Let’s Talk About Mental Health

So what do you do on the days you don’t feel good?

Your unfriendly neighbor — ANXIETY

I cry and I write.

I have anxiety issues, that developed during college. There was no one incident that led me to it.

There were multiple stress triggers really. Every time it hits, it feels like time has slowed down, the noise fades away into a distance, your heart beats really really fast, and a sense of grief and despair just engulfs you.

Anxiety is like that one nosy neighbor who will have their ugly points on you stacked up for weeks, and only come once in a while and unload the dirty laundry onto your head.

Anxiety is like a wolf in sheep's clothing, it seems like a good advisor, and it feels like you are being warned against this impending doom, but really it just acts on all the pressure points. It pulses through your veins to hit right at the vulnerable spots.

I hold my head, and rock myself, shaking, measuring my breaths, one in, one out. I want to shut everyone out during that time.

Nobody in the world beyond those closed doors of my bedroom needs to see what a mess I am. Sometimes I talk to friends, I have really good friends but as soon as I start, it feels like in this fast-paced world, nobody really has the time, even the people closest to you. All of them will have prayers in their heart, and a wish on their lips, but hardly ever a patient ear or a moment of time, because that’s really precious. Whatever time that remains, it needs to be dedicated to that hustle, to that family, to yourself.

The process of sharing becomes that of unburdening, and a contest of sorrow really. We today, are fighting day in and day out, to complain about the 10 million things that pain us.

I feel a shiver across my arms, during the moment of anxiety, I actually feel the weakest, and surprisingly the most real.

I see pieces of glass from my reflection chipping away to show a human made of flesh, bone, and marrow. I see through those cracks, that I am not a role model, not a showpiece.

With half a smile from behind this glossy glass exterior, comes a battered mind and a mutilated body.

This is what I feel in an Anxiety attack and this is what I do, doc!

This could be a story of anyone, you, me, or the person next to you.

Mental Health has become so, so important in today’s times.

Mental Health Awareness

Anxiety is a typical response to stress and in some circumstances, it can be helpful. It can warn us about potential threats and assist with planning and attention. When anxiety disorders are present, there is excessive dread or anxiety as opposed to the normal feelings of apprehension or anxiety. Nearly 30% of persons experience anxiety disorders at some point in their life, making it the most prevalent mental illness.

What can you do to help someone experiencing an Anxiety Attack?

1. Gently let them know that you think they might be having a panic attack and that you are there for them.

2. Encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply — it can help to do something structured or repetitive they can focus on, such as counting out loud or asking them to watch while you gently raise your arm up and down.

3. As they get comfortable, try doing something more tangible, like patting the back, hugging them, or holding their hands.

4. Do not question and interrogate again and again as to the cause of the attack, while the person is experiencing an attack. It would do more harm than good.

5. Validate, rather than minimize, their experience. If you don’t have an anxiety disorder, avoid offering advice without listening to your friend. Tell them you’re there for them, ask how you can help, and listen to what they have to say.

6. Many different things can make people anxious. Saying something like, “I can’t believe you’re getting upset over such a small thing” belittles a person’s experience. Instead, ask your loved one how you can provide support during challenging moments.

7. “What makes one person fearful may be no big deal to someone else,” says McGuire. “Their anxiety doesn’t have to make sense to you — it’s important to understand that what the person is experiencing is real and requires sensitivity.”

8. A good general principle to keep in mind is that support means helping someone to help themselves, not doing things for them, which includes virtually anything that stops short of actually doing it yourself. For example, you might offer to attend a first therapy session with your loved one if they set up the appointment. Or, if they’re not sure how to choose a therapist, you might brainstorm ways of doing that, but let them choose.

I am in no way meant to preach any of these or I am qualified for any of them, but I did read about it. And if one of my friends were going through something like this, I would like to help too.

If you know anyone undergoing any stress or mental health issues, do ask them to seek a therapist and go for a consultation.

Few of the articles :

1. https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/emotional-health/9-tips-for-coping-with-an-anxiety-disorder?mc_id=global&utm_source=webpage&utm_medium=l&utm_content=epsmentalhealth&utm_campaign=mayoclinic&geo=global&placementsite=enterprise&invsrc=other&cauid=177193
2. https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders
3. https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_1
4. https://www.thelivelovelaughfoundation.org/helpline
5. https://www.vogue.in/wellness/content/verified-mental-health-helplines-and-services-pan-india-suicide-helplines-therapists-counsellors