Anxiety – a single word that means so much more to so many. Some experience it in moments, some every day. A word that classifies as both an emotion and a diagnosis, which affects roughly over 301 million people globally. From prescriptions to more holistic approaches, there are so many ways to try to tackle one’s anxiety. In a time when nothing ever really stops, from working multiple jobs to trying to keep up with the world, managing this can be extremely trying. It doesn’t have to be, though.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND ANXIETY
Today’s world moves like a train at full speed, and being anxious can make you feel stuck. You may even feel like you missed the train. We sleep, but the internet never does. In today’s world and age, social media can have positive and negative impacts when one feels anxious. Many communities on different social platforms can encourage and post relatable content for what you may be feeling. While this may help you feel less misplaced and less alone, this can also lead to a compounding intensity of negative feelings. Seeing the same relatable content can comfort you or make you feel like you are drowning subconsciously.
Sometimes, we cannot find the time to care for ourselves. Some of us may be working multiple jobs, and some may be full-time focused on caring for children or other loved ones. You can easily find many resources and support on your phone, tablet, or computer. No matter which device you use most, apps and websites offer many ways to help manage overwhelming emotions. Some of these include:
- Mental Health America (MHA) is an extremely helpful resource dedicated to anxiety and related feelings. Its resources help identify things you may not realize you are experiencing and much more.
- FinchCare is an app available on both Android and Apple devices. It encourages managing anxiety and getting things done. From motivating oneself to do daily tasks that one may struggle with due to feeling anxious to breathing exercises, this app has so much to offer! All while caring for a cute little virtual pet at the same time.
- PixelThoughts is a website that you can access from any internet-capable device. It helps you to manage and ground your escalating feelings in a quick, sixty-second meditation. While sound is not required, it does have a bonus calming effect.
- 7Cups is available as a website or an app. This is an online community where you can not only get but also give help to others. It offers both free and paid services, and neither lacks quality. This media platform has so much to offer, from therapy to group or solo talk sessions, articles to read, and more.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL
Mayo Clinic Health System gives examples of anxiety causing both physical and emotional symptoms. No matter which you may experience (you may even experience both), there are many ways to help manage and tackle these symptoms. It helps to be able to identify which symptom(s) you may be experiencing before working to manage them. Here are a few examples of both types of symptoms:
Physical Symptoms
- having a hard time sleeping
- shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- shaking or trembling
- churning or upset stomach
- hot flashes or sweating
Emotional Symptoms
- panicking, and feeling an insistent feeling of danger
- struggling to focus
- a consistent sense of fright or nervousness
- a lower mood and possible depression
- disassociation of self or location
- dwelling on situations without control
While these are only a few examples, there are many other symptoms. Grab a pen and paper, or open your digital notepad. List some feelings you may be experiencing, whether they are listed above or not. You can then move on to labeling which feelings you listed as physical or emotional. This can help you feel more in control of your anxiousness, and you will find it a solid step towards managing it.
DIFFERENT OPTIONS
There are many ways to manage your anxiety now versus decades before. It really is about what works best for you. Do you need just a moment, or do you need some time? You can still use traditional methods to manage how you feel. If you have the time for them, there are always therapists you can speak with. Now, you can even chat with them on your phone! Whether you go to an in-person visit or try a virtual appointment, therapists are still an option.
Alternatively, you can try quick and efficient exercises. Trying breathing exercises has been known to help many people in various ways, including anxiety. You can ask Google, Alexa, or Siri to help you find many different breathing exercises. Some apps, like those mentioned earlier in this read, can help you try this. Another approach is known as the 3-3-3 method. This method can help you ground yourself, especially if you are experiencing or can feel an oncoming panic attack or a wave of anxiousness. A Better Tomorrow Counseling Services lists the steps are as follows:
- Name three things you see
- Name three things you hear
- Move and name three parts of your body.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While many other options are still available to help manage one’s mental and emotional health, hopefully, this article brought something helpful to your attention. From traditional to newer methods, some form of help is always available. You can work on managing your well-being, one step at a time.
Disclaimer: This article is intended simply to provide information. It does not replace the medical advice of a physician. Please speak with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
