Anxiety Isn’t Just Panic Attacks
I cancel plans, avoid people and sometimes don’t know what to say, so I awkwardly say nothing or mumble something that doesn’t make much sense and then go home and worry about it after. I usually have a ‘b#tch’ face on so I can appear unapproachable because sometimes it’s better than being approached when I’m feeling anxious. And I leave events early because I would rather be alone to deal with this.
Maybe you’re thinking I’m quiet or rude because I appear to be non-interested, but I am listening and actually in awe of how easy it is for you to just openly communicate without worry. Of course, you don’t know I have anxiety. How could you? I look fine and don’t talk about it because I don’t want to draw even more attention to myself. So if I appear to be a bit of a mean girl, I’m not a b#tch, but anxiety is! Can you relate? Maybe you suffer from anxiety too? If so, you’re not alone.
Check out my Self Care Checklist for great tips to feel good!
I’ve been labelled the mean girl, but I think anxiety is just misunderstood!
Think You Have Anxiety? Here Are Some Common Signs To Look For
- Excessive, irrational worrying
- Feeling of impending doom
- Blowing things out of proportion
- Irrational fear
- Panic attacks
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritable
- Feeling like you can’t take a deep breath
What’s ‘Normal’ Anyway?
It’s normal to get a little anxious from time to time, but people who suffer from anxiety disorder have uncontrollable feelings of worry that ultimately affects their day to day lives for a long period of time. It’s mentally exhausting.
It’s also normal to worry, so how do you know when you need help? How do you know when you have an anxiety disorder? I’m no doctor and this isn’t medical advice here, but I do suffer from anxiety disorder so I can relate. If you think you might be suffering from an anxiety disorder, then it can’t help to talk to your doctor.
Some examples of excessive worry caused by anxiety:
Anxiety is irrational worrying! It’s worrying you’re going to lose your job, without any rational reason to think you are going to lose your job. But you worry about it constantly, and go through the scenarios in your head and maybe even create a plan of action for after you lose your job. In reality, your job is secure and there is no reason to worry.
Or you find something wrong with your health and immediately go to worst case scenario. In your head, you’re dying so you start putting your affairs in order and spend the next few days, weeks, months feeling down! You think about all of the things you should have done and how you should have enjoyed your life and been happy instead of worried and anxious all of the time. When in reality, you’re fine and in a few weeks or months you realize that and then you feel worse for worrying about it all for nothing?! <— yep, I’ve been there (eye roll).
It’s excessive and unnecessary worry.
And you realize it’s anxiety and that you’ve just wasted so much time and energy worrying, for nothing.
Worrying Too Much?
Worry is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety. According to pubmed, if you’re worrying most day of the week for at least 6 months, than you might be suffering from anxiety disorder.
Do you worry a lot? Or maybe you take little things and start thinking about the worst case scenario? It’s normal to worry about the big things, but according to pubmed, people with anxiety disorder worry about the little, every day things.
Feeling Agitated
When you’re emotionally and mentally exhausted, your body is on overdrive! You might experience sweaty palms, a racing heart, dry mouth and extreme discomfort. This can all lead to agitation. You might also experience mood swings.
This is another way you might be mistaken labeled as a mean girl if you’re agitated and lash out at someone because your feel so overwhelmed.
How To Calm Your Anxiety
Self care and mental health are absolutely connected. Here’s what does help me and hopefully you too!
I’ve discovered a few things that help me get through the tough times. Obviously talk to your doc before taking any medication or vitamins… I’m no doctor!!
Self Care Checklist
Vitamins For Mental Health:
Vitamin D. My doctor has told me that there’s a link between low vitamin d levels and increased anxiety and depression, which makes sense cuz January is a really tough time for many anxiety sufferers. So I started taking vitamin D supplements and I’ve noticed a little impact on my mood;)
Vitamin B Complex. I had blood work reveal i was deficient in some of the b vitamins which was part of the reason why I was feeling so down and blue! I started taking a B vitamin complex and it is definitely helping my mood!
Also have you tried Saffron for mental health? It is amazing! The best supplement for anxiety and depression!
Self Care Mental Health
Self care:) This has the greatest short-term effect on my mood! A little retail therapy, a box of chocolate covered cherries or dinner and a movie with friends all helps me so much! But, sometimes I go a little overboard and eat an entire tub of ice cream or spend $400 at Atlas Divine and almost immediately regret my decisions… So it is all about balance!
Get Outside. The Power Of The Great Outdoors
Being outdoors has so many benefits, from improving mental focus to boosting your mood! How do you feel when you go for a walk in the sunshine? Happy? The sun helps your body produce vitamin d, which naturally boost serotonin levels- an instant pick me up!
Check out the full story and find out why the outdoors can really boost your mental health, here – The Power Of The Great Outdoors.
Rest And Relax Your Mind
Make sure to take care of your physical body. Exercise and meditation have major impacts on your mental health and overall mood!
Here are some breathing exercises to help reduce anxiety!
Oh and sleep. Sweet, sweet sleep! Good sleeping habits are life changing when it comes to your mental health- anxiety and depression. Even during a good streak, after a bad night’s sleep – I’m an anxious mess!
BUT even with the vitamins and self care, if you still have ups and downs you might want to talk to your doctor about prescription medication. Don’t be afraid to get help. There’s still a stigma around mental illness. We fear people will think we are weird or violent if we come out with our anxiety or depression. Don’t let those fears stop you from getting better!
If you have anxiety, depression, ptsd, bi polar or any mental health issues follow along and know you’re not alone:) I’m over here suffering too!
Self love and a little grace go a long way. You’re allowed to be human, you’re allowed to have flaws and most of all you are entitled to have your shit days as much as your good ones. Keep smiling 🙂 ♡
I really related to your post. I had such a Monday today and really just wanted to say, look I am tired, chronically ill, and I am allowed to just have really crap days! I am anxious mess sometimes too! Loved your post title as well.
Thank you Stephanie for your openness and for sharing your story! I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder back in 1994 and have been on anxiety medicine for the majority of time since the diagnosis. It helps to know there are others out there that are fighting the stigma!!
Hi Steph thanks for stopping by and for the follow. I think if we were all to be honest, most of us have suffered from some form of anxiety or depression at some time in our lives. I know I have, and yes there are many things we can do to help ourselves. So I’m speaking to you as one who has suffered from depression which showed it’s face when I came down with chronic autoimmune issues. So I’m no professional in anyway. You are doing all the right things, but if I were you I would watch your sugar intake as apparently it also depresses the system……for me it (sugar) causes pain, so I don’t use sugar. Exercise is also know to help and I’m not sure if you’re a Christian, but having a great belief system I find to be a great help…..actually my biggest and longest help. Thanks for the follow, and I hope you will stop by often and find some of the posts I have written on anxiety or.depression.
I have had 60 years of anxiety and panic attacks. Being a 24/7 caregiver to my husband, means that I don’t have time to deal with it now. I stay well because I have to.
Anxiety has so many faces and often stems of our fear of others. What they think of us, if they accept us, if we are worthy, of we belong, are popular enough and on. But what about yourself? Sometimes I think we are also very tough on ourselves, and at times we have unreasonable expectations of ourselves. Could that be adding to our anxiety? Don’t forget to be patient with yourself, to love yourself and to give yourself a break. You deserve it. Hugs
love your honesty in this post – i 100% agree with you, and anxiety is so difficult but you’re right, we aren’t alone! x
I loved this. I relate so much. So many people assume I’m mean, but anxiety can really take hold of your emotions. Thanks for a great post!
I can relate to so much of this too! Self care definitely helps and I may look into taking more vitamins too. Like you say, it’s good to know we are not alone 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing.
I’ve suffered from anxiety and depression since I was a teen as well. I can relate so much to this.
i related so much to this, my anxiety sometimes keeps me from leaving my room let alone my house. so thank you for sharing
Nice post! I also struggle with anxiety and relate to much of your experience.
Thank you! This is why I write… to relate 🙂
You’re not alone. I’m a fellow Anxiety sufferer. I can totally relate to everything you have said. Self care really is important as is getting enough sleep and eating well. I take medication too and very open about it. Hopefully one day there won’t be any stigma x
[…] Anxiety Makes Me Look Like A Mean Girl […]
I absolutely love this post. I’ve had anxiety, and then on top of it I’ve had several TBI’s and after my son I had post partum depression. He’s the reason I get up, so when I don’t have him. I literally sleep until I have to work. I rarely go out. The injury I sustained had a part of that. Anxiety gives you so many fears it’s unreal. Thank you for your posts I can’t wait to see what else is on your page.
[…] even after a full night’s rest can be a sign of anxiety or depression. Speak to a doctor if this is an […]