In summary, when trying to explain anxiety to someone who doesn't have it, focus on the cognitive model. It starts with a distressing situation/trigger → which causes a person to have negative thoughts → this causes negative emotions and physical distress → which leads to negative behaviors.
Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid – particularly about things that are about to happen, or which we think could happen in the future. Anxiety is a natural human response when we feel that we are under threat. It can be experienced through our thoughts, feelings and physical sensations.
11. “I've gotta go get some air.” “When my anxiety gets bad I start to hyperventilate and I need to breathe. If I'm surrounded by people I start to have a panic attack because instead of being able to focus on my breathing and calming down, I end up focusing on whether people can see I'm not OK.” — Sara S.
“With clients, I try and explain that [anxiety] is the body's response that something's not right — based off of what's happened to you [such as past trauma] or what's happening currently. Then we can work to accept it, cope and be happier in your life.
Be clear and concise, stating the specifics of how your mental health problems are impacting your work. The point here is to keep it professional and appropriate—your boss is not a therapist or close friend, so you need to stick to what matter's to the workplace.
Instead say: “I've noticed you've been anxious a lot lately, and I'm concerned.” If you notice your friend getting more and more anxious and you know they haven't sought any kind of professional help, it's OK to express your concern if it comes from the heart.
Telling people about your diagnosis
Whether or not you tell someone about your mental illness is completely your choice. You don't have to tell everyone you know (or anyone at all, for that matter), especially if you don't feel comfortable talking about it.
Example Sentences
feelings of anger and anxiety She suffers from chronic anxiety. He's been feeling a lot of anxiety about his new job.
Another way you can explain depression to someone who has never experienced it is by bringing attention to different symptoms you may be experiencing. Some common symptoms experienced by those with depression may include: Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness or pessimism.
Although you may be trying to offer perspective, telling someone with an anxiety disorder that “it could be worse” is condescending and will do nothing to alleviate the anxiety they are experiencing. All this will do is alienate them from you and make their symptoms worse.
If so, you may have a type of anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD can make daily life feel like a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. The good news is GAD is treatable. Learn more about the symptoms of GAD and how to find help.
Difficult experiences in childhood, adolescence or adulthood are a common trigger for anxiety problems. Going through stress and trauma when you're very young is likely to have a particularly big impact. Experiences which can trigger anxiety problems include things like: physical or emotional abuse.
Many people say that they know their anxiety isn't based in reality, but they feel 'trapped' by their thought and feelings. Anxiety disorders can be treated. It's important to seek help if you're concerned about anxiety in your life. Here's an example of normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are a type of mental health condition. Anxiety makes it difficult to get through your day. Symptoms include feelings of nervousness, panic and fear as well as sweating and a rapid heartbeat. Treatments include medications and cognitive behavioral therapy.
It's entirely up to you how much you want to disclose - you don't have to "name" your condition but be careful about words like “stress” which can mean many different things and is often misinterpreted. If you have seen your doctor, and have a diagnosis, then let your employer know you are ill.
Instead, high-functioning anxiety typically refers to someone who experiences anxiety while still managing daily life quite well. Generally, a person with high-functioning anxiety may appear put together and well- accomplished on the outside, yet experience worry, stress or have obsessive thoughts on the inside.
Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPDs) become overwhelmed and incapacitated by the intensity of their emotions, whether it is joy and elation or depression, anxiety, and rage. They are unable to manage these intense emotions.
People who have hypochondria actually believe they are ill, but do not manipulate test results. People who malinger pretend to be ill to gain some sort of benefit, such as avoiding military duty or trying to obtain compensation.
A little anxiety is fine, but long-term anxiety may cause more serious health problems, such as high blood pressure (hypertension). You may also be more likely to develop infections. If you're feeling anxious all the time, or it's affecting your day-to-day life, you may have an anxiety disorder or a panic disorder.