“I’m the only one who feels this way.”
You are not alone! According to the National institute of Mental Health, anxiety affects about 40 million adults (ages 18 – 54) in the United States, or about 18% of the population.
“Anxiety is a shameful secret I can never share with anyone else. This is something I have to suffer alone.”
There’s nothing shameful about anxiety. It’s a common, treatable condition.
If you’ve been suffering in silence, it may be time to talk to a professional. Ask your health care provider for a referral or consult the American Psychological Association (APA) website (http/www.locator.apa.org) to find a competent, licensed mental health counselor. You can join us here on this website as we explore ways to heal and deal with stress and anxiety. We’re going to talk about what works here and focus on all the positive changes we can make together.
“There’s nothing I can to do make things better.”
There are literally hundreds of simple to do things you can do to ease your anxiety. We’re going to be sharing some of these here. Stay tuned.
“My anxiety is just like everyone else’s.”
Everyone’s anxiety looks a little different. There may be different causes, triggers, symptoms and different ways of treating anxiety. What works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa. Part of the work ahead is to try as many different techniques as necessary to find what heals your anxiety.
“If I take medication for my anxiety, I’m weak-willed and lazy and may even end up gaining weight, feeling worse and addicted.”
The right anti-anxiety medication, given in the right dosage, at the right time can be a life-saver. If you and your mental health care counselor decide that taking medication is the right thing for you, then take it exactly as prescribed and check in periodically with your provider.
If you decide to take medication, feel free to use some of the coping skills for anxiety we’re discussing here. They can help you feel better faster, and may help you need less medication and for a shorter time.