Finding Calm in the Chaos: A Journey Through Understanding Anxiety

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, over 40 million adults in the United States experience anxiety, myself included. Whether triggered by personal challenges, societal pressures, or global issues, anxiety can affect anyone at any stage of life.

I have lived with anxiety for as long as I can remember and learned there is evidence that states anxiety could be hereditary. According to Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, it was found that several anxiety disorders, like social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), are all linked to specific genes. Regardless of the cause, there are resources available so anxiety doesn't limit what you can achieve.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) assists individuals with disabilities, including those with anxiety disorders, find employment through its Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program. A VR counselor will evaluate each client's needs to see which services and support will work best for them. This may include developing certain skills to manage anxiety at work.

So what exactly is anxiety?

Anxiety is a bodily reaction to stress, potential dangers, and things you might not have control over or are concerned about. The symptoms of anxiety can be mental and physical and resemble feeling on edge, fatigue, sweating, accelerated heart rate, difficulty controlling worry, irritability, difficulty remembering things, etc.

Some people are diagnosed with anxiety in childhood, but it can occur at any age. Research has shown that both genetic and environmental factors such as exposure to stressful events, family history of anxiety or other mental illnesses, unpredictable bouts of shyness in childhood, and some physical conditions can contribute to developing anxiety.

Tips for coping with anxiety:

Anxiety may be a lifelong disorder but here are ways to ease the journey.

1. Notice what triggers you.

   Find out what causes you stress or anxiety. Consider enrolling in therapy to learn new strategies to deal with these situations.

2. Exercise multiple times a week.

   Keeping active can help distract and calm you from whatever is causing anxiety. Moving your body helps reduce muscle tension and increases chemicals in your brain that contribute to happiness.

3. Try using relaxation techniques.

   Using different techniques can help to lower anxiety such as deep breathing exercises, journaling, meditating, getting massages, music, and art therapy.

4. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs.

   The use of alcohol and recreational drugs can cause or worsen anxiety. Additionally, when you stop after continually drinking alcohol, you might experience withdrawal symptoms which can increase anxiety.

DES provides various services to individuals with disabilities, including anxiety, to help them prepare for, enter into, and retain employment. Learn more about the Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

Sources:
Priory: A blog on anxiety.
Mclean Hospital: A study on anxiety.
Mayo Clinic Health System: Tips for coping with anxiety disorder.

January 9, 2025

Alexandra Gaspar