Activating Anxiety

Most people equate “mental health” with anxiety and depression.  It makes sense seeing that almost 20% of the U.S. adult population in a given year is diagnosed with any type anxiety disorder (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.shtml).  Statistics also indicate that nearly a third of U.S. adults will experience some type of anxiety disorder in their lifetime – yet only around a third of those people will actually seek treatment (https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics). 
​
But what if some anxiety could actually help us? 

Activating Anxiety

Most people equate “mental health” with anxiety and depression.  It makes sense seeing that almost 20% of the U.S. adult population in a given year is diagnosed with any type anxiety disorder (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder.shtml).  Statistics also indicate that nearly a third of U.S. adults will experience some type of anxiety disorder in their lifetime – yet only around a third of those people will actually seek treatment (https://adaa.org/about-adaa/press-room/facts-statistics).

Many people describe anxiety like this:

​For many, anxiety can be immobilizing.  It can create confusion, fear or simply leave standing in the middle of the room not knowing what to do next.  This type of anxiety not only disrupts daily life it can often lead to feelings and episodes of depression.  Sounds horrible, right?  No wonder most therapists list “anxiety and depression” at the top of their specialties.  But what if certain types of anxiety could actually help us? 
 
To be clear, I am not suggesting that persistent, pervasive and debilitating anxiety is a good thing.  It isn’t.  What I am suggesting, however, is that anxiety tied to a specific event or situation can be a motivator for change.  For example, anxiety surrounding a recent layoff or reduction in income can spur someone into updating a resume, connecting with a career counselor or getting creative with new opportunities for employment and income.  This is an example of anxiety that activates us into action.  Activating anxiety can be our body’s way of “jump starting” us into action and keeping us out of that FEAR-ANXIETY-INACTION-DEPRESSION loop.   
 
With support, a change in perspective and some perseverance, some types of anxiety might actually be good thing for us – both now in these uncertain times and in the future.  If you or anyone you know is wondering anxiety or other mental health concerns, check out the screening tools from Mental Health America at https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools and, as always, reach out to a friend, therapist or other professional if you’re struggling.