How To Explain Anxiety To Someone - Mind My Peelings

Our brains are not designed to solve problems in a Delayed Return Environment. This leads to chronic stress and anxiety about perceived threats that are not actual dangers.

What Other People Think Anxiety is Like

Anxiety can be difficult to understand which gives others a negative misconception of the illness. Here are some of the most common myths about anxiety:

1. Anxiety Will Go Away On Its Own

   Anxiety symptoms are persistent and will get worse if ignored. The severity of symptoms can fluctuate throughout a person's life based on different situations or stages in their life.

   However, this does not mean it is no longer an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are chronic and persistent and if not treated properly, symptoms are likely to return.

2. Anxiety isn’t that Common

   Anxiety disorders affect over 18 percent of the US population. This is approximately 40 million Americans every year. Only 37% of those suffering receive any form of treatment.

3. Dismissed as Negative Stereotypes

   It is common for people to dismiss anxiety and think it is just laziness, overreacting, it’s all in your head, being too sensitive or emotional, or seeking attention.

   These negative stereotypes cause people with anxiety to feel more alone which makes it difficult to share their struggles with others.

4. Just Stop Worrying

   If it was as simple as just stop worrying, no one would have an anxiety disorder. It is very difficult to overcome an anxiety disorder without help. There is no magic wand that you can use to just snap out of it or stop worrying.

   Overcoming anxiety takes time and effort to challenge irrational thoughts and behaviors so you can reframe those thoughts more rationally.

5. Just Avoid Stressful or Anxious Situations

   Anxiety can be triggered by normal day-to-day situations or objects. It can be unrealistic to avoid those stressful situations or objects entirely.

   Even if it was possible it would not help the situation. Avoidance only adds fuel to anxiety and can make it worse over time.

6. Social Anxiety is the same as being Introverted or Shy

   Introversion, shyness, and social anxiety are actually different and have their own unique characteristics. Introversion is social energy and how someone recharges by being alone where shyness is nervousness or discomfort caused by social interactions.

   Social anxiety on the other hand is an anxiety disorder caused by fear or apprehension of social interactions or performance situations.

7. Caused by Childhood Problems

   While childhood or developmental problems can be the cause of anxiety for some people it isn’t for everyone. Many people who experience a positive childhood can develop anxiety as an adult.

8. Symptoms are Only Mental

   Anxiety isn’t just negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. You can experience physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea, racing heart rate, insomnia, and stomach pains.

9. A Sign of Personal Weakness

   Anxiety doesn’t discriminate and affects people of all ages. Anxiety is a distressing mental illness that can cause both mental and physical symptoms.

   These symptoms can take a toll and make it difficult to focus and be productive, make you feel fatigued, and makes you more at risk of a physical illness.

10. Peace and Quiet is Calming

    While it can be nice to get away from everything and have some alone time, this usually doesn’t solve your anxiety.

    Your anxiety stems from overthinking anxious thoughts. These worries can spiral out of control when you are alone and feeling isolated.

What Anxiety Looks Like vs What It Actually Is

Anxiety is often misunderstood because many of the symptoms you experience aren’t often visible to those around you.

The Anxiety Iceberg illustrates what anxiety can look like on the outside, but there is so much more going on underneath the surface.