6 things that people suffering from anxiety do
We live in intensely stressful and uncertain economic and political times in South Africa. Many people are suffering from anxiety and they may not know it. Are you one of them?
In SA many people have experienced abnormal levels of loss and trauma, whether it be financial, through losing their job or emotional, due to violent crime.
Anxiety involves extreme fear that interferes with a person’s daily life.
1. You expect the worst outcome in every situation
Because of your negative thought patterns evolving from your traumatic experiences, the anxiety starts to build until it affects your sleep and everything you do. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy.
2. You are afraid that people will notice your fearfulness
You think about it so much that you experience physical symptoms like sweaty palms, shortness of breath, and trembling hands.
3. You overthink everything
You obsess about what you said or didn’t and what you should have said or done. You over analyse everything.
4. You suffer from mental exhaustion
You struggle to quiet your mind. Your anxiety leaves you completely drained physically and mentally. You can’t sleep because you are wired from the stress and the speed of the thoughts running through your mind.
5. You think it will never change
Because of your anxiety, the future seems hopeless. You know that your thoughts and fears are irrational, but you continue to feel this way.
6. You worry all the time
You spend a lot of time worrying about everything. Fear and mental agony are common themes of your days.
Very few people understand the agony and trauma that anxious people experience every day. Because they hide what they go through, the people around them are completely in the dark about their situation.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) may be able to help.
