Episode 2: Anxiety - Break it down now…
Hey there, Uhane Counseling community! It's Taylor here. You might know me as one half of the Sissers duo who host a podcast right here at Uhane Counseling. My sister, Brittany, and I have been on a journey, exploring the world of anxiety, sharing our personal experiences, and professional insights. As a licensed therapist, I've seen firsthand how understanding anxiety symptoms can impact lives, and I'm here to share what I've learned.
Understanding the Physical and Mental Symptoms of Anxiety In our podcast, Brittany and I have broken down the symptoms of anxiety into two categories:
Mental Symptoms of Anxiety:
Repetitious thoughts
Excessive worry
Irritability
Impatience
Feelings of shame, and more.
Physical Symptoms of Anxiety:
Stomach issues
Breathing problems
Muscle spasms
Increased blood pressure
Insomnia, and more.
Recognizing the Signs:
Brittany and I also discussed the signs of anxiety, which can manifest as behaviors such as:
Avoidance
Justification
Arguing
Defending
Explaining
Phobic behavior
Distress in social situations
Negative self-talk
These symptoms can vary greatly from person to person and can be influenced by how well an individual is taking care of themselves. It's a reminder that understanding anxiety symptoms isn't a one-size-fits-all situation.
Recognizing these signs is the first step towards managing anxiety. It's like learning a new language - the language of your own mental health.
Effective Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety Brittany and I have shared some practical coping mechanisms for anxiety. We emphasized the importance of mindfulness and grounding techniques, which can involve using the five senses to bring oneself back to the present moment and reduce anxiety. We suggested activities such as:
Going for a walk
Doing dishes
Pulling weeds
Watching funny videos
Creating a Calming Environment to Manage Anxiety We also discussed the use of diffusers and essential oils to create a calming environment. This approach emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and creating a space that sends messages of safety, grounding, and love.
We concluded our discussion by reminding listeners that if anxiety is significantly impacting their day-to-day life, they should seek professional help. We also mentioned that medication can be a useful tool in managing anxiety, but it should be paired with other coping mechanisms for a holistic approach to treatment.
Here at Uhane Counseling, we're all about embracing these sentiments. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, we're here to help. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to take care of your mental health. So, let's continue the conversation and keep supporting each other!
In the spirit of continuing the conversation, we'd love for you to check out our podcast, "Sissers." Created by Brittany and me, we delve into important mental health topics with a fun and engaging approach. You can find "Sissers" on Spotify, Apple, and other similar podcast platforms. So, grab a cup of tea, find a comfy spot, and join us as we navigate the world of mental health together. Let's keep learning, growing, and supporting each other!