How “Manageable” Anxiety Becomes a Life Altering Problem
There are certain mental health conditions that make it difficult, if not impossible, to function. Depression, for example, can be so overwhelming and such a struggle that some individuals can barely leave their bed.
But there are other mental health conditions that, at least in moderate form, can be “manageable.” Some forms of generalized anxiety, for example, can be distressing and cause significant challenges, but these individuals are still able to function and lead relatively normal lives.
Or do they?
Many people with anxiety still have relationships. They still work. They still have (depending on their level of social anxiety) some meaningful friendships or connections. They still have hobbies or activities they enjoy during their spare time.
Yet one of the challenges of living with “manageable” anxiety is that, under the surface, the anxiety is always there. It’s touching everything that you do, affecting not only your stress levels, but also how you see the world. Because this anxiety also feels manageable, many feel as though they do not need to seek help, unable to see the ways that their anxiety deserves treatment.
Anxiety Affecting Everything You Do
Our goal, as human beings, is to put ourselves in a position to live the best possible life we can. There are always ups and downs, but we should always be seeking out ways to be happier, more content, and more fulfilled.
With anxiety of any kind, including anxiety that is otherwise manageable, this can be a problem. It will still have an affect on you, even in ways you may not notice. For example:
Relationships – Those with anxiety tend to have issues in their relationships. They may feel nervous when a partner or someone they’re dating does not respond fast enough. They may have intimacy issues, worried about getting hurt or about disappointing their partner. They may be distracted, unable to fully commit to the relationship because their anxiety/stress is dominating their minds.
Work – Those with anxiety are going to be less likely to focus at work and, ultimately, struggle with some of the consequences of that focus. They may be less confident and less willing to ask for raises. They may struggle on the networking side, as they find socializing to be too anxiety-inducing and thus are unable to make the connections they need to move up.
Decision Making – Those that have to make hard decisions may take the more conservative approach when they have anxiety. For example, if a career move makes sense for your happiness, anxiety may keep you from it. If buying a home is right for your finances, anxiety may make you timid about entering the market.
Sleep – One of the first issues a person with anxiety has is poor sleep, and poor sleep affects our entire day, every day. Those that are not sleeping well because of anxiety tend to be less healthy, struggle with their diet, and are less present with friends, family, and work.
Anxiety can also affect how we view others, how we view ourselves, and even our reality itself. These are only a few examples of the ways that anxiety that feels manageable still affects every part of our lives.
In addition, anxiety that is manageable *now* may not be manageable later. Over time, a person’s anxiety can worsen, and they may be at risk for more symptoms or developing additional conditions, like depression.
Seeking Help for ALL Anxiety
Lastly, a person with severe, debilitating anxiety may be struggling more, but they’re also in a better position to seek help. It’s a bit easier to make the connection that you need a therapist when your life is unmanageable. But when you’re able to “get by” because your anxiety isn’t as severe, you may convince yourself that things are fine even though it’s touching every part of what makes life so great.
That is why, no matter how “severe” you believe your anxiety is, you should always seek help. Anxiety is treatable, and it responds well to treatment. Reaching out to a therapist in New Canaan, or wherever you may live, can be what you need to regain control of your life and live one that is happier and more fulfilling.