Does Everyone Have Anxiety?
I clearly remember the first time I realized the difference between nervousness and anxiety.
Halfway through my final university project all the students had a separate meeting to sit in front of a panel of judges in order to assess our progress. The air was literally filled with tension and nervous energy the whole week of scheduled meetings. However, as each person walked out of the classroom the nerves quickly faded and a new energy to start creating again took over.
And then it was my turn. My stomach was in knots and the rest of my body felt completely numb as my work was silently viewed. Then the questions, critiques, and doubts poured out from my mentors. I was at a loss for words, my calm facade was crumbling, and then I just burst into uncontrollable tears as someone was in the middle of saying something. I ended up crying in the bathroom afterwards in order to get it all out before taking the bus home.
This wasn’t just about one bad critique. I've always been able to stay composed during critiques, disagreements, and suggestions during peer reviews, but the uncomfortable feeling of unease was never ending. After each session it feels like you can finally breathe and properly focus only to be bombarded by repeated thoughts, reliving every second of what just happened.
For weeks my anxiety spiraled, leaving me in all sorts of moods. I was in a constant state of dread. I could barely sleep properly and I never wanted to leave my room. Finally, I had a regular wellness meeting with the Head of Photography. My instructor noticed several signs and pointed out that it might be best to see the school therapist for anxiety and depression.
So, what's the difference between nervousness and anxiety?
Anyone can feel nervous at some point. It is often triggered by something specific and the feeling usually quickly fades after the stressful event is over. Nervousness can be controlled, even for someone who is more prone to nervous feelings. Most of the time the triggering event will be forgotten and won’t have long-lasting effects.
Nervousness is a normal reaction to a new experience or a situation that’s outside of your comfort zone. It is often improved with practice and a boost in confidence.
Ways to Overcome Nervousness
Preparing in advance
Positive self-talk (hype yourself up!)
Allowing extra time to get ready for presentations or social events
Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, Yoga, Music, ect.
Breathing Exercises
Anxiety doesn't just go away and is often uncontrollable. It tends to be a far longer-lasting feeling than nervousness and affects you both mentally and physically. I thought this was totally normal! Before, I never understood how someone could walk out of a meeting feeling just fine. And while it is my normal, not everyone has anxiety.
It’s not always easy to tell when anxiety is a serious medical problem versus a bad day causing you to feel upset or worried. However, feelings of anxiety may not go away for many days, months, or years. It can worsen over time, sometimes becoming so severe that it interferes with your daily life. It is important to seek professional help in order to diagnose an anxiety disorder.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Feelings of worry, fear, and nervousness
Anger or Irritability
Rapid Heartbeat
Trouble Concentrating
Body Aches and Pains
Desire to Avoid Triggers (places, people, activities)
Excessive Worry and Unwanted Thoughts
Insomnia
When to See a Doctor
Your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, unable to control your fears and worries.
Feeling depressed or concerned about other mental health problems.
Experiencing physical symptoms: chest pain, rapid/irregular heart beat, or shortness of breath.
Relying on unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol or excessive spending.
Seeing a doctor isn’t always the easiest decision, but it is the most helpful decision. It took me several years until I saw a doctor because I felt like my experience wouldn’t be valid. That it was normal to feel this way. I needed help, but I feared I wouldn’t be qualified for help. I ended up in the ER due to severe panic attacks and realized I really needed to talk to a professional.
Don’t wait. If you have any bit of concern, talk to someone. There are so many different resources if you are uncomfortable seeing a doctor in person for the first time to address these issues. A doctor will give you the proper tools in order to help you cope with your anxiety.
Anxiety is the most common mental health issue that people face regardless of age, so remember that you are not alone.
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