Anxiety is a part of life that almost everyone has experienced. Whether it is taking a test, speaking in public, or being in an unfamiliar situation, feelings of anxiety often arise. However, do you know what anxiety is, how it arises, and how to overcome it? Let's discuss it together!
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is the body's natural response to situations that are perceived as threatening or challenging. Simply put, anxiety is an excessive feeling of worry or fear about something that is not certain to happen. Although anxiety is a normal reaction, in some people, anxiety can become excessive and interfere with daily activities. In this condition, anxiety can be a serious problem that requires more attention.
Anxiety can appear in various forms and situations, including:
- Social Anxiety: This is a type of anxiety that occurs when a person feels nervous or afraid of interacting with other people. Examples include anxiety about public speaking, meeting new people, or being in a crowd.
- Workplace Anxiety: This anxiety is often experienced by someone who is facing work pressure, such as tight deadlines, high expectations from superiors, or fear of failure in carrying out tasks.
- Anxiety in Educational Environments: Many students experience anxiety before exams, presentations, or interactions with peers. This anxiety can affect academic performance and social relationships.
- Generalized Anxiety: Some people experience anxiety that is not limited to a specific situation. They may feel anxious about many aspects of their life, from their health to their finances to their relationships.
How Does Anxiety Emerge?
Anxiety can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Biological: Our bodies have natural mechanisms to respond to stress, which involve the release of hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, and others. In some people, this system can become overly sensitive, making them more prone to anxiety.
- Psychological: Negative thoughts or wrong mindsets can trigger anxiety. For example, imagining the worst case scenario or feeling incapable of facing the challenge or difficulty.
- Environment: Social and cultural environment can also play a role in the emergence of anxiety. For example, pressure from society to behave in a certain way.
Techniques for Overcoming Anxiety
Overcoming anxiety requires a holistic approach. Here are some techniques that can be applied:
- Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness are some techniques that can help calm the mind and body when experiencing anxiety.
- Mindset Change: Efforts to identify negative thoughts and replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts can help individuals see situations with a more balanced perspective.
- Gradual Practice: If there is a particular situation that triggers anxiety, try to approach it gradually. For example, if you are anxious about public speaking, start by speaking in front of close friends before speaking in front of a larger audience.
- Social Support: It’s important to talk to others about how you’re feeling. Support from friends, family, or a professional can be very helpful in managing anxiety.
- Time Management and Priorities: Managing time effectively and setting priorities can reduce stress and anxiety, especially in work or educational environments.
Anxiety is a part of life that anyone can experience. However, if anxiety has started to interfere with your daily activities, it is important to take steps to overcome it. By recognizing the type of anxiety and applying the right techniques, you can better manage anxiety and live your life more calmly.
If you feel that the anxiety symptoms you are experiencing are too severe or difficult to control, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The article was written by Mr. Rizky Purnomo Adji Churnawan, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist (Psychologist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).