Anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition that affects
millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent
feelings of worry, fear, and unease that can significantly impact
daily functioning. The body responds to anxiety disorder by
triggering a "fight-or-flight" response, leading to physical
symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling,
and sweating. This can interfere with sleep, concentration, and
overall well-being. Anxiety disorder can vary in severity and may
require a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes
to manage effectively. Seeking professional help is crucial for
diagnosis, treatment, and support. Living with anxiety disorder can
be an arduous battle, affecting every aspect of one's life. Anxiety
disorders can take over every aspect of your life, leaving you
feeling overwhelmed and helpless. But with the right approach, these
conditions can be managed and even overcome. Remember, anxiety does
not define your worth.
Our anonymous interviewee shared with us her personal experience of
being diagnosed with anxiety disorder and how she overcame it.
Through sharing her story, she hopes to inspire and provide guidance
to those currently navigating the challenges of anxiety disorder.
The Road to Diagnosis
"I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder during my early twenties, a time in my life when I was embarking on my career and making plans for the future," she said. Anxiety disorders often occur along with other mental health problems—such as depression or substance misuse—which can make diagnosis more challenging.
Balancing Life Amidst Anxiety
Our interviewee told us, "During this time, I was working full-time in a demanding job, juggling my responsibilities while trying to establish a stable foundation for my future. I had a supportive family who encouraged my goals and aspirations."
Living with Anxiety: The Struggles and the Journey to Healing
"Living with anxiety disorder was an overwhelming experience," she admitted. "I constantly battled with excessive worry, irrational fears, and panic attacks. It felt as though my mind was always racing, making it challenging to focus on daily tasks. Seeking professional help, I engaged in therapy, which primarily involved cognitive-behavioral techniques. Therapy provided me with valuable tools to challenge my negative thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms."
Anxiety's Impact on Relationships and Career
Our interviewee told us about her struggles, noting, "Anxiety disorder significantly impacted my family, social, and work life. My family was understanding and supportive, but it was difficult for them to fully comprehend the extent of my struggles. Socially, anxiety made it challenging for me to engage in social activities, leading to feelings of isolation. In the workplace, anxiety often hindered my productivity and ability to perform at my best."
Adapting Goals and Priorities
"Anxiety disorder caused a shift in my life plans. Initially, I had envisioned a fast-paced, ambitious career trajectory," she said. "However, as I grappled with anxiety, I realized the importance of prioritizing my mental well-being. This realization led me to reevaluate my goals and focus on achieving a healthier work-life balance."
From Surviving to Thriving
After prioritizing her mental health and well-being, our interviewee said, “Presently, I am in a much better place in my life. Through therapy, self-care practices, and a strong support system, I have learned to manage my anxiety effectively. While anxiety is still a part of my life, it no longer controls me. I have cultivated a greater sense of self-awareness, resilience, and compassion towards myself and others. My life now is more balanced, fulfilling, and aligned with my values.”
Gratitude and the Importance of Mental Well-being
“Going through anxiety disorder has made me realize how often we take our mental well-being for granted,” she realized. “We often overlook the importance of self-care, emotional support, and seeking help when needed.” Because of this, mental health should be a priority for everyone, and we must foster a more compassionate and understanding society.
Advice
To those currently battling anxiety disorders and for those
experiencing anxiety issues, Zara recommends the following advice.
1. Seek professional help: Contact a mental health professional who
can provide guidance and support tailored to your needs.
2. Build a support system: Surround yourself with understanding and
empathetic individuals who can offer encouragement and a listening
ear.
3. Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote
relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional well-being.
4. Challenge negative thoughts: Learn to identify and challenge
negative thought patterns through cognitive-behavioral techniques.
5. Be patient and kind to yourself: Recovery takes time and effort.
Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the
way.
Overcoming anxiety disorder is a challenging journey, but it is
possible with the proper support, treatment, and right mindset. By
sharing my personal experience, I hope to instill hope and empower
others facing similar struggles. Remember, you are not alone, and
with determination and self-care, you can triumph over anxiety and
lead a fulfilling life.
Worldwide Anxiety Statistics
1. It is estimated that 264 million adults around the globe have
anxiety (World Health Organization, 2017).
2. Of these adults, 179 million were female—63%—and 105 million were
male—37% (Our World in Data, 2018).
3. The prevalence of all mental disorders increased by 50% worldwide
from 416 million to 615 million between 1990 and 2013 (World Health
Organization, 2016).
Sources
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/anxiety-disorders
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967