5 Misconceptions About Anxiety That Might Surprise You
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there are still many myths and misconceptions about anxiety and anxiety disorders. This can prevent people from seeking help or understanding their condition. In this blog, we'll explore five common misconceptions about anxiety and provide information to debunk them. Understanding the truth about anxiety can help you or someone you love manage this condition more effectively.
Myth 1: Anxiety is a Choice
Debunking the Myth:
Many people believe that mental illnesses, including anxiety, are a choice or a sign of weakness. This is not true. An anxiety disorder is a complex condition that can be caused by a combination of factors. Genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences all play a role in the development of anxiety. Just as you don't choose to have diabetes or asthma, you don't choose to have anxiety. It's not something you can simply "snap out of" or "decide to get over."
The Reality:
Anxiety is a real and serious medical condition. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. People with anxiety often experience intense worry, fear, or panic, even when there's no immediate threat. This isn't something they can control by willpower alone. Recognizing that anxiety is not a choice can help reduce stigma. As a result, people can seek the help they need so they no longer have to suffer!
Myth 2: Anxiety Is Just Normal Stress
Debunking the Myth:
Some people think that anxiety is just another word for being stressed or worried. They think the symptoms of an anxiety disorder are a normal part of life. While everyone experiences stress and worry from time to time, anxiety disorders are not the same as worry. They involve more than just temporary feelings of stress.
The Reality:
Anxiety disorders are characterized by persistent, excessive worry and fear. These symptoms can interfere with daily life including sleep, relationships, and work. These feelings are often disproportionate to the actual situation. They are typically accompanied by symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. Anxiety can also impact your physical health. It's important to know that anxiety disorders are more than just normal stress and require specific treatment.
Myth 3: Medication Is Always Necessary
Debunking the Myth:
There is a misconception that the only way to treat anxiety is through medication. While medication can be a helpful part of treatment for some, it's not the only option! Not everyone with anxiety needs medication, and there are other effective treatments available.
The Reality:
There are many ways to treat symptoms of anxiety! It's important for treatment to be tailored to each person's symptoms. In addition to medication, therapy is a highly effective treatment for anxiety. Common types of therapy include Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). You also don't have to go to therapy! You can try mindfulness or relaxation techniques. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise and healthy eating can also reduce anxiety symptoms.
For some people, a combination of medication and therapy works best. Others may find that therapy alone is sufficient. It's important to consult with a mental health professional to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Myth 4: Anxiety Disorders Are Rare
Debunking the Myth:
Another common myth is that anxiety disorders are rare and only affect a small number of people. The belief that anxiety disorders are rare contributes to isolation. It can also make people believe there's something wrong with them.
The Reality:
Anxiety disorders are actually quite common. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US affecting 40 million adults every year according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. It's important to know that you're not alone. There are many resources and support systems available to help, including anxiety therapy at Embodied Wellness, PLLC!
Myth 5: Folks with Anxiety Just Need to Relax
Debunking the Myth:
It's a common belief that people with anxiety need to relax or take it easy, and their symptoms will go away. Phrases like "Just calm down," "Stop worrying so much," or "Take a vacation and you'll feel better" are often said with good intentions. Unfortunately, they can be dismissive of the real challenges faced by those with anxiety disorders.
The Reality:
Relaxation techniques can help manage anxiety, but they are not a cure-all. Anxiety disorders are complex and involve more than just being unable to relax. Telling someone to relax doesn't address the underlying causes of anxiety. It can also make the person feel misunderstood or invalidated. It's important to acknowledge that anxiety disorders require more than just "relaxing."
Start Anxiety Treatment in Michigan Today!
Anxiety isn’t a choice, nor is it something that someone can simply "snap out of." It's a real condition that can impact anyone, regardless of age or background. Effective anxiety treatments exist and while medication can be helpful for some, it’s not a requirement for everyone with anxiety. Far from being just a “normal” part of life or a rare issue, anxiety is both common and treatable. If you or someone you know is experiencing anxiety, reaching out for support can make a significant difference. Therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments are all viable approaches to managing anxiety and enhancing quality of life. By breaking down these misconceptions, we can help reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek support. Remember, anxiety can be managed, and support is within reach. You’re not alone, and it’s absolutely okay to ask for help. Start your journey toward managing anxiety at Embodied Wellness with these three steps:
Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation.
Speak with an anxiety therapist.
Be free from anxiety.
Other Services Offered at Embodied Wellness in Ann Arbor, Detroit and throughout Michigan
Our compassionate and understanding therapists offer a variety of services and specialties besides anxiety treatment. This includes depression therapy, OCD treatment and ERP therapy, empath therapy, Trauma Therapy and PTSD Treatment. We also utilize EMDR therapy and Internal Family Systems as part of our techniques. All of these online therapy services are available for teenagers, adolescents, and adults. Incluso ofrecemos terapia en español en Detroit y en todo Michigan. Begin taking control of your anxiety at our Detroit-based practice today! We also offer low-cost therapy!
About the Author:
Sarah Rollins, LMSW, SEP is the founder of Embodied Wellness, PLLC, a group therapy practice providing online therapy in Michigan. She is passionate about expanding awareness of somatic therapy as a way to treat and heal trauma. She incorporates other holistic treatments into her practice including EMDR and IFS.