Everyone has anxiety sometimes. Reacting to things that are dangerous or potentially dangerous is an important function of the brain. Anxiety is what kept our ancestors alive in the days when the world was more dangerous than it is today. Why? Because anxiety makes you focus on the potential danger and helps you escape.
Everyone has anxiety sometimes. Step out into the road without looking properly and you might notice a car approaching you at speed. In an instant your whole body is filled with adrenaline and you jump out of the way. You feel a shock of anxiety run through you and a relief as the car rushes past you, leaving you unharmed. This is anxiety doing its job.
For a wildebeest crossing the Serengeti, anxiety is three minutes of absolute terror as it is being chased by a lion – resulting in either escape or death. For a human being, anxiety can be years and years of worrying that there might not be enough money to pay the rent this month. Both focus on the potential danger, but because of the human being’s ability to imagine the future, anxiety can last for years.
So what is a “normal” level of anxiety? Of course, there is no “normal”. Everyone is different. For some people, a level of anxiety starts when they wake up each morning and carries on throughout the day. These people have accepted constant anxiety as the norm and do not realise that they can do something about it. Others live a life of calm, only suffering bouts of anxiety when they step out into the road without looking.
Wherever you are on this spectrum of anxiety – you can do something about it to change. You can move yourself to a calmer, less-anxious life. The next question is – is it worth it? If you are content with your life as it is, then don’t change a thing, but if you even have the smallest dislike about the way you are, then I would recommend you do something about it.
There are lots of things you can do to improve your mental health (e.g. read this blog article – https://timmaudehypnotherapy.co.uk/2024/03/12/how-to-stay-mentally-fit-the-mental-health-hygiene-triangle/).
I would wish you all good luck on your journey through life – and luck has a part to play, but you might want to rely on your own efforts to help you on towards a better life.
And Finally …
If you struggle to manage your levels of anxiety on your own, you can always get help. I support people with anxiety, helping them get back in control of their lives. I use the power of hypnotherapy from my clinic here in Fleet, Hampshire, or online. Contact me if you are interested.
Photo courtesy of Mental Health Foundation / Kerry Adams