Monday Myths: Anxiety
‘Monday Myths’ is a new segment on Missy.ie, where we state facts about certain topics, and you decide if you believe them to be true or false.
This week’s topic is…Anxiety myths.
Anxiety Myths Busted!
Your anxiety is not that big a deal and people have it far worse…
False!
Anxiety is anxiety and it is tough to deal with regardless of how bad you have it compared to someone else. Do whatever it is you need to do to cope with your anxiety. There is no level of anxiety “that is not that big a deal.” It’s also not a competition to see who suffers the most. Do not minimise your anxiety and do not allow others to dismiss it either. Your feelings and experience is valid.
Anxiety effects both adults and children…
True!
There is no age bracket on anxiety. Some people experience anxiety from the time they are children, some find it starts to effect them more as they grow in to adult hood.
Anxiety is not treatable…
False!
Anxiety is very treatable, but it is not a one size fits all. Try out a few different ways of dealing with anxiety and decide which works best for you. If you find that nothing is working for you, reach out to your GP or a health service to see what options are available for you such as therapy to help you talk through your anxiety.
People who suffer from anxiety also suffer from depression…
False!
While there are people who struggle with both, they are not mutually inclusive. It is very possible to suffer from just anxiety and just depression. If you’re concerned and not sure how you feel, please speak to your GP.
There are multiple types of anxiety disorders…
True!
Anxiety is not just one condition. There are five different types of anxiety disorders. They are Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder.)
We cannot stress this enough, but if you feel like you may be suffering from anxiety and that you cannot get control over it please do speak to someone close to you, a GP or reach out to a helpline. You’re not alone in how you feel, and there’s always help available no matter how big or small the problem feels.