Anxiety is part of life, but when it starts affecting our well-being, it deserves attention. A busy routine, family disagreements, and conflicts at work can be some of the triggers for anxiety.
Feeling worried is normal. It becomes a problem when it starts interfering with your well-being and quality of life because it is too intense.
And to help you take even better care of yourself, we spoke with psychologist Julliana Diniz, who answered some essential questions about the topic.
What are the signs that indicate anxiety is becoming more than normal and requires professional support?
“When we notice anxiety symptoms becoming more intense, occurring very frequently, and especially interfering with our daily activities, we need to assess whether professional support is necessary.
Symptoms such as anticipatory, very negative and catastrophic thoughts; shortness of breath, palpitations, and persistent feelings of nervousness are warning signs that anxiety may be going beyond normal levels.”
What can I do in my daily life to relieve anxiety attacks or prevent them from happening?
“During an anxiety attack:
- Find a quieter place without much noise and begin diaphragmatic breathing, inhaling deeply through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
- Try to ground yourself in the present by naming at least 5 objects around you.
- You can also shift your focus away from anxious thoughts by calling a friend or family member, listening to music, or doing a hands-on activity.
Remember: an anxiety attack can be frightening, but it passes and is harmless.
Maintaining a routine that includes physical activity and good sleep hygiene can help us prevent anxiety attacks in our daily lives.”
How can I differentiate anxiety from other emotional problems, such as stress or depression?
“Anxiety is characterized by a pattern of excessive worry and fear. An anxious person constantly worries about the future and always feels as though they are on alert for bad situations.
However, we know that emotional issues can overlap, and we may experience symptoms of more than one psychological condition.
If you want to better understand your symptoms and, above all, treat them, seek an evaluation from a mental health professional.”
