According to a study carried out by the French research firm Statista in 2023, the subject most searched for by Internet users on psychological disorders and difficulties encountered is anxiety.
Picture: Statista Study (2023) - Anxiety 101: Understanding and Coping with Daily Management Techniques
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotional disorder characterised by feelings of nervousness, worry or fear. It can be mild or severe. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, trauma or physical health problems, and can have a significant impact on daily life.
How can I tell if I'm anxious?
Symptoms of anxiety can be physical, emotional or behavioural. Physical symptoms can include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, nausea, difficulty sleeping and muscle pain. Emotional symptoms may include anxiety, nervousness, apprehension, fear, panic and anger. Behavioural symptoms may include avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations, rumination of negative thoughts and compulsive behaviour.
Why am I anxious?
The causes of anxiety are not fully understood, but are probably related to a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Genetic factors can increase the risk of developing anxiety, while environmental factors, such as stress, trauma and abuse, can trigger or worsen symptoms. Psychological factors, such as negative thoughts and dysfunctional thinking patterns, can also contribute to anxiety.
What can I do to feel less anxious?
There are a number of treatments available for anxiety. The most common treatments are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that helps people identify and change the thoughts and behaviours that contribute to anxiety. Medication, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics, can help reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety.
How can I manage my anxiety?
Here are some tips for managing anxiety:
Identify and write down what triggers your anxiety. Once you know what triggers your anxiety, you can start to develop strategies to deal with it.
Learn how to manage your thoughts and emotions. CBT can help you identify and change the thoughts and behaviours that contribute to your anxiety.
Practise relaxation techniques such as sophrology, mindfulness, meditation, etc.). Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Exercise regularly. Exercise can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Get social support. Talk to friends, family or a therapist about what you're going through. Don't keep it to yourself, you're not the only one who feels anxious, it's a feeling we all experience differently.
Living with anxiety can be a real ordeal, but rest assured, there are ways to manage the symptoms and live a fulfilling life.
If you suffer from anxiety, it's important to seek help. Questioning a psychologist to understand where your anxiety comes from, undergoing therapy, consulting a psychiatrist - who can prescribe medication if necessary - or a combination of the two can help you in your recovery.
TO FIND MORE
Here are a few references to books that look at anxiety from different angles, from understanding the causes and symptoms to learning how to manage it.
These books are all written by recognised mental health professionals. They offer information and advice for recovery and will help you understand anxiety and improve your well-being.
English-language authors :
"The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund Bourne
"Anxiety: A Guide for the Perplexed" by David Burns
"The Mindful Way Through Anxiety" by Mark Williams, John Kabat-Zinn, and Jon Kabat-Zinn
"Unwinding Anxiety" by Judson Brewer
"The Worry Trick" by David Carbonell
French-language authors:
- "L'anxiété, mode d'emploi" by Christophe André and François Lelord
- How to overcome anxiety" by David Burns
- Anxiety: how to understand and manage it" by Christophe André
- L'anxiété, comment en sortir" by Fabrice Midal
- L'anxiété, un mal du siècle" by Pierre-Yves Lambert
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