Anxiety is a Stupid Jerk
Credit: Pete Linforth / Pixabay
Anxiety occurs when we feel a physical or emotional threat. It’s actually a good thing because it literally kept us alive back in the day when we had to worry about being eaten by bears. Anxiety keeps us on alert in case we need to protect ourselves from being attacked.
The thing is most of us don’t have to worry about being eaten by bears on a regular basis. But if we experience anxiety, our body acts as if we do by hijacking our minds and bodies, making sure we will not relax.
So how do you know if you are experiencing anxiety? Here’s a simple formula:
Overestimation of threat + Underestimation of your ability to cope = anxiety
When we feel regular stress, our body is able to return to standard operating procedure once the threat has passed (i.e., you feel relaxed again). When we feel anxiety, our body is like “hold on there, there! I’m gonna keep you activated because this situation might show up again and you need to be prepared!”
Some people have generalized anxiety and some situational, meaning that there are certain settings (like the workplace) that bring on feelings of anxiety.
Here are some signs that might indicate that you are experiencing anxiety:
You have excessive worry about how you will be seen by others
You have difficulty concentrating on tasks
You find yourself fixated on being perfect and fear making errors
You avoid certain situations that trigger your anxiety
You are experiencing physical symptoms (headaches, stomachaches, etc)
Your sleep quality and/or quantity has diminished
You find that you have less confidence about your ability.
Anxiety is a giant jerk designed to create fear. There are lots of ways to begin to manage it, but the first step is in recognizing its presence. Stay tuned for some deeper dives into how to notice your triggers, strategies to help calm your body, and other great ways to manage anxiety.
About the Author: Monica Pitek-Fugedi is a therapist, speaker, and author. As the owner of Whole Mind Wellness in Southeast Michigan, she specializes in providing treatment for anxiety and trauma. Monica uses her expertise at local and national speaking events to inspire audiences to conquer obstacles and embrace lives of empowerment. Her literary contributions encompass a wide range of topics, including “Shade of Pink,” which chronicles her breast cancer journey. Additionally, she has authored several self-help workbooks, such as “How to Live with Anxiety,” and “The Art of Showing Up: How to Live a Values-Driven Life.”