If you’ve been feeling anxious lately, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of depression and anxiety has increased by 25% since the start of the pandemic.
There are many contributing factors to mental health issues, but one of the main ones is loneliness. With social isolation being a necessary safety measure, many people are feeling cut off from the world.
OSAN Ability is here to help you understand the root causes of your anxiety. Once you know what’s causing your anxiety, you can begin to work on overcoming it.
Overstimulation
Anxiety is caused by overstimulation of the nervous system. This can be caused by work, school, relationships, and social media stressors. It can also be caused by physical factors such as noise, light, and temperature.
The key to reducing anxiety is to reduce overstimulation. This can be done by Guarding your environment, ensuring your space is calm and free from distractions. You are pacing yourself- not trying to do too much at once, taking breaks often, and consuming calming media- choosing books, movies, and relaxing music. Anxiety is a common problem, but it’s one that you can control with the proper techniques.
Fear of the unknown
Anxiety is normal. It’s the fear of the unknown, the what-ifs. What if I fail? What if I make a fool of myself? What if I’m not good enough? Anxiety tells us that we’re not up to the challenge, that we’re not capable.
But anxiety is a liar. It’s a fear that we create in our minds. And it has no basis in reality. The truth is that we are more than capable. We are strong.
We are brave. We are worth it. So don’t let anxiety hold you back. Don’t let it stop you from living your life to the fullest. You are capable of anything and everything you set your mind to. Just believe in yourself and take that first step forward into the unknown.
Negative thinking
Negative thinking can be incredibly daunting and exhausting. For many people, anxious thoughts are like a broken record, repeating over and over in their minds. This can make it difficult to concentrate on anything else, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
It’s important to remember that just because you have anxious thoughts, doesn’t mean they’re true. A lot of the time, our anxious thoughts are irrational and based on fears that aren’t founded in reality. One way to break out of this cycle is to challenge your negative thoughts.
Are they really true? What evidence do you have to support them? Once you question your anxious thoughts, you may find that they lose some of their power over you.
Poor sleep
If you’re one of the millions of people struggling with anxiety, you know how difficult it can be to get a good night’s sleep.
Your mind races, making it hard to turn off at night, which can lead to insomnia or difficulty falling asleep. Poor sleep makes anxiety worse and can create a vicious cycle.
There are things you can do to improve your sleep and get the rest you need to manage anxiety and improve your overall health.
Avoid caffeine before bed, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and exercise daily. Getting enough sleep is essential for managing anxiety and improving your overall health.
Medication
Anxiety is a normal stress response. It can be triggered by various factors, including work, school, or personal relationships. For most people, anxiety is a manageable condition that can be controlled with lifestyle changes and self-care. However, for some people, anxiety can be disabling and require medication to help manage symptoms.
Medication can be an effective treatment for anxiety, but it is crucial to work with a qualified mental health professional to find the proper medication and dosage.
Medication should always be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as therapy, to help manage anxiety in the long term.
Genetic predisposition
Anxiety is a real and valid condition that can profoundly affect a person’s life. It is not something that a person can simply will away. In many cases, it is the result of a Genetic Predisposition.
However, there are things that can be done to manage anxiety and minimise its impact. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, exposure therapy, and Positive Behaviour Support have proven to be effective in treating anxiety. Medication may also be prescribed in severe cases.
Though there is no cure for anxiety, most people can live normal, productive lives with treatment. Here are five things you can do to manage your anxiety:
1. Identify your triggers
2. Avoid drugs and alcohol
3. Get regular exercise
4. Practice relaxation techniques
5. Seek professional help
Don’t suffer in silence – if you’re struggling with anxiety; professional help is available through Allied Health Care support. The team at OSAN Ability can work with you to develop a treatment plan to help you manage your anxiety and live a happier life. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. read more on how to keep your mind healthy and understand the way to tackle mental health issues better.
