WHY SO ANXIOUS?

By Jay Mckendrey (He/They) (written on the 28th March)

It’s coming up to midterm break, heaps of assessments are due (or will be by end of break) and the only word which bests explains this period is “stress”. It is something everyone has, to varying degrees, and should be talked about and acknowledged.

On a greater level, stress can lean to anxiety attacks, which are something many people (including myself) experience. For those who’ve never experienced or witnessed one, the first thing that might come to mind, is hyperventilating and rocking back and forth!

Understanding the way that yours and other’s anxiety works will normalise the conversation, reduce stigma and could possibly help calm a person during an attack sooner.

So, what are some types of anxiety:

• Hypersensitivity to change, chaos or disorder.

• Sensory overload (be it smell, taste, light, etc.).

• Fast-talking, stumbling with words, stuttering. Almost like a miscommunication between your brain and mouth.

• Silence – not wanting to talk or deal with anyone.

• Unpredictable bouts of irritability or rage.

• Zoning out – staring off into the distance unfocused and stillness.

It is important to note that these are only some forms and does not encompass them all. For me, it changes between different forms. My most common and recent attacks present as a ‘zoning out’.

I disengage with everything around me, including having my hearing decreasing, a looming sensation of unpleasant discomfort and stillness; commonly at night, where my mind goes blank and my eyes tear up, but I don’t feel sad or the likes, just a feeling blankness. Again, it is important to note that it is different for everyone.

Ways people deal with anxiety can be positive or negative; stress baking, over or undereating, exercise, sleep and using many other escape mechanisms. What I find useful is to talk, let it out or redirect it.

Be it talking, writing, reading, baking, exercising or anything, taking the time to have a break and to process things will aid greatly in letting pressure and stress go.

Do not let it build up as it can cause you to crash and trust me that is exhausting both mentally and physically.

There are great services on campus including counselling, Student Health and the Wellbeing team who are happy to talk (located top floor of Hudson).

If there’s something you need help with, the team at LUSA will do their upmost to help or direct you to the people who can help the best!

Look after yourself and remember to take care.