Calling out Anxiety for what it is!
Top Secret Stuff
If you suffer from anxiety it is quite likely that along with the discomfort of the anxiety itself, you have also been working hard to keep it top secret.
In this competitive world of ours, we do all we can to keep the bright side out, to look our best and be strong. Appearing weak and vulnerable doesn’t seem to fit with the way of things. Yet, sometimes by exposing that very part of ourselves we actually grow stronger.
More and more people (including myself), are calling it out that they have suffered mental anguish and despite this they have managed to overcome all sorts of trials. Our stories of triumph over anxiety contribute to the ending of stigmas and inspire others to take action to seek an improved life experience.
What it is & What it’s Not
Anxiety is actually more like a learned behaviour, habit or response to something that has caused trauma at some point in our lives, particularly at an early age when we are most susceptible and lacking in knowledge.
It’s suggested in some circles that being of a more sensitive disposition makes us more susceptible to anxiety. I am of the opinion that without role models to show us that sensitivity is actually a strength and not weakness we may fool ourselves to thinking it’s all our own fault and not much we can do. We owe it to each other to be that role model. Recovery from anxiety is possible whether you have the gift of heightened sensitivity or not.
What’s Going On
Some amount of anxiety is normal and, similar to fear, it alerts us to take stock of something or pay attention in certain situations. Messages we pick up through our environment, combined with thoughts/stored memories can lead to sensations in our body, triggered by our nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems.
Adrenaline is one of the notable hormones being released into our blood stream when we are anxious. The term ‘fight or flight’ is used to describe how adrenaline prepares our body when we feel there may be some threat or danger imminent e.g. delivering more glucose and oxygen to specific sites such as muscles to help us move faster by generating more energy.
Anxiety (including panic attacks and phobias) however can be triggered when there is no apparent threat. Parts of our brain (e.g. the limbic system) house an extensive record of stored memories, for comparison purposes, with our on-going life experiences. If a significant match is found in these records, suggesting something in our current environment is not good for us or may cause a problem then the stress response is likely to be triggered.
Damaging Long-Term Effects
When anxiety is constantly being triggered you are effectively ‘leaking adrenaline’ into your system. Left unattended, this constant excess of adrenaline has consequences for our long-term health and well-being.
Energy level, sleep quality and concentration are all set to suffer. There can be consequences too for creating imbalance in our endocrine system, as hormones affecting fertility and digestion are impacted by excess amounts of adrenaline.
Another detrimental factor of prolonged anxiety (especially if it presents as panic attack or phobia) is the avoidance of places, situations and people. This in turn can lead to restricted life experiences which can impact our self-esteem and mental health by cutting off some of our basic needs which are obtained from social engagement and personal relationships.
"Seven Cs to Calm is a good investment for people who want to restore calm and experience life with more purpose and joy."
Caroline Cunningham Author & Authentic Path Coach
Seven C’s to Calm Book
I wrote ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your anxiety-free self’ to provide support and encouragement for people who are suffering with anxiety and especially for those of you who do not know where to start.
In this little book, I share insights and tips that I’ve learned from my 20 years+ of personal experience and study, which have empowered me to live with greater authenticity and wellbeing.
Designed with Purpose
- The book is intentionally small and simple because we tend to feel over-whelmed when anxious.
- Seven C’s to Calm can be discreetly carried in your handbag or satchel and can act as a powerful anchor as you go about your day to day business.
- A workbook is provided to make it easy for you to implement the suggestions in the Seven C's plan.
Reader Reviews
My readers have given Seven C’s to Calm a resounding thumbs up for its effectiveness and no-nonsense approach.
Useful information! Always surprising to see new blog posts that put things into a different perspective rather than just repeating what
I already know. I personally was diagnosed with diabetes
on put on Insulin on September 5th, 2014, but I won't let it
dampen my mood - things like alternative management methods and exercising
more have helped. Anyway, I hope this post gets more commenters and I'm
posting it to social media. Good share!
Many thanks and wishing you well on your journey.
Hey Caroline,
Thanks so much. It's people like you that want to rescue people like me that makes me feel so good. I was suffering greatly with heavy bouts of anxiety at the time I spoke to you at your art exhibition. In some way I felt "safe" whilst you were around..does that make sense? I "think" I have come a long way since and I "hope" I continue to pull my way out of this dreaded quicksand. I think you are an amazing person the way you go about your life! It's great to know your out there still caring....thanks Caroline
Absolutely thrilled to have such positive influence for others Martin and you are so kind and genorous to give this commendation. It's helpful for other readers to know that I am someone who wants to help, can help and has done the work for myself also.
There are real people out there who have suceeded in doing great things despite obstacles such as anxiety. I believe you are on your way to being the inspiration for others who need help in this area too. Here's to the restoration of calm and having a much richer life experience!
Hi there, thanks for the great article. I have a question I'm hoping
you might be able to answer. I was wondering, What's the difference between general anxiety and social anxiety?
My doctor told me I may suffer from anxiety but I don't know which...
I would appreciate any insight you can provide.
Hi there, first of all thanks for taking the time to read my article and the positive feedback.
My understanding of social anxiety is that it affects the persons ability to be at ease in company of others and may possibly affect their ability to interact or form meaningful relationships with others.
This can create a vicious circle of unmet emotional needs and further health problems if not addressed.
It is most likely quite common. In more recent years we have people shining a light on these issues. There are lots of experienced therapists and medical professionals who offer support for anxiety of all types.
My purpose is to encourage poeple to take up the challenge to move beyond anxiety and I hope that I can inspire them through my various works in writing, therapy and artwork. I wish you well dear reader and hope you will feel encouraged also.