One of the most common Mental Health challenges many people have been experiencing this year is anxiety. I have heard so many people say that their anxiety has increased to the point where it has become a real challenge for them, sometimes to the point where they can’t sleep or function normally. Although Mental Health is still a taboo subject in various spheres, the reality is that we all deal with Mental Health issues, including anxiety.
In its most basic terms, anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress or unease. When we experience a lack of control in some way, anxiety can also arise as a result. Taking this entire year into consideration, we were all plunged into a global pandemic that none of us were truly prepared for. The way we did life had to change drastically, and in a lot of ways, it is still very different now than I was 9-12 months ago. We were all faced with the reality that we were living in a new normal, and much of that was outside of our control. People lost jobs, they didn’t get to spend time with family members and loved ones, they lost loved ones to COVID-19, they didn’t get to experience physical contact for months - everything was different, everything changed.
The situations we go through in our lives are valid, the stress we experience is valid, and the way in which we respond to all of that is also valid. When it comes to anxiety, you will not be able to shut off your body’s natural response to a situation, but what you can do is acknowledge when your anxiety arises and notice it. Anxiety is not your enemy; it’s serving to protect you in some way, even if you may not be able to see what that is right now. As much as you can, try to give anxiety room and space at the table, listen to the messages its sending, thank it for wanting to protect you, & then remind yourself that you can protect yourself in other ways.
Anxiety is very common and we all experience it - it is truly nothing to be ashamed of. You don’t to maneuver it alone. My hope for you is that as it comes, you will bathe yourself in self-compassion, kindness & grace, you’ll be able to have safe spaces to share vulnerably & honestly, and that you’ll learn the art & skill of managing your anxiety in a healthier way. You are not weak for experiencing, acknowledging nor owning your anxiety - there is courage and strength in that! ♥️✨