How To Explain Anxiety To Someone (SAY IT & SHOW IT) Tips

Samuel Akpan October 24, 2023

0 152 6 minutes read

It may be quite exhausting to explain your anxiety to someone who has never experienced it. It may be emotionally charged, complex, and irritating at times. If you have trouble expressing yourself clearly, it might make you feel exposed and misinterpreted.

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It’s possible that you have guilt or a desire to spare others the weight of your issues. Even if it might be difficult, we need to be able to express our emotions to the people we care about. Their assistance is priceless and greatly simplifies life. AC Milan Make Profit For First Time Since 2006

The last thing you need while dealing with a mental health issue is to feel lonely. To assist you in explaining your anxiety illness to your loved ones, we’ve produced this guide. These are those that genuinely care about you; they desire to comprehend you and be of assistance.

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What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and natural human response to stress or perceived threats. It’s a feeling of unease, fear, or apprehension about something that may happen in the future. While anxiety can be a useful emotion, as it can alert us to potential dangers and motivate us to take action, it can also become a problem when it is excessive, uncontrollable, or occurs in situations that do not warrant a strong anxious response.

What to expect from people who don’t have anxiety

When you choose to disclose your anxiety conditions to someone, you might not always receive the answer you’re hoping for. Some people won’t get why you’re struggling, why you can’t manage it, or how much of an influence it has on your life. That’s alright; sometimes people need some time to completely comprehend what you’re saying. The following are some typical responses you may get while discussing your anxiety:

How to Express Your Feelings to a Person Who doesn’t have anxiety

Here we are going to tag these expressions with a SAY IT and SHOW IT, Ready? Lets Move on.

1. First of all, Recognise Your Own Anxiety

It is important to have a firm understanding of what anxiety is before you attempt to communicate it to someone else. The term “anxiety” is wide and incorporates a variety of mental and bodily sensations. It might seem differently in various individuals and frequently entails feelings of uneasiness, anxiety, or dread. It may be generalised or acute, with particular triggers or persistent.

2. Want to talk? Pick the Appropriate Time and Location: SAY IT

Select a suitable location and time for the talk. It should ideally be a calm, cosy, and private space where you two may converse honestly and without interruptions.

3. Irritation or a quick temper You can as well show it to them, rather than hide it: SHOW IT

Anxiety disorders have an impact on nervous system reactions. This implies you’re more prone to get surprised by small things, to be sensitive inside your body, or to have difficulty remaining calm. Irritability and short tempers might be caused by your nerve system’s sensitivity. You are more prone to be “on edge.” This is very usual, and no one is to blame. People who understand this are less likely to take your irritation personally.

4. Distancing oneself from those you care about: SHOW IT

People close to you may struggle to understand why you occasionally withdraw or refuse to open up. Your anxiousness may force you to withdraw from people at times. It’s possible that you don’t want to bother them with your difficulties. You may assist your family and friends understand you and your boundaries by sharing with them the reasons for your occasional withdrawal.

5. Napping a lot or sleeping in late: SHOW IT

It might be difficult for those without anxiety to comprehend why you can’t just “toughen up” and get through the day. You wouldn’t require sleep throughout the day if you slept well in the evenings. It should be mentioned that terror wears you out. It consumes a significant amount of your mental and physical resources to live in dread.

6. Cancelling or not creating any plans: SHOW IT

Anxiety disorders can strike at any time. Some days, taking a shower seems like a mountain to climb. It’s not always possible to schedule time for other hobbies or go out with friends, particularly if you’re nervous. Making arrangements with people when you’re not sure if you’ll be able to attend is difficult. Making arrangements with the best of intentions and then cancelling them later when your energy wanes is another regular occurrence.

8. Employ analogies and metaphors: SAY IT

Although it might be difficult to explain anxiety, metaphors and analogies can be useful. Say, “Imagine anxiety as a smoke alarm in your brain,” as an example. It occasionally goes off even when there isn’t a fire because your brain perceives a threat.

9. Begin with compassion: SAY IT

Start the discussion by acknowledging and demonstrating your empathy for the other person’s sentiments. Inform them that you are available to them for support, education, and listening.

10. Talk about the Function of Thoughts: SAY IT

Excessive or unreasonable concern is a common feature of anxiety. Describe how worrying thoughts might be like a broken record that keeps repeating the worst-case scenarios. These ideas are difficult to suppress and have the potential to take over.

11. Share Personal Stories: SAY IT

If you have personal experience with anxiety, sharing tales from your life might be quite beneficial. It demonstrates that you have actual experience with anxiety rather than merely speculating about it. You can talk about the coping strategies that have worked for you personally.

12. Reiterate Your Trust and Appreciation

Let the person know that you trust them enough to share this personal aspect of your life. Express your appreciation for their willingness to listen and support you.

13. Emphasise the Varying: SAY IT

There is no one-size-fits-all experience with anxiety. Stress that the intensity and length might change. It can sometimes be crippling, but other times it’s controllable.

14. Suggest Further Learning: SAY IT

Recommend that the person educate themselves about anxiety, either through books, online resources, or by talking to mental health professionals. This can help them better understand your experience and how to be supportive.

15. Ask for Support: SAY IT

Express what kind of support you need from the person you’re talking to. Whether it’s emotional support, understanding, or assistance in seeking professional help, be clear about your expectations.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, explaining anxiety to someone is an essential step in building understanding, empathy, and support. Whether you choose to say it or show it, sharing your anxiety experiences can help bridge the gap in awareness and promote healthier relationships. Remember that clear communication, empathy, and patience are key to helping others comprehend the complex nature of anxiety and provide valuable support to those who experience it.

FAQS & Answers

1. What words can I use to express how anxious I feel?

Describe your feelings during a panic attack or when you’re overcome with anxiety and terror. You may say something like, “Every minute of the day, it feels like something is going to jump out at me,” or “It feels like my chest is being crushed by a truck.” It’s crucial to clarify why you feel that the end is near. You may remark, “I always feel like something bad is about to happen, even when everything is perfectly fine.”

2. How can I admit to someone that I’m anxious?

If you’ve decided to discuss your anxiety with someone, be sure to do so on a day when you feel ready to do so. Tell them from the outset why you have decided to involve them in your path towards mental wellness. Telling someone about your worry often gives them the chance to empathise with you and try to figure out how to support you.

3. How may I describe anxiousness to my physician?

Discuss anxiety with your doctor in the same manner that you would with a friend or member of your family. Tell them about your day-to-day experiences. Describe your feelings during a panic attack. Recall that your doctor can assist you more if you tell them everything.