anxiety
A look at anxiety in its many forms and manifestations; what is the nature of this specific pattern of extreme fear and worry?
The Monster Called Anxiety
I know what’s coming. Sitting on the couch struggling with my shoes, I feel him creep up behind me, his cold and clammy fingers trailing up my arms and wrapping around my throat. I start to choke on the lump that forms there, and ice suddenly seizes in my lungs, turning them into the heaviest of bricks. Slowly he pushes up against me, melting into my skin and looking up at me with bewildered eyes. It’s a ritual, really. I can’t leave the house without him. Standing up, I exhale and try to suck air in again because, to be honest, he’s heavy. I practically have to drag him as he clings to my back, his damp breath puffing against my neck. I wrap a jacket tightly around us, and I shiver under the pressure despite the extra weight. I can’t do this, I think to myself. They’ll see him, or worse, they’ll see me. Everyone’s gonna stare. I knew that because of my disability, I wouldn’t be able to escape prying eyes. I would be the main attraction in this grand circus of life, even if only for the moment. Attempting another deep breath, I hesitate at the threshold, momentarily considering kicking off my shoes and crawling back into bed. I know I can’t as I need to go grocery shopping, but the thought is nice. Sighing, I make sure he is hidden well before opening my door and stepping out into the blinding sunlight.
By Courtney Bartz4 years ago in Psyche
Why I Can't Relax
I Just Can't! Unless I'm sick, of course, and then I just sit around fretting about the things I need to do. The problem is, I am a very restless person: I cannot just sit and watch television. I have to be browsing on my phone (sorry, I know, I'm awful), draw, do a wordsearch, work on my online shop... If people talk about a new drama, or a Netflix series, I just nod politely until they change the subject. I'm not sure I even know what Netflix is! I just cannot commit to a series of hours where I have to sit still and concentrate. I'm too fidgety, and there are too many other things I could be doing (like writing this article!)
By Deborah Robinson4 years ago in Psyche
Hot Garbage
Man, sometimes; scratch that, a LOT of times I just want to give up. I read your stories and then read mine; garbage. I see your pictures and then I see mine; garbage. I see your art and then glance at mine *gags*. And these are the things I think I’m good at, f**k some days I even let myself think I’m great at. Well whatever, what has art ever done for me anyways?
By Tessa Dickinson4 years ago in Psyche
When the Fear of Interacting with Strangers Becomes a Problem
A disorder called social anxiety or social phobia is a long-lasting and overwhelming fear of certain social situations. It is a problem that usually begins in adolescence, is an extremely unpleasant condition, and can have a significant impact on quality of life.
By Asher Crosby4 years ago in Psyche
Anxiety in Children - Why Does It Occur and How Does It Manifest?
Anxiety disorders are differentiated from each other by the types of objects or situations that generate anxiety or avoidant behavior, as well as by the associated ideation. Anxiety disorders include separation anxiety, specific phobias, social phobia, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Thus, anxiety can appear as early as a few months of age, so we can talk about anxiety in children.
By Kiran Nguyen4 years ago in Psyche
The Psychological Reason Why You Feel the Urge to Clean When Upset
I wouldn’t call myself an organized person. Contrary to the most popular advice of making your bed in the morning for success, my bed is almost always unmade. I prefer carefully disorganized surroundings. The only time this preference shift is when I am feeling overwhelmed.
By Eshal Rose4 years ago in Psyche
What Relationship OCD Can Look Like
(photo credit: Natalia Sobolivska on Unsplash) Disclaimer: Although I have personal and professional experience in the mental health field, I am not a licensed mental health professional. The information contained in this article is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The contents of this article are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disorder.
By That Psych Nerd4 years ago in Psyche
A Glass Room
I feel lost. I think I have always felt lost. I mean everyone says that but thinking back to my teenage years I think lost is the only way to describe how I felt. Even now at 22 I feel lost. It's like I am stuck in place watching everyone around me live their lives and their dreams. Everyone else gets to "live their best life" but I'm stuck in place. It's not like I don't have dreams or don't know what I want because I do but it's like there is this wall that I can't get past.
By Samantha Simmons4 years ago in Psyche
