Ask Joy: Learning to Live with Anxiety

Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

If you’ve ever been on a rollercoaster ride, remember back to that time when you were slowly going up the hill, and you reached the top, and suddenly you were diving and swooping down the other side of the ride. The feelings you experience riding the rollercoasters are often similar to the feelings described when having anxiety without the fun.


shutterstock_512209156 (1).jpg
Like riding a rollercoaster… without the fun. Image Credit: Shutterstock



We all experience anxiety at different times, e.g. running late for a bus or forgetting to pay a bill; this is normal anxiety.



There are several signs you have clinical anxiety when these feelings continue for longer than a few weeks and/or interfere with you enjoying your life.
  • Feeling restless or on edge
  • Feeling irritable or quick to anger
  • Getting tired easily
  • Having difficulty concentrating or feeling your mind go blank
  • Having difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep
  • Feelings of tension in your body
  • A sense of impending panic, danger, or doom.
  • Increased heart rate
  • Sweating, shallow, rapid breathing or trembling

If these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks or are becoming intrusive in your daily life, then please seek medical attention.

Types of Anxiety
  1. Anxiety Disorder – Excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, fatigue.
  2. G.A.D. Generalised Anxiety Disorder – Anxiety that interferes with daily activities, excessive worry, emotional distress, and severe anxiety.
  3. Social Anxiety Disorder – Anxiety related to social interactions.
  4. Separation Anxiety – Fears being left alone, anxiety, crying, and apprehension. This is common among children who fear the loss of parents.
  5. O.C.D. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Excessive thoughts/obsessions that lead to repetitive/obsessive behaviours, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, dwelling on intrusive thoughts.


Ways to combat anxiety

Don’t beat yourself up about mistakes, financial worries, or things left undone. Do something constructive, even if it is a tiny footstep.

Sponsored
Thank you, Joy for the book information sent to me privately. I managed to copy the email even though, for some reason, it went into Spam.
 
  • Love
Reactions: Joy Straw
Living with anxiety can be challenging, but it's commendable that you're seeking ways to cope. Understanding the history of antidepressants, as explored on https://sunhealthcenter.com/history-of-antidepressants/, sheds light on how treatments evolved. Besides medication, exploring therapies, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes can complement managing anxiety. Remember, everyone's journey with anxiety is unique, so finding what works best for you is key.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Joy Straw

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×