What is anxiety?
According to Merriam-Webster, the general definition for anxiety is an "apprehensive uneasiness or nervousness over an impending or anticipated ill."
Most people experience this sort of anxiety, whether it is over a job, a relationship, an illness, etc. They may worry unnecessarily. But worry does no good, so they learn to turn that anxiety into positive action.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
Again, according to Merriam-Webster, the medical definition of anxiety is "an abnormal and overwhelming sense of apprehension and fear often marked by physical signs (such as tension, sweating, and increased pulse rate), by doubt concerning the reality and nature about one's capacity to cope with it.
Signs:
- Worrying too much, including over "unnecessary" things
- Sleeping too much or too little, trouble staying asleep, trouble falling asleep
- Feeling like you are going to throw up and/or actually throwing up
- Constantly tense muscles
- Flashbacks
- Panic Attacks
- May appear as social anxiety or stage fright
How do I cope with anxiety?
- Breathe, be mindful of your breaths, use deep breathing techniques
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthly
- Have a regular sleep schedule
- Avoid illegal drugs, alcohol, caffeine
- Relax, take time for you, pamper yourself
- Maintain a good attitude
- Be grateful for everything in life, even the little things
- Try to avoid things that "trigger" you by being insightful about your illness
- Give back to others, get involved in a support group, network with others who have anxiety
- Seek professional guidance (therapy and medication)
This is on a more personal note!
I experienced great anxiety while I was psychotic. During this time, I feared that I was going to be raped and killed. I thought everyone was against me. Fearing for your life for 12 years straight definitely causes extreme anxiety. I continually had the flight vs. fight response. I was jumping out of my own skin. I could never relax. And I tried to run away and I tried to strike back. But since this anxiety was unfounded, I was not able to change things. I was worrying about unnecessary things.
With medication to control the psychosis, I emerged a stronger person. I turned adversity into a positive thing, because it strengthened my character.
I am hoping that you too will overcome your anxiety and emerge as a changed person. Seek professional help if needed. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Anxiety Disorder may be a mental illness but it does not make you a bad person. Things will change and I want to offer you that hope.
Blurb on Anxiety from My Mental Madness Memoir:
"I believed that the medical researchers were going to give me a heart attack through their electrical shocks, and I felt actual chest pains. The pain was probably just a hallucination. Or it could have been caused by my increased blood pressure, which was extremely high because of my constant fear of being killed."
