Have you ever wondered what anxiety is? Or if anxiety is good or bad?
Most of us experience anxiety that comes when we have to meet deadlines at work or prepare for a national exam. Feeling some level of anxiety during such periods prompt people to act so that they are able to meet their deadlines (Remes, 2018).
However, when the feelings develop in non-threatening situations constantly, the person could have an anxiety disorder. A person who has difficulties focusing on their priorities because they are always worrying about things that do not have much importance could have generalized anxiety disorder. Someone who feels sudden intense fear that comes out of nowhere and causes their heart to beat fast while they feel dizzy could have a panic disorder (Remes, 2018).
Why does this happen?
Over the past year, there has been an increase in youth suicides. Youths face issues that range from academic, to relationships and even concerns about their future (Min, 2019). Such pressure could arise from the surroundings of the youth such as school, home and from themselves (Sue-Ann, 2019). While self-image is important, sometimes, that increases a person’s anxiety level. People tend to rehearse what they want to say over and over in their mind because they want it to be perfect and not embarrass themselves. In most situations, they tend to imagine the worst thing that could happen. This excessive worrying stops them from voicing out opinions or showing their talents (Remes, 2018).
What can you do?
Try not to avoid thinking about worrying thoughts because the more you try to avoid, the more it will plague your mind. Instead, replace your thoughts by focusing on things in your surroundings. This will increase your awareness and slowly minimize the focus on the worries.
Focus on the present moment. If you find yourself worrying about something that has not happened, ask yourself questions such as “What am I doing right now?”.
This question will make you aware of your surroundings and you can, then, consciously focus on the smell of the cookies next to you or the beautiful scenery in front of you that you have been missing out (Remes, 2018).
If you find yourself drowning in anxiety, reach out for help. Schools have counsellors and programs such as peer mentoring to assist students in need. If you are an adult in the working environment, you could reach out to a colleague, senior in your work environment, family, friends or a professional. Do not let anxiety stop you from shining.
If you know someone who has anxiety, be empathetic to their situation and let them know they have someone to talk to. Avoid placing demands on them and allow them to move at their own pace.
Let’s build a happy and healthy environment for everyone!
References
Min, A. (2019). MOE, MSF ‘very concerned’ about spike in youth suicides; experts say more support and awareness necessary. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/moe-msf-very-concerned-about spike-in-youth-suicides-experts-say-11775260
Remes, O. (2018). Commentary: No marks, scars or bruises but anxiety more debilitating than some illnesses. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/anxiety-always-anxious-how best-to-cope-10596732
Sue-Ann, C. (2019). More teens in Singapore seeking help at IMH for school stress. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/more-teens-in-singapore-seeking-help-for-school-stress-at-imh
