight alone, and I don’t want that for you or anyone you know.

The media is on high alert, and conspiracy theorists are running rampant. The fear of the unknown is lingering. The world is on an Anxiety-driven rollercoaster!

Despite all of this, please find comfort knowing you don’t have to struggle alone, and won’t be alone as we navigate how to cope. 

“Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it.” – Dorothy M. Neddermeyer

Below are a few of the signs and symptoms of Anxiety taken from the CAMH website that I have found helpful in identifying how Anxiety looks, what can be the cause and how to manage.

Signs & Symptoms

  • irrational and excessive fear
  • apprehensive and tense feelings
  • difficulty managing daily tasks and/or distress related to these tasks
  • anxious beliefs (e.g., “Only weak people get anxious”)
  • avoidance of feared situations (e.g., driving)

Causes & Risk Factors

  • stressful or traumatic life event
  • family history of anxiety disorders
  • childhood development issues
  • alcohol, medications or illegal substances
  • other medical or psychiatric problems.

Below are a few things I will share that have worked for me as I try my best to cope with my Anxiety during this trying time.

  • talk to a therapist (if you don’t have one see your family doctor for a recommendation)
  • Pause. Breathe. Reflect.
  • Keep to a healthy routine
  • Pray to God for peace 
  • Meditate 

I will leave you with these two quotes that can offer a level of clarity and normalcy back into our lives when put into perspective during times like these.

Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.

– Robert Tew

Nothing is permanent in this wicked world, not even our troubles

– Charlie Chaplin

If you or anyone you know needs help, please see the information below. Remember, we are all in this together.