What is Fear of the Unknown?

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

-Nelson Mandela

As a society, we were brought up with new expectations and more exposure to new generations. The world has changed, which is why anxiety has become a global epidemic. As an individual, you are not alone if you are struggling with an irrational fear and worrying. There are a lot of ways on how you can start your journey to defeating anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are an umbrella term to describe a variety of mental health problems that can occur when an individual experiences significant anxiety or fear. Anxiety disorders are characterized by the presence of frequent and unexpected panic attacks, obsessions with fears, inordinate concerns about the consequences of health problems, or by repeated re-experiencing of traumatic events.

There are two ways to treat anxiety: psychotherapy and medication. Each has advantages, disadvantages, and risks. However, for many patients, psychotherapy offers the best course of action. It is based on insight gained in therapy sessions and can be delivered in any setting where a patient is able to communicate clearly and coherently.

Anxiety can be a real threat, but there are ways of dealing with it. In this guide we’ll discuss a range of strategies that can used to help yourself cope with your anxiety:

• Get to know more about your condition. If you’re worried about your mental health, it’s important to speak up. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health problem, the sooner you get help the better. But don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings and thoughts with people who can help. People who are experiencing symptoms of mental illness need support from their friends, family members and professionals. You can also talk to your doctor or mental health provider. Find out what might be causing your specific condition and what treatments might be best for you. Involve your family and friends and ask for their support.

• Always stick to your treatment plan. Take your medication exactly as directed. Make sure you stick to therapy appointments and complete any assignments your therapist may give you. Consistency is key when it comes to taking your medication and/or tasks/assignments, because it can make a big difference in the results of your therapy.

• Discover your anxiety triggers and learn ways to cope with them. When those situations occur, use the strategies that help reduce symptoms during treatment to keep yourself calm and in control.

• Have a journal. Recording information about your personal life can help you and your mental health professional recognize what causes anxiety and stress in your life and how to manage it. With our journal, we hope that you’ll feel supported as you press forward in coping with anxiety.

• Consider joining a support group. Support groups offer compassion, understanding, and shared experiences that can help you through your struggle with anxiety. It is important to find a support group that meets your needs. Support groups come in many forms, so you can try different types until you find one that fits well with your lifestyle and schedule.

• Learn time management techniques. Reducing anxiety involves learning how to be more mindful of time and energy. When we’re feeling anxious, we tend to take on too much because we don’t have a good sense of our limits or resources—we feel like there are so many things that need attention now. By learning to manage your time, energy, and resources better, you can feel less stressed—and more in control of your life.

• Be socially active. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed, don’t avoid social situations. Engaging with other people can help reduce anxiety and stress by increasing your sense of belonging in the world. When you are socially active, it helps to keep your mind busy with other things so that it doesn’t focus on the negative things that may be going on inside of you.

• Break the cycle. When you feel anxious, go for a brisk walk or engage in a hobby to clear your mind of worries. Instead of isolating yourself, do something that requires you to go outside or do something outside of your daily routine.

The manner in which a person reacts to anxiety treatments are exceptionally individualized, and one treatment might work for certain individuals but not others. The strategies aforementioned are effective and vital to each individual’s treatment plan. Subsequently, an individual must have the right determination prior to looking for treatment in order to increase the chances of overcoming anxiety. If you feel the need for a consultation – reach out to a professional or visit our Facebook page for inquiries.