Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago · 4 min. reading time · ~100 ·

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Misconceptions About Anxiety and How You Can Help

Misconceptions About Anxiety and How You Can Help

I read a lot of articles pertaining to Anxiety and I still find there are misconceptions about the illness. I felt the need to write another article because I'm speaking up for not just myself but those who are afraid to because they fear the stigma attached to the term, "Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Depression, AND Mental Illness."  I'm waiting for the day they re-classify these illnesses as 'brain disorders or illnesses,' rather than using the term MENTAL. Just because someone has been diagnosed with a mental illness doesn't mean they are mentally incapable of being productive throughout their lives. It doesn't mean the person(s) are crazy. And, let me emphasize, it does not equate to a person being weak. 

fedb9b30.jpgThis is the worst thing you could tell a person with Anxiety Disorder. 

Everyone gets anxious but there is a difference between becoming anxious, even if you feel like you experienced a full blown panic attack.  "Becoming anxious is part of life and everyone experiences it from time to time." People who suffer from Anxiety Disorder battle daily to put on a happy face and pretend as if nothing is wrong. Anxious feelings come from an external force we are aware of, Anxiety disease differs greatly. Please understand, I'm by no means trying to diminish the stress people feel when anxious. I just feel that people who've never had the illness can't truly understand there is a big difference between feeling anxious on occasion and Anxiety, the illness. 

The brain is always in a fight or flight mode

The person with Anxiety Disorder feels tense, has intrusive thoughts and other physical symptoms every day. 


What are intrusive thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts are just as they sound, intrusive. A person with Anxiety disorder will tend to worry about the same issue over and over. It feels like a merry go round inside the brain that won't stop, there's no way of getting off this ride which is causing dizziness and vertigo the longer it continues. Chemical messengers are misfiring and wreaking havoc on the brain and physical body. Anxiety left untreated leads to depression. Likewise, depression left untreated leads to anxiety. 

3b05c9c3.jpg

If you suffer from Anxiety disorder,  you do know Anxiety, and it's not your friend. If you become anxious over upcoming events on occasion, going to the Doctor, worrying about an exam or taking an exam that's an anxious feeling if it's  not a constant in your life. 

There are peaks and valleys when afflicted with Anxiety Disorder. I was fairly  symptom-free for about 5 years and I thought I was finally overcoming this affliction. Sadly, once I hit another decade in my life, the anxiety came back without warning or compassion. It's possible that life events along with hormonal fluctuations allowed this demon to return. I'm not going to lie, it's hard to see a light at the end of the tunnel when you wake up daily feeling as though you're shaking from the inside out as soon as your feet hit the floor. It's hard to see that light when you fear going just about anywhere because you might have a panic attack. It's hard to see the light when you feel so physically drained from trying so hard to fight or even ignore the symptoms that plague you daily. It's hard to see the light when others tell you to just 'chill,  I worry too and this is what helps me,  you just need to (fill in the blank here), I know how you feel, I get anxious before a meeting but here's what I've learned to do (again, fill in the blank)."  Yes, these words are well intended but it almost feels like a slap in the face, an insult and a lack of education about this disease versus feeling anxious. 


What I've learned

5 Things People Don't Understand About Your Anxiety

Example Below from the linked article above. 

Like stress, some anxiety is natural (and even helpful at times), but an anxiety disorder could impair your quality of life. It is a very real illness. There are multiple, valid types of anxiety disorders, ranging from obsessive-compulsive disorder to specific phobias. If you are living with an anxiety disorder, you are not “just a worrywart.”

Source: 

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/unwritten/5-things-most-people-dont_b_8236602.html


  • They are still learning what triggers panic attacks and Chronic Anxiety Disorder (Also known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder). 
  • Medications do not cure this disorder. 
  • There are different types of therapy to help re-train the brain and everyone thinks they know what will work best for you, this is well intended but we are all wired differently. What may work for one person may not necessarily work for another.
  • Positive thoughts don't make Anxiety Disorder disappear. If it were that easy, people wouldn't be suffering, they would not seek therapy and they wouldn't need medication. Positive thoughts are helpful in the long run but they don't rid you of the illness.
  • It's an illness, not nervousness! It's an illness, not a weakness. It's an illness, not craziness. It's an illness. 
  • When you feel at your lowest and  it feels as though it's hard to go on, you've lost all hope- there are professionals who can help you to get over that hump even if it does return. It's important to remember, there is hope when you seek help.
  • You are not your illness. You are not a stigma. 
  • People will tell you they understand and then expect you to just relax or think good thoughts- remember, that's why you need a professional because they will help you to cope and can help those closest to you to understand the illness if they are open to learning more about it. 
  • The brain is an organ, organs malfunction and many times there is no rhyme or reason as to why they do malfunction. If it were the heart, kidneys or another major organ, those closest to you would probably be jumping to help and become more informed. I've learned that's why this illness is just that more frustrating- it's an illness and brushed off as a defect or weakness. Yes, I repeated the term weakness more than once because it's not a weakness. 

Anxiety Disorder has a neurological and genetic basis according to studies I've read and my Doctor just confirmed this with me last week. 

Remember to seek help if Anxiety is interfering with your life. Anxiety Disorder can be crippling if left untreated. Remember there are people who are trained to help and there are people who DO care and understand. Lets all help to end the stigma and show compassion instead of handing out unwanted advice, no matter how well intended it is. If you've never had this illness, the best advice you can give a person is to ask them to seek help and let them know you care without any conditions attached. 


We live in a society bloated with data yet starved for wisdom. We're connected 24/7, yet anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness is at an all-time high. We must course-correct. http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/e/elizabethk643324.html?src=t_anxiety

Images Courtsey of - Google images: 

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety

http://www.healthyplace.com/images/stories/insight/quotes/anxiety-quote-12-1-healthyplace.jpg



Comments

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #48

#76
LOL, there were 8 of us that worked in this office and only 3 lifted her up including the Director of our Dept.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #47

#74
She was an awful person. It's people like that who expect everyone to have their backs during any crisis but they are incapable of feeling for anyone else. I could not believe she made fun of my coworker as she did. It reminded me of something a teen would do and even most teens wouldn't make fun of something like that.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #46

#69
Thanks for taking the time to read Praveen Raj Gullepalli :)

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #45

#71
So many times it can be misunderstood, even by those who might be closest to a person with it and claim to understand. Thanks Franci\ud83d\udc1dEugenia Hoffman, appreciate your comment and I would love to see Anxiety viewed as the real illness it is. I worked with someone once who mocked a person behind their back trying to show me what the person looked like after she almost passed out and was possibly struggling on the floor a bit. The person who made fun of her was making jerking movements and laughing. She had no idea she was talking to someone who also had the illness. I was so angry I don't remember what I said and walked out of her office. Needless to say, I never trusted this person again. She was my deputy director, key word... was LOL.
#66
Jan \ud83d\udc1d Barbosa thanks for resharing this !

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #43

#66
Thanks Jan \ud83d\udc1d Barbosa for sharing!

Bill Stankiewicz

7 years ago #42

Good info

Jan 🐝 Barbosa

7 years ago #41

Great article by Lisa \ud83d\udc1d Gallagher

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #40

#64
Thanks Netta Virtanen, I'm so sorry I missed your comment. Your right, many do suffer from anxiety and it's hard on the person who suffers along with those close to them if it's on-going. Appreciate your comment :))

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #39

#62
Thanks David Grinberg. Yes sadly, there is still a stigma attached. I began writing about Mental Health issues and my Anxiety Disease on Linkedin. I received a good response on each post I wrote and found many people suffer in silence. I had so many people inbox me for fear that either, their employees would see their comment or their employer. It's great to share and be open about Mental afflictions (I like to refer to them as Brain afflictions) since it's one of the three most vital organs in our bodies. Through sharing, I've learned a lot and others have found it's OK to be open and seek the help they might need. Others just need a sounding board. Thanks for the reminder about NDEAM in the US! Appreciate your comment :))

David B. Grinberg

7 years ago #38

Belated kudos Lisa Gallagher on such an courageous and profound post. Unfortunately, there remains a huge societal stigma surrounding mental health issues, as you know. Some mental health issues might be "hidden" disability impairments protected under federal law in the USA (Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended). This mental health bias is so unfortunate because all people should be judged on the content of their character, as Martin Luther King, Jr. famously remarked. Moreover, in the workplace, all employees should be assessed based strictly on merit, talent and their God-given ability to do the job -- rather than based on myths, fears or stereotypes regarding mental health issues. Lastly, FYI, October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the USA -- which is obviously still necessary and relevant, especially regarding mental health conditions.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #37

#58
Karen Anne Kramer ~ CNN Women Leaders 2015, I love that you called your OCD a gift! How awesome that your grandfather recognized you were different as you called it and built the treehouse! Sounds like a loving grandfather for sure! I'm so happy to hear you've taken your 'gift' and help students along with your writing!! Writing helps a lot, that's my outlet :)) What type of projects do you work on? Hey message me if you think there is something we can work on together, what a compliment! Thanks Karen!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #36

#57
Thanks Charles David Upchurch, kind and observant of you!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #35

#54
Robert Bacal, your description is valid too! I like the analogy of the freeze, like the accelerator getting stuck. That is so true when it's at it's worst. I will admit I have anti-anxiolytics (one med) on hand and I could not function without them. I can't take SSRI's or SNRI's they make me very sick and I almost feel as though I have serotonin overload, it's not common but my Dr. said it can happen to certain people. So, we don't go that route anymore. When anxiety is out of control and chronic, panic attacks and even depression are sure to ensue. Thanks for your input Robert, you were spot on!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #34

#53
Very fair statement Charles David Upchurch. For example, if I have a health issue, I will catastrophize it and even put off going to Dr's for fear I'm going to hear something very bad. I proud to say after canceling on my Dr. 3 times in 6 months I finally made myself go today. For many, that would not be a big deal. I felt like I made progress going for an over- due medical check up. I also feel like our perspective is neither chosen or in control. There are so many facets to the disorder and some people experience many of them, others just a few. Right now, we are working on self positive talk to replace the inner talk I've known my entire life. I envy those who this comes naturally to because this is going to be a long process- re-wiring the brain, however, it's possible and I feel positive about it *today* ;-)

Donald 🐝 Grandy PN

7 years ago #33

#39
We work with adults.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #32

Thanks for sharing Charles David Upchurch!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #31

#47
Very true Robert Bacal, the dessert analogy was a good one. I swear, I always order one if someone else does no matter how full I feel.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #30

#45
I was thinking of holding on to my slip, "Man afflictions." That could be a fun one to work with. Usually I know the content I want to write and pick a title when I'm done. This could be a challenge. Maybe a few of us could do this for fun!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #29

omgosh, I make so many typos LOL. Lisa, STOP.TYPING.SO.FAST. LOL. Deb Helfrich my comment below, "many afflictions,' not 'man afflictions." Maybe I made up a new term ha haha

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #28

#35
Deb Helfrich, being a good listener is very helpful to those who suffer from man afflictions as I know you are aware. I want to thank you for being one of those people! It can slow the anxiety and re-direct the person's thoughts temporarily, which IS helpful too!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #27

#38
Harvey Lloyd, I think it's admirable that you want to learn more about it so you can be of help if needed. That creates trust within the workplace and if management is able to care, I believe that spreads throughout the company, along with many other good practices :))

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #26

Thanks for the shares!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #25

#37
Thanks Aurorasa Sima, I hope more speak up, GAD affects about 3.3 million adults and panic disorder approximately 2.7 million adults. I know there are people who will disagree with me but they need newer drugs to help people who suffer from GAD because many like myself can't tolerate the drugs they generally treat people with. Generalized anxiety is diagnosed if a person feels anxious almost entire week for 6 months straight- many have adverse effects to typical drugs they use to treat anxiety that is not constant. And no one should have to feel shame for needing medication to get through it. Over 4% of the population diagnosed are severe, meaning it's there off and on for a very long period of time. So, new meds, education and different modalities of counseling depending on the person being treated are vital in achieving homeostasis. Sorry I went on, for some reason your comment sparked these thoughts. Thanks for reading Aurorasa!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #24

#36
Hi Donald Grandy, I bet it does take a toll on the staff. Are the individuals with developmental difficulties, children or adults? I worked with Autistic children for a short period of time years ago and when they became anxious which was quite frequent, it was very difficult. Yes, sadly the illness is very real- anxiety that is. I admire people who work with those who have developmental difficulties. I have a friend who works with children who do and she loves it but comes home exhausted almost daily. Thanks for sharing!

Harvey Lloyd

7 years ago #23

#35
Fixing folks is best left to those of that profession. I can help within the goal or issue. Thanks for the buzz back. The issue is complex.

Donald 🐝 Grandy PN

7 years ago #22

Thanks for this informative and well written post Lisa Gallagher. Working in the Developmental Support Field, I witness anxiety disorder illness everyday. Higher functioning individuals can control their anxiety illness to some degree, however, most are struggling with (I'm guessing) a merry go round or fire crackers going off inside their head. Interestingly, the anxiety illness we are trained to support can also have an impact on staff. We become anxious trying to problem solve, multitask and care for the individuals we support. Anxiety disorder is sometimes silent, but rest assured that it is real and those who suffer need help everyday.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #21

#24
Thanks for your well thought out comment Deb Helfrich, you offered better advice than I was able to. I think sometimes when your the person suffering, it's hard to know how to respond to certain questions. You're so correct, if a person feels they can trust another, they do want to discuss it AND, they may go on and on because anxiety can cause rapid speech when the brain is already speeding and spinning.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #20

#19
LOL, its ok and that was cute!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #19

#18
Hi @Harvey Lloyd, you brought up some great questions but I'm not sure I know how to answer. Unless, you specifically know that someone suffers from Anxiety/Panic disorder it would be hard to approach the topic. If you know they suffer, I guess my best advice would be to talk privately with them and remind them that you understand they suffer from this illness and go on to ask if they are feeling ill? Just let the convo flow. If a person realizes that another is asking out of concern, they will be more likely to open up. I can say, I've never acted defiant during a panic attack (would have to probably excuse myself from the room and say something like, "I'm so sorry, I'm not feeling well." ) I would probably then tell my superior what really happened behind closed doors. Some people may come off as spacey during an attack or seem extra quiet if they are experiencing a high degree of anxiety that could produce a panic attack.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #18

#17
I thought of Trent Selbrede as well after re-reading what Aaron wrote!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #17

#14
Thank you very much Charles David Upchurch!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #16

#12
Thanks David Grinberg, I'm glad you found it informative, that was my goal and thanks so much for sharing! Appreciated!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #15

#11
Hi @Katie Hickery thanks for sharing. So happy you are having a reprieve, they are so welcome! I was even happier to hear your team knows and you all are able to converse about it. That sure helps to reduce stress when you know you have others you can talk openly about this with. Sounds like a great team!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #14

#10
Thanks for reading Graham Edwards!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #13

#9
Well said Denise Da Vinha Ricieri and I love that you added without discrimination. There are some that are treated as if they are attention seekers, even by healthcare professionals. I've never been treated in that manner but I've seen it over the years-it's just wrong. Thanks for your comment!!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #12

#8
Pascal Derrien one of my kids has anxiety disease and we caught it in his late teens. The earlier they get help, the better chance they have at leading a life fairly free of it. He never had to use meds and counseling has helped a lot. He will still go back as an adult when it becomes full blown. I bet school helps to keep his mind busy enough that he isn't focusing on his worries.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #11

#7
Thanks for reading Aaron Skogen, I'm always impressed with people who don't suffer and still read and comment. Thank YOU!

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #10

#6
Hi Darryl John, at least you can laugh. It's like telling someone to get over diabetes. Some people really don't get it.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #9

#5
Dean Owen, I can relate... I have a sister who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. I've seen how people treat her and it's so unkind. It is a chemical imbalance and misfiring in the brain. I hope one day newer generations understand these are medical conditions too. I love that poster I found comparing it to having a seizure. That can refer to anyone who has been diagnosed with a brain illness. Do they have it under control more than not? It's hard to treat that illness :((

Harvey Lloyd

7 years ago #8

@Lisa Gallagher thank you for the article. I have some family members who suffer from anxiety. I am a recovering fixer of these folks. It always seemed simple. When confronted by one of the family, who was having an anxiety episode, over current events. I would offer feed back that was simple and precise as to what to do about the current event. I could not see the anxiety as a disease and a separate issue. But for those in leadership positions, either family or professionally, anxiety is a mystery. I do not suffer from anxiety, but do get anxious. In my own self awareness I can scale the emotional aspects of my brain through chasing the origin. Usually its something from the environment or past experiences. The mystery is how to proceed forward as the "other person or leader" confronted with the anxiety. The current event is worthy of seeking an outcome that is win-win or the discussion would not be worth having. Given this premise I often get confused on how to proceed in any other way than keeping the focus simple, and to a degree pragmatic. This gets me in trouble most of the time. I am seen as insensitive. I would appreciate any comments you have that might shed light on how a leader/friend might interface with someone who is experiencing anxiety around the issues at hand. I would also add that anxiety is typically misread by leaders/friends. Anxiety can be read as defiance, non-team player, poor emotional control. I have tried to discern between anxiety and just plain attitude. Sometimes the line is too thin to see.

David B. Grinberg

7 years ago #7

Thank you Lisa Gallagher for this educational and informative read. I agree that there are still too many societal myths, fears and stereotypes about mental illness. It's only when brave people like you speak out that people start to learn the truth. This, kudos to you, Lisa, for sharing this important information (which I have shared in other hives).

Graham🐝 Edwards

7 years ago #6

Very informative buzz Lisa Gallagher. Thank you for shining a light on it!

Pascal Derrien

7 years ago #5

a timely reminder I think Lisa Gallagher, my eldest is young but is a deep thinker and he is very anxious about the future, questions about death etc.. he can be very heavy for a 11 year old now he is very sporty and it seems to help ,I also noticed that back to school routine also helps avoiding panic attacks

Dean Owen

7 years ago #4

Well said Lisa Gallagher. With a diagnosed schizophrenic brother, I have always referred to the illness as a chemical imbalance in the brain and not a MENTAL illness as the word mental is often used in Britain with extremely negative connotations. We are uneducated on the matter and it is articles like this that will hopefully teach us how best to respond.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #3

#3
Thanks for taking the time to read this Robert Bacal. It's very exhausting if you suffer from GAD for an extended period of time. I 'm in the midst of it again and I amaze myself that I'm still able to get the things done I need to do but I've learned to push and fake a lot over the years. Your so right, my Dr. told me more than once, it's hard to diagnose one w/out the other.

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #2

Didnt show... not sorry "it show who the other bee was."

Lisa Gallagher

7 years ago #1

Thanks for sharing my buzz Javier beBee and 'one other bee" Sorry it show who the other bee was, so thanks too!

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