Understanding the Nuances of Worry and Anxiety
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Understanding the Distinction
Imagine a reality where we can recognize and accept feelings of worry and stress without harsh judgments or preconceived notions.
Photo by Aastik Maurya on Unsplash
Indeed, I have an anxiety disorder, yet it’s crucial not to jump to hasty conclusions. It’s entirely possible that I am simply experiencing worry or stress rather than actual anxiety.
Common phrases I often hear include, “Don’t worry about it,” “Just relax,” or “Take a deep breath; everything will be okay.” Such comments can be rather exasperating. As my child, who enjoys saying “brah,” would quip, “Brah, are you really calling me anxious, brah?” This highlights a significant misunderstanding surrounding these conditions. Although many express concern, only a few genuinely grasp that those with anxiety disorders can also experience worry like anyone else.
Worry Versus Anxiety: Key Differences
Worry generally tends to be more specific, while anxiety often feels more diffuse. For instance, you might be worried about arriving on time for an appointment, prompting you to hurry your children out the door. In contrast, anxiety about flying may make you feel physically uncomfortable, leading to muscle tension and difficulty concentrating.
When worrying, you still have the capacity to think critically, develop solutions, and anticipate outcomes to alleviate your concerns. However, during anxious moments, it becomes challenging to think clearly or generate effective solutions.
A Personal Example of Worrying
My heightened awareness and instinct to protect my loved ones do not signify excessive anxiety; rather, they serve as proactive coping strategies shaped by my past experiences. Instead of reacting to potential negative outcomes, I strive to be proactive in managing stress. Whether in bustling environments or when trying to avoid risks, my mind continuously considers various what-if scenarios.
For example, when I’m out in crowded places with my children, I meticulously monitor all exits and scan the surroundings for anything suspicious. I also mentally devise escape plans. Some individuals perceive this as excessive anxiety. I prefer to call it awareness, as it’s essential to ensure my children’s safety in an unpredictable world.
I even take precautions, such as ensuring their names are not visible on their clothing or backpacks, preventing strangers from using their names to deceive them. Yet, even this precaution is sometimes dismissed as anxiety. To that, I say, “You’re mistaken, brah. This isn’t anxiety; it’s awareness.”
Experiencing Anxiety
At night, I often find myself pondering the persistent pain in my neck. My mind, acting as Dr. Brain, conjures up alarming diagnoses, imagining it as a life-threatening condition that will likely worsen by morning. This spirals into sweating and additional discomfort, leading to a foggy mindset. These anxious thoughts, however, bear no relation to reality.
Final Reflections
Navy SEALs are admired for their readiness and proactive strategies for potential challenges. Yet, individuals who are highly aware are frequently labeled as anxious or irrational for employing similar daily tactics. Just as SEALs train to tackle any situation, hyper-aware individuals prepare mentally and emotionally for possible scenarios.
This practice is known as proactive coping. We aren’t irrational, nor are we anxious all the time simply because we have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. We’re merely navigating life as best as we can. A little empathy and understanding can significantly enhance our sense of value and acceptance.
Supporting someone doesn’t require much—avoiding labels like “crazy” or assigning them characteristics that don’t apply can go a long way. Instead, take a moment to appreciate that being hyper-aware or planning ahead is our way of coping with unpredictability. It’s about readiness, not anxiety or paranoia.
So, the next time you encounter someone who appears hyper-aware or always planning, consider them your everyday Navy SEAL—prepared for whatever life may present, not anxious, but ready to face challenges head-on.
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