In most instances, anxiety doesn't kill people, although if not diagnosed, it can lead to other serious illnesses...including suicidal tendencies. So what is anxiety and how does it affect us, is the question I want to enlighten you about.
Anxiety itself cannot kill you. Anxiety is a feeling accompanied by a physical component. The physiological changes caused by untreated long-term anxiety can lead to other illnesses that may kill you, such as high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, and increased risk for suicidal ideation and attempts.
To be honest, I suffer from anxiety quite often. Although currently taking medication it is not as severe as it used to be, I still have the sensations and feelings of low self-esteem; being around other people, as well as feeling isolated because I do not want to be surrounded by strangers as well as family members at times.
In the past, I had or was attracted to violence, whether it was me inflicting emotional pain, or suffering from physical pain of men in my life. As I matured I still enjoyed inflicting emotional pain on others, but not to the degree I did when I was younger, and now that I am in a stable, caring relationship, I do not miss the physical abuse. I admit it scares me when I feel violence coming on from others around me. There are times I really dislike my life, I feel that I am not worthy of the love and gifts I receive. Although I do and will fight tooth and nail to keep those I love in my life.
There are still times I feel or believe the worst will happen, even though I still try to rationalize my thoughts they do come when I feel stressed or worried.
So now let me elaborate on some things I picked up on how to handle anxiety/panic attacks:
- I drive to my local waterfall and listen to it running over the side.
- I write down what is bothering me.
- I call/text my counselor.
- I try to talk to my husband, and even though he loves me there are times he doesn't understand.
- Listen to some of my favorite music.
- treat myself to a snack or food I love.
- Yes I smoke cigarettes, but they calm me down, and use them as a last resort, I have been preached about it numerous times.
- go for a stroll, although I cannot walk very far due to surgical screws in my foot.
- Get in touch with a friend who understands some of my stressors, just to get it off my chest.
There are a variety of things people can do to help alleviate stress and I recommend researching and reading about its grasp on us and discovering our ways to alleviate some of the stressors in our lives.
Panic level anxiety is the most intense level of anxiety. It overwhelms someone's ability to function normally. It is also the most disruptive and challenging.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), "researchers believe that anxiety disorders can occur as a result of both genetic and environmental factors."
- Genetic factors: Evidence suggests that anxiety disorders can run in families. Therefore, people may be more likely to have an anxiety disorder if they have relatives who have an anxiety disorder.
- Environmental factors: Traumatic or stressful life events can also trigger anxiety disorders. Examples include:
- losing a loved one
- experiencing abuse or violence
- living with a long-term illness
Other risk factors include a person’s individual brain chemistry and personality.
According too Very Well Mind - "Research has also shown that anxiety can actually damage the brain and increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. It can also put people at a higher risk of developing depression.5
Mah L, Szabuniewicz C, Fiocco AJ. Can anxiety damage the brain?. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 2016; 29(1), 56–63.
This is because it was found to lead to structural degeneration of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus."
So in conclusion anxiety does not kill you but can hurt you emotionally and physically from other illnesses.
Prayers,
Mandie
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