We all feel anxious from time to time. Many people worry about money, jobs, school or relationships. When worry interferes with day-to-day life, often causing physical symptoms, it may be an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 19.1% of adults in the US have experienced anxiety in the past year. About 31.1% experience anxiety at some point in their lives.
Elizabeth Leonard is a licensed mental health counselor at Horizon Health Services. She noted that 32.7% of the patients treated at Horizon have an anxiety disorder.
“These numbers are likely much higher when thinking about all of the individuals who never seek treatment.” Leonard said.
According to Leonard, stigma can impact those seeking treatment.
“There may be feelings of embarrassment, shame, weakness, a lack of understanding from loved ones, or beliefs that treatment isn’t needed, or a person should be self-reliant,” she said. “Beliefs often originate from family, friends or culture, and often people fear judgement or being labeled with a diagnosis or word like ‘crazy.’”
The Anti-Stigma Coalitions will host a Facebook Live on Thursday, May 21 at noon to discuss anxiety and how to support loved ones with this mental health disorder.
Featured panelists are Mark Gatti, peer support specialist, Compeer, Julianna Hill, youth peer advocate MHAWNY, and Elizabeth Leonard, licensed mental health counselor, Horizon Health Services. Frank Cammarata will moderate the panel.
Another panelist, Julie Hill, shares her lived experience when working with young people ranging in age from nine to 26. MHA’s Youth Peer Advocates is an outreach and support program that started during COVID when many young people were struggling.
Youth peer advocates are trained individuals who have personally received mental health and/or addiction treatment services. They provide information, one to one non-crisis support, validation and hope to youth and their families as they navigate the mental health care system.
Hill recalls having symptoms of anxiety at the age of six or seven. At 16, she experienced weekly anxiety episodes that could last for five or six hours. After her diagnosis, she received various services including hospitalization.
“I had to be an advocate for my treatment, including medication,” Hill said. “Stigma played a role, and I didn’t understand everything that was happing to me because I was so young. I felt invalidated and it affected by trust in doctors.”
Hill credits support from her family and persistence in navigating resources as healing influences. She has developed various coping skills when experiencing anxiety.
Peer advocates can relate to young people they work with and always remind them that they are not alone.
“I know what it’s like to struggle, and it’s important to share your own experience,” Hill said.
Important ways family and friends can support people with anxiety is to validate what they are feeling, even though they may not know everything about the disorder.
Coping Strategies
The ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) suggests the following coping strategies when you are feeling anxious or stressed.
- Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
- Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
- Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
- Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health.
- Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
- Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
- Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.
- Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it as bad as you think?
- Welcome humor. A good laugh goes a long way.
- Maintain a positive attitude. Try to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
- Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
- Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious and look for a pattern.
- Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
