Anxiety has been a constant companion in my life for as long as I can remember. It started with small things, like worrying about getting good grades or making friends in school. But as I grew older, it became more cognitive in nature with going over the same thought thousands of times or being highly structured within my days.
Anxiety is a common feeling that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. It is a natural response to stress, danger, or uncertainty. However, when anxiety becomes excessive and persistent, it can interfere with daily life and lead to significant distress.
Anxiety can manifest in various forms such as panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias. Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating and heart palpitations. Social anxiety disorder involves excessive fear of social situations while generalized anxiety disorder causes excessive worry about everyday events.
Treatment for anxiety includes therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or medications, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. I find running to be a natural way to shake off my worries along with a good dose of Headspace meditations for calming my thoughts!
Remember, while experiencing occasional bouts of anxiety is normal, it is important to seek help if it becomes persistent or interferes with daily life. With proper treatment and support from your favorite humans, you can totally conquer the worries and stop the perspirations!
Breathe. Challenge those thoughts. Breathe again.