ANXIETY

UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY AND ITS SYMPTOMS  

It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, and I was dressed in my best choir robes, ready to sing my heart out. I had rehearsed for hours with the choir, and I knew the song like the back of my hand. But when it was time to sing, something inside me just froze. My mind was consumed with intrusive thoughts and doubts, and I couldn't get a single word out. My heart sank as I realized I was experiencing a full-blown anxiety attack. I was paralyzed with fear and shame, thinking that everyone was judging me for my inability to perform.

That's when my friend Amina Gowon (Chiwar) came to the rescue. She noticed that something was wrong and sprang into action. Without skipping a beat, she started singing the opening stanza of the song, and then she walked up to the stage to hold my hands. Her warmth and compassion were like a lifeline to me in that moment of darkness. With her support, I found the strength to keep singing, even though my voice was shaky and my hands were trembling. Amina stayed by my side, singing with me and encouraging me all the way to the end of the performance. Looking back on that day, I am grateful for Amina's unwavering kindness and understanding. Her simple act of reaching out and holding my hand made all the difference in the world. It showed me that I wasn't alone in my struggle, and that there was hope for me to overcome my anxiety.

Today, Amina is still singing her heart out, and is an amazing country singer. And I know that I couldn't have done it without her support and encouragement.

A Guide to Understanding and Supporting Those Who Experience Anxiety.

English Anxiety (ang-ZY-uh-tee) Igbo – Nchegbu    Yoruba-(Idaamu okan, Ara o le le) Hausa - damuwa

Anxiety is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, including Nigerians. It can cause feelings of unease, worry, and fear that can be overwhelming and debilitating. If you or someone you know experiences anxiety, it's important to understand how it can show up and how to provide support.

Here's a guide to help you: What Does Anxiety Look Like? Anxiety can show up in many different ways, depending on the individual. Some common symptoms include:

Excessive worrying or fear about everyday situations or events

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.

Restlessness or feeling on edge.

Irritability or anger

Racing heart or shortness of breath

Sweating or trembling

Nausea or stomach issues

Avoidance of certain situations or activities

Living with anxiety can be challenging, and it can affect every aspect of a person's life. Here's a glimpse into what a typical day might look like for someone with anxiety: Waking up feeling anxious or worried about the day ahead, going through morning routines while feeling on edge or distracted struggling to focus or complete tasks at work or school, feeling self-conscious or uncomfortable in social situations, avoiding certain situations or activities due to fear or anxiety, feeling physically exhausted from the mental strain of anxiety, having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to anxious thoughts

How to Assist or Safeguard Someone Dealing with Anxiety

If someone you know is struggling with anxiety, there are several ways you can provide support:

Listen without judgment: Allow the person to express their feelings and concerns without trying to solve their problems or dismiss their emotions.

Offer practical help: Assist with tasks that may be difficult or overwhelming for the person, such as running errands or completing household chores.

Encourage self-care: Suggest activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.

Educate yourself: Learn more about anxiety and its symptoms to better understand what the person is experiencing and how you can help. Remember, living with anxiety can be challenging, but with understanding and support, it is possible to manage and overcome it. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, don't hesitate to seek professional help from a mental health provider.

 Conclusion: Anxiety is a complex mental health condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of anxiety and offering support and understanding, we can help those who are struggling to manage their condition and lead fulfilling lives.

Anxiety is a challenging condition to live with, but having a support system can make all the difference. 

My personal story of freezing on stage while singing in the choir is just one example of how a friend's support can be a lifeline for someone experiencing anxiety. Amina's simple act of reaching out and holding my hand gave me the strength to keep going, even when I thought I couldn't. Her kindness and understanding helped me overcome my anxiety in that moment.

But my experience is not unique. Millions of people worldwide, including Nigerians, experience anxiety, and it can affect every aspect of their lives. A typical day for someone with anxiety can be filled with worry, distraction, and physical exhaustion.

As a friend, family member, or colleague, it's important to recognize the signs of anxiety and offer support without judgment. Listening, offering practical help, and encouraging self-care are all ways to show someone that you care and want to help them manage their condition.

Living with anxiety is not easy, but with understanding and support, it is possible to manage and overcome it. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, seek professional help from a mental health provider. Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope for a better tomorrow.

Please let me know what anxiety means in your language, or words used to describe anxiety,

Thank you for reading, see you next week Monday.

Have an amazing week ahead.

Precious Obeahon

You can also follow me on all social media platforms @Preciousobeahon

For mental health support contact:

Pinnacle Medical Services Is a Health and Wellness Centre Dealing on Psychological
And Mental Health Related Problems.

08099731259, 09039732292
pinnaclemedicalnigeria@gmail.com

Open 24/7 Monday to Sundays

27B Olabanji Olajide Street, off Rahman Adeboyejo Street,
beside Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase 1
(second-roundabout, Marwa bus-stop).