Nervous about meeting new people? Scared for your job interview? Stressed out about your school work? Many of us have most likely experienced situations where we’ve felt feelings of anxiety. Anxiety is defined as the human body’s natural response to stress. It is a feeling of
fear, apprehension, nervousness, or worry in response to what is about to come. Contrary to popular belief, anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. Sometimes these feelings can be beneficial by giving us boosts of energy, helping us focus, and even serving as a warning sign. Anxiety is very strongly associated with fear, and so in dangerous situations it can help us in recognizing that something is wrong and signal us to get out of that situation. A study taken in the U.K. found that young adults who suffered from anxiety had fewer accidents and accidental
deaths, as compared to those who did not suffer from it. That gut feeling you may get in certain situations that something isn’t right is your anxiety sensing danger and indicating that whatever
is happening may not be safe, which is extremely useful in threatening situations. However, although there may be benefits to this, there are also a multitude of drawbacks that accompany
excessive feelings of anxiety.

   These feelings start off with overthinking, over stressing, and having anxiety over very miniscule issues are signs of anxiety disorders, and then include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many more. These disorders can also raise your risk of other medical problems such as heart disease,
diabetes, substance abuse, and depression. However, according to Dr. Daniel Pine, an NIH neuroscientist and psychiatrist, “Anxiety disorders are one of the most treatable mental health problems we see.” The best and most effective way to deal with anxiety is often to consult your psychiatrist, or your pediatrician. These health professions are trained and very well qualified in identifying these issues and providing you with assistance in getting the care and help you may need. The most important thing is to understand they are trying to help you in whatever way they can, and your effort is required in this process for your own benefit.

    Another prevalent issue is that during these difficult and unprecedented times of Covid-19 we have seen a large spike in anxiety. Public health actions taken such as social distancing and shelter at home often make people feel isolated and alone, adding to their stress. These actions, however, are vital to reducing the spread of this disease and are absolutely necessary. Nevertheless, here are some things you can do at home or encourage a loved one to do when struggling with anxiety: taking care of your emotional health is increasingly important and should be something you prioritize during this period, journaling, going on walks (while
wearing a mask and socially distancing of course!), exercising, having a healthy sleep schedule, drinking water and eating good foods can all help in boosting your mood and your health, resulting in a more peaceful state of mind.

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    These small actions you take will assist in decreasing your stress levels and allow you to connect better with yourself. Not to mention, staying healthy physically and mentally will boost your immune system, decrease the impact Coronavirus will have on your body if you contract it, and make you less susceptible to catching the disease. These are increasingly difficult times, but you are not alone. Anxiety is something many people experience, and there is help available. Take time to contact your doctor and take care of your body and mind. It will make all the difference.