Anxiety is communicating something
How do you know when your anxiety level is too much? The truth is, is that anxiety is actually not a bad thing. It’s our body and our mind’s way of telling us that something needs to happen. It let’s us know that we need to make a decision or complete a task. This is when anxiety is at an appropriate level. It’s how we find the impetus get things done. For example, think about when you are approaching the end of your gallon of milk. Silly example, I know, but bare with me … as you’re pouring that last drop into your coffee and think to yourself, “I need to get more before tomorrow morning!”, chances are it’s just a little blip on your anxiety-o-meter, but it’s enough to help remind you to get more milk. Something that might rate a little higher on your anxiety-o-meter might be when your car engine light starts shining. You have no idea what it might mean or if you car may be unsafe to drive. So, you call and get it in for a service as quickly as possible.
When Anxiety is too much
For those of you plagued with anxiety however, these may not be little blips on your anxiety-o-meter. Yours may be fully in the red, screaming alerts at you all day long! The worry about not having enough milk may extend into worrying about how you will find time to get to the store, whether or not you have to drag protesting children in with you, and subsequently obsessing over just the right time to leave to make it home before the day gets to complicated. This is too much.
Similarly, your anxiety levels may begin creeping up and up the more you worry about that engine light on your car. You begin imagining terrible things happening as you’re driving. Disturbing images or thoughts are unshakeable and leave you feeling frazzled and scared. This is too much.
Anxiety is debilitating
When anxiety is ruling your thoughts, it is difficult to think clearly and decisions, even simple ones, become arduous and impossible to make. It’s too much when you become physically uncomfortable – think heart palpitations, rapid breathing, upset stomach, shakiness, or tingling sensations in hands or feet. And it has definitely gone overboard when you have a panic attack. This is anxiety at its most extreme.
It can also creep up on you insidiously, without you even noticing how much distress you’re in. You may not notice how your thoughts get carried away and before you know it, you’re imagining terrible things and the worst possible outcome. You may not notice yourself simply numbing the worry with binge watching Netflix, drinking a little more than you’re used to, or eating more than usual. It may even cloud your ability to see that you have been frustrated and irritable with those around you, for no apparent reason.
It doesn’t have to feel this bad
Anxiety is miserable to live with. But you don’t have to suffer through it and you shouldn’t feel paralyzed by it. There are so many coping skills you can employ to help you better manage your anxiety – any quick google search will reveal these. You could also check back here for additional blog posts about managing anxiety. Additionally, speaking to a trained professional about it may also be really helpful.
Click here to learn more about Headway and how we can help you manage your anxiety.
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