Positive Psychology Today: It’s okay not to be okay.

Have you been overthinking lately? Do you find yourself dwelling on things that don’t matter or worrying excessively about potential problems? Or even ask yourself: Is there something wrong with me because I am anxious?

Overthinking can lead to stress and anxiety and interfere with your ability to think clearly and make decisions. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, try taking some time for yourself to relax and focus on things that make you happy.

Before you continue you might like to consider our free worksheet on exploring “Overcome Limiting Beliefs”. Please download this worksheet here.

In this article:
What makes you anxious?
How to avoid it?
My Realization

Anxiety is an everyday human experience that various factors can cause. We feel anxious when prepared for a challenge or perceive risk or a threat. Some people feel worried about simple things and have trouble sleeping. Others have debilitating anxiety that interferes with their ability to socialize, work, and enjoy life. Some people can control their anxiety and use it to achieve their goals. However, too much anxiety can be a problem. Therefore, knowing the difference between normal anxiety and excessive anxiety is essential.

What makes you anxious?

I feel anxious about the exam, the job interview, and the future. I worry about the future a lot. I’m not sure why, but whenever something happens in the world that makes me nervous, like war or natural disaster, I start to worry about the future. I get anxious and can’t focus on anything else when constantly worrying about what might happen in the future.

Remember, it’s okay to feel anxious. It’s okay to worry about your future.

And are you looking for explanations?

One reason why some feel there is something wrong with them is that they are anxious. A person’s hereditary body chemistry and traumatic events are examples of biological influences. A person’s life experiences are examples of psychological effects. A person’s role, social network, and how other people treat them are all examples of social factors. These elements used together may give rise to anxiety. Altogether, these factors can cause someone to feel anxious.

No one feels anxious because there is something wrong with them; they feel anxious because factors are causing them to feel anxious.

How to avoid it?

Some people believe that the only way to relieve anxiety is to avoid things that make us nervous. It is called cognitive therapy, a small branch of therapy. Cognitive therapy tries to identify the root cause of the anxiety and then find ways to prevent it. It is a psychological treatment effective for various issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol, and drug abuse, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Cognitive therapy, often known as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), was developed by Dr. Aaron Beck. Since then, it has been the subject of in-depth study and has been proven successful in treating many mental problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance misuse, and personality disorders. Additionally, it has proven helpful when used with medications for severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. CBT has been modified and researched for use with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The effectiveness of CBT in treating mental and non-psychiatric diseases is examined in this activity, as is the role of the interprofessional team in employing it to enhance patient outcomes. Dr. Aaron Beck once said, “Cognitive therapy seeks to relieve psychological tensions by correcting misconceptions and self-signals, and by correcting erroneous beliefs, we can put an end to excessive reactions.” The person with anxiety looks at the things that make him anxious and tries to find solutions.

My Realization

Many people do not realize that anxiety is a medical condition and needs treatment. It is called denial and is a small but growing branch of therapy. Denial is when someone refuses to believe they have a problem or need help. Instead, they think that they are the cause of their problems and that they are the ones who make themselves feel this way. They may also blame others for making them feel the way they do. People who think anxiety is not a problem or can be dealt with ignore their needs and end up hurting themselves. If you’re experiencing severe anxiety, you must talk to your doctor. Many treatment options are available, including medication, cognitive and awareness therapy, and lifestyle changes.

Note to self: It’s okay not to be okay.

It’s okay to say that you’re not okay, meaning your feelings and emotions are valid, no matter what they are.

Those who suffer from anxiety need compassion and understanding from the people around them. Instead of being a problem, this can be a helpful tool if we use it right away. You don’t have to live with anxiety forever. You can do things to manage it and improve your life overall. In this school, the teachers and Positive Psychology help me feel more in control and manage my anxiety. I can learn how to cope with my stress and live a better life.

 

Ready to start managing your anxiety and take control of your mental well-being? Download our free ‘Overcome Limiting Beliefs Workbook’ and take your first step toward greater peace and self-compassion.