Is My Anxiety Too High? How Much Is Too Much

As we move into the darker months of the year and covid-19 is still with us for the foreseeable future it is a good time to address your anxiety.

Many people, maybe you too, are struggling with how to deal with anxiety that seems to only be climbing in intensity and duration. Can you remember before covid? It seems hard to do now as its  impact colors every day.

It is important to be conscious of how anxiety is affecting you. Review the list below to help you identify the different ways anxiety shows up.

1.     Excessive worrying. If you find yourself constantly worrying about the future, finances, health, etc.

2.     Feeling agitated. If you find yourself being agitated daily. You are on edge and little room for things not working well. 

3.     Restlessness  When you are not able to relax and find that normal interests do not engage you.

4.     Fatigue. You find yourself tired or exhausted most of the time even after sleeping relatively well.

5.     Difficulty concentrating. When you have a hard time focusing on work or whatever is the task at hand.

6.     Irritability When you find that you are edgy and easily irritated by the people around you and short tempered.

7.     Tense muscles. Your muscles are often tight and causing you discomfort.

8.     Trouble falling or staying asleep. Notice if you are not falling asleep easily or find yourself waking up frequently at night.

9.     Panic attacks. At times you feel like you are having a heart attack or difficulty breathing.

10.  Avoiding social situations. You turn down opportunities to meet with others, even if on zoom or other platforms.

11.  Irrational fears. You find yourself afraid of things that are unlikely to happen: sudden death, death of a loved one, etc.

From www.healthline.com, 11signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders

If you find yourself dealing with half or more of the list above, then anxiety is affecting your life and happiness. It is a good time seek help. 

Looking up relaxation meditation apps and use those daily. They can help with moderating some of your anxiety.

Working with the right therapist can provide some of the comfort and connection that you need. They can help you by providing guided meditations to use when you are stressed. They can also provide the safe harbor to discuss and normalize some of the things that are bothering you.

We are going through an extraordinary time of stress and isolation. Even if you were the most well-resourced person what is going on now in our personal and national lives is overwhelming. No wonder you are having a hard time dealing with all the things going on in your life.

Now is a great time to reach out to others that are a source of comfort to you. It could be a close friend or family member or finding the right therapist.

You can do an internet search looking for counselors who specialize in working with anxiety, managing stress or sleep management. You will feel better having taken some action towards getting the help you need. It is out there. You just need to look and follow through.

For more information on Men’s Counseling click here.