For those who struggle with anxiety disorders, every month feels like anxiety awareness month. The persistent worry, racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, and impending sense of dread are an all-too-familiar part of daily life. However, dedicating an entire month to raising awareness about anxiety is an important reminder that you are not alone in this battle.

The Challenges of Anxiety:

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States, affecting 40 million adults every year. From generalized anxiety disorder to social anxiety, panic disorder, and various phobias, anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways. At its core, anxiety involves intense and excessive worry over everyday situations. This worry can trigger a host of physical and psychological symptoms that disrupt your ability to concentrate, sleep, and fully embrace life.

For many, anxiety feels like being trapped in a cycle of “what if” thinking that spirals into worst-case scenarios playing over and over in your mind. This mental turbulence makes it difficult to be present, enjoy yourself, and achieve your goals. Anxiety can leave you emotionally drained, isolated, and unsure of how to break free.

Support for Managing Anxiety:

While anxiety is challenging, you don’t have to face it alone. Mental health professionals, such as the therapists on our Tampa Counseling Place team, can provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, coping techniques, and other treatment methods to help get your anxiety under control. Support groups allow you to share your experiences and learn from others dealing with similar issues.

Friends, family, exercise, meditation, limiting caffeine and other substances, getting enough sleep, and practicing relaxation techniques can also help provide some relief. Be patient and persistent in finding the right combination of strategies to manage your anxiety.

Daily Anxiety Management:

For those times when anxiety threatens to overwhelm you, try these steps:

• Take some deep breaths – breathe in through your nose, allowing your belly to expand, and slowly exhale.

• Use positive self-talk to disrupt the anxious thoughts like “This will pass, I can get through this.”

• Go for a walk, do jumping jacks, run in place – any physical movement can release tension.

• Reach out to your support system – call a friend or family member to ground yourself.

• Practice mindfulness by intentionally experiencing sights, sounds, and sensations around you.

Don’t let anxiety prevent you from living your best life. This Anxiety Awareness Month, educate yourself about available treatments, speak up and ask for support, and start taking small steps towards controlling anxiety rather than letting it control you. You’ve got this!

Take a small step today and send us a message!