It’s no secret that feeling anxious can steal the joy out of everyday activities and interactions, even those that you really enjoy.
Anxious thought patterns can become so common that you might even struggle to recognize them for what they are.
If you find yourself consistently managing feelings of intense anxiety, working with a mental health profession like those at MyTherapist can bring you some much-needed peace of mind.
Therapy, counseling, and other mental health treatment options can allow you to give your anxiety a place to live and breathe outside of your brain. While it might feel difficult at first, over time you will likely notice the significant impact that therapy can have on the way you handle incoming information, experiences, and expectations.
Remember, no matter how “mild” your symptoms may seem, it’s always worth it to seek out the care you deserve.
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Chronic Anxiety: What Does It Mean?
Chronic anxiety is anxiety that lasts for a long time – that is, experiencing moderate to high levels of anxiety on a regular basis for an extended period.
General anxiety disorder (GAD) is the most common diagnosis for those who experience ongoing worry/anxiety coupled with fatigue, irritability, and restlessness in a more severe manner.
GAD is often known simply as “chronic anxiety” due to its repetitive nature and frequent interference in everyday life. But, not all those who experience regular anxiety have GAD; there are many anxiety disorders that can produce similar, albeit more specific, symptoms.
In addition to seeking mental health care, there are a few things you can try to manage your anxiety from the comfort of your own home.
Tips for When You’re Feeling Anxious
The following tips are great to reference if you’d like to manage chronic anxiety symptoms, but they’re also just generally effective to promote mindfulness.
Even if you don’t experience GAD or another diagnosed anxiety disorder, having tools under your belt to help tackle feelings in the moment is incredibly valuable.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Gratitude List: If you enjoy making lists, try to make a list of 5 things you are grateful for every morning or every night. Lists can be a great way to encourage yourself to focus solely on positive thoughts, and referencing a list throughout the day can serve as a reminder that despite your anxiety, there are things in life that make it worth it.
- Scheduled Worry: If you need to get your thoughts straight, give yourself some time every day to write down or otherwise express the things you are worried about. That way, you have signaled to your brain that you are giving the concerns attention, but there is a time and place to focus on them. You might even realize that you are worried about fewer things than you initially thought.
- Exercising: Sometimes anxiety can feel like restless energy that needs a place to go. When that happens, exercise can be a great way to release some of the excess tension and worry that you are holding onto. In addition, exercise will help release serotonin and guide you towards a sense of calm.
Takeaway: Chronic Anxiety is Hard, but Manageable
Chronic anxiety, whether it takes the form of an official anxiety disorder or not, can undoubtedly be a dominating force in life.
Fortunately, with some deliberate effort, patience, and mindfulness (alongside professional treatment), it’s very possible to not just manage, but overcome your anxiety symptoms.
Never hesitate to advocate for yourself when it comes to mental health. If it’s impacting your life, relationships, and/or livelihood, it deserves to be addressed.
