Anxiety Is Normal

  You may be thinking, "What? Don't the crowds, parties, and 4th of July fireworks worsen anxiety symptoms?" Yes, for some. But hear me out. Anxiety often happens for one of three reasons: Your body is unconsciously responding to external or internal signals and interpreting them as threats. If your brain feels threatened enough, you may have a panic attack, even if you're at home and somewhere perfectly safe. This is the physical/biological aspect of anxiety that's the most difficult to manage. Your thoughts are spiraling because you're worried about what might happen in the future and only focusing on bad scenarios. You're fixating on the past—past mistakes, past traumas, past bad situations (again, only focusing on the bad). The 4th of July is a great opportunity to get out of those headspaces. In fact, data actually shows that anxiety dips when interest in the 4th of July goes up . So, why is that? Let's explore how planning (and looking forward...

Are you one of the millions of people who suffer from anxiety? If so, you’re not alone. Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the United States. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, genetics, and lifestyle choices. While there are many medications available to treat anxiety, they can often have negative side effects and don't work for everyone. Some people also find that traditional therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aren't getting them the results they hoped for, so they want to combine their current efforts with other calming techniques for anxiety. If this sounds like you, then using cat therapy for anxiety is worth a try. Cat therapy is a new and growing trend that uses cats as a form of treatment for anxiety disorders. Cats are effective at reducing stress levels and calming the nervous system. In fact, they have a built-in mechanism for this: purring! A cat's purr has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stres...

When panic and anxiety strike, can you tell the differences? Knowing how to distinguish the two can help you understand when your condition has progressed and it's time to reach out for help. Anxiety and Panic Statistics According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America , more than 28% of adults suffer clinically significant anxiety symptoms every year. That's one in three individuals. Anxiety is the most prevalent mental illness in the United States. The good news is that anxiety is completely treatable, either through medication, therapy, or a combination of both. But the stigma is real. Only one-third of those with troublesome anxiety actually seek help. When left untreated, anxiety can lead to panic attacks and prolonged symptoms that interfere with daily life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health , about 4.7% of people in the U.S. struggle with panic disorder, a more intense version of anxiety with different symptoms. Anxiety Attack Symptoms An...

There's so much in life that we can't control, but our own happiness isn't one of them. Being happy with who you are is essential for leading a fulfilling life. You need to love yourself before anyone else can love you properly. Sounds easy, right? Well, it often takes time and practice, especially if you've been dealing with anxiety, stress, or struggling with self-worth most of your life. But it's so worth it to get to a place where you're more content and able to view yourself as someone who is worth it (because you are). So, how can you be happy with yourself? Unlike what the popular memes suggest, it takes time and consistency to undo all the self-defeating patterns that collect over the years. The good news? Now is the best time to start. Below are a few starting points. 1. Only compare yourself to yourself. One of the quickest ways to become unhappy is to compare yourself to others. In the seas of social media posts, you can always find someone who is do...