Mental Health

Mental health and well-being have long been ignored compared to physical health and well-being. But, of late, the understanding and emphasis on mental health has proliferated widely. This has led to considerable discussion and understanding of mental health issues. Still, many people remain ignorant of mental health problems and possible solutions. In this context, a mental health awareness week is held annually to spread awareness regarding mental health. This year, mental health awareness week in the UK has anxiety as its central theme. In this blog, we will discuss anxiety and the ways to deal with it.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a fear that something could go wrong in the future. Anxiety is a common phenomenon that can be felt by anyone, anywhere and anytime. But anxiety coupled with mental health problems can be distressing. Multiple factors can contribute to anxiety, for example, exams, deadlines, uncertain future, medicinal side effects, loneliness, discrimination, illness etc. All of these are unique in their own way and the experience also varies from person to person. Anxiety is widespread but not often recognised as such. According to a recent study by the Mental Health Foundation UK, one-quarter of the respondents said that anxiety kept them from performing their everyday responsibilities practically all or some of the time.

Anxiety experienced over a sustained period can lead to panic attacks and episodes of psychosis. Getting help in dealing with anxiety is essential to better living and mental health. But the crucial step in dealing with anxiety is to recognise the symptoms and causes of anxiety.

Causes of Anxiety

The causes of anxiety can be as complex as psychological issues, and as simple as economic problems. Virtually anything that poses a potentially negative outcome to a human being can cause anxiety. Sometimes anxiety can be induced by a trigger to some trauma in the past. Other times medical conditions can cause the body to be in a state of angst. The possibilities are endless, and the triggers are numerous. Sustained anxiety can produce severe mental anguish and effectively prevent the performance of daily activities and tasks.

Symptoms of Anxiety

It is crucial to identify the symptoms of anxiety before deciding on the remedy. Several tell-tale signs can be a precursor for an underlying anxiety issue. Some of the signs include feeling dread, feeling edgy, having difficulty concentrating, feeling detachment, irritability, etc. Some physical manifestations of anxiety include dizziness, wobbly legs, palpitations, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, panic attacks etc.

Coping with Anxiety

A health issue, whether physical or mental, requires urgent treatment. There are many different ways to treat anxiety, depending on its severity.

Seeking Support

The first step in dealing with anxiety is to get support whether from a medical practitioner or a therapist. Getting adequate and early support is essential in dealing with the trepidations of anxiety. In the UK one can contact NHS, the Mental Health Foundation UK or other community support groups.

Self-help Resources

There are plentiful self-help guides available online. These are often easy to access and may be enough for people to feel better without resorting to other methods or seeking professional help.                 

Therapy

Therapy is one of the ways to ameliorate anxiousness. Self-practised therapy or professional therapy like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can significantly reduce anxiety. Talking to a therapist can help you overcome your fears since they are often the consequence of misconceptions and phobias that a good therapist can address.

Exercise

Exercise can lead to the relaxation of the mind and muscles, which can lessen anxiety. Mind and breathing exercises are also useful in the treatment of anxiety.

Change in Lifestyle

Certain lifestyle changes like sleeping and eating patterns may also contribute to living an anxiety-free life.

Reading

Reading good books and literature can be beneficial in dealing with anxiety and mental health problems. We have many books related to mental health that can help you in your struggle. Read these titles this mental health awareness week and live a healthy life.

• Jessie and JoJo by Mrs P
• The Adventures of Archie Boo by Jessica Rhodes
• Café de Flore by Karina Khubchand
• Life, Death, Tai Chi and Me by Jason Riddington
• Ed’s Odyssey How I Met Buddha and the Aliens by Ed Cima
• The Child Soldiers by E Braveheart
• Passionate by James Adams
• Remind by Dr Lynda Foulder-Hughes
• Anxiety & Me by Nikita Pancholi
• Willpower and Energy: Yogananda’s Energisation Exercises by Stephen Sturgess

Connect with Austin Macauley Publishers for more such blogs and submit your manuscript if you are looking for publishing your work. You can also make a quick and easy submission through the online submission form.

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