Understanding Anxiety: 5 Things Those Who Suffer Want You to Know

Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, and nervousness. It is something that we all experience at some point in our lives. However, when anxiety becomes chronic and persistent, it can become an anxiety disorder. According to recent statistics, around 18% of US citizens over the age of 18 have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, and 1 out of 13 people worldwide suffer from anxiety.

Living with anxiety is challenging, and it can be an overwhelming experience for individuals. There are certain things that those who suffer from anxiety want those around them to know, which we will discuss here.

1. Have Patience

One of the most important things to understand about anxiety is that it is not something that sufferers can control. Anxiety disorders do not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of their background or lifestyle. Therefore, those with anxiety are not to blame for their condition.

Living with anxiety can be emotionally draining, both for the person with the condition and those around them. Those with anxiety suffer from a constant sense of impending doom, and this can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding certain places, situations, and people. Therefore, anyone living with anxiety needs their loved ones to be patient with them.

2. Don’t “Fix” Them

It is essential to understand that anxiety disorders are not problems that can be fixed. It is essential to avoid pushing someone to overcome their anxiety forcefully. Doing so can make the situation worse. It is crucial to let those with anxiety work through their issues at their own pace. Another crucial point is to avoid making a big deal out of their panic attacks or anxious behaviors. The more one tries to discuss or resolve the issue, the more likely they are to contribute to the anxiety.

3. Know That Anxiety is Often Misunderstood

Anxiety is one of the most misunderstood conditions, with several misconceptions surrounding it. One of the most popular misconceptions is that anxiety originates from a poor childhood or past traumas. However, anxiety is a complex condition that can have genetic origins in some cases.

Another false belief is that anxiety can be fixed quickly. Unfortunately, it is not something that can disappear overnight. Even with proper coping strategies, anxiety disorders may persist for an individual’s entire life. Therefore, it is crucial to know that anxiety is not something that can be quickly resolved.

4. Anxiety Does Not Make You Weak

People living with anxiety are not weak, and their condition does not make them so. Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide, and many individuals with anxiety have excelled in different fields. Some of the most successful people with an anxiety disorder are Abraham Lincoln, Johnny Depp, Adele, and Scarlett Johansson. It is crucial to note that many people cope with anxiety and achieve their goals, despite their condition.

5. Learn How to Relate to Anxiety You Don’t Have

Anxiety can be irrational, making it difficult for those around affected individuals to understand. Panic attacks trigger the commonly known “fight or flight” response, releasing neurotransmitters that cause physical sensations such as a racing heart and hyperventilation. It is vital to have some understanding of what someone with anxiety is going through if an individual has never experienced such a response.

In conclusion, anxiety is a widespread condition, and those who suffer from it must have a support system that understands their condition. Having anxiety is not a weakness, and most often, it is not something that sufferers can control; it is important to have patience with affected individuals and avoid trying to “fix” them. Understanding anxiety disorders and how to relate to those who suffer is crucial, and we hope that this article has provided you with some insight.