Anxiety Acting Out

BY DR. SHELBY ENTNER, nd

Hi. I’m glad you are here and checking in, looking for ideas, inspiration, and suggestions on how to be healthy in these challenging times. Our world has changed substantially since the beginning of the year and many folks are still facing uncertain futures. The world is shifting daily and although there have been many wonderful things to come out of these changes, there have also been a lot of difficulties. We pivot, adapt, and try to go with the flow, but many people are dealing with anxiety and experiencing it in many new ways.

DR. SHELBY ENTNER, nd is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and the owner and founder of Vero Health Naturopathic Medicine in the Okanagan. She earned her doctoral degree in Naturopathic Medicine in 2002 after ten years of studies. Dr. Shelby empowers patients to make changes that are in alignment with their health values and goals and seeks to find answers by looking at the whole picture, instead of simply at a symptom.

Anxiety is a common thread in many peoples’ lives and we can often pinpoint it when it shows up physically and emotionally: racing heart, irritability, poor sleep, upset stomach, etc. Anxiety can also be sly and insidious and present in ways we haven’t expected or experienced before. Even if you haven’t been greatly affected personally by the last few months, we have all experienced collective changes as a society. Traditionally, when faced with adversity our instincts are to gather, connect, and support each other until the difficulty ends. Our natural instincts have been thwarted during this time of isolation and separation and that change has been the most challenging in my opinion.

So how might you be experiencing anxiety right now, you ask? It might look different than it has before when you had exams, a difficult co-worker, or a major loss. Let’s talk about some ways anxiety might be manifesting for you right now.

1 Forgetting Things

We have all had more time on our hands than ever before and I’m sure your kitchen pantry is now alphabetized and tidy! But focussing on tasks that require concentration, planning, or multiple steps might seem super challenging right now. Our instincts want us to be ready for flight, cortisol at the ready, when anxiety is humming around us.

2 Excessive Energy

Did you master sourdough bread making, landscape your entire yard, organize your whole house, or become the master of multiple languages in the last few months? Sometimes we rebound from feeling out of control by seeking even more control over our activities and our bodies. Excessive busyness can show up in lots of ways and some can be quite positive. But when you can’t be still, jumping from one project to the next, then that can also be a sign of anxiety.

3 Netflix Numbing

Zoning out can be a healthy distraction and an opportunity to just unwind. However, there are ways of numbing that only mask anxiety and delay the inevitable thoughts and worries. We have all marathoned a series (ahem), but when days and weeks roll together from couch surfing, that can be a sign of anxiety. We often numb ourselves with multiple things so if your relationship with alcohol, substances, or food has changed drastically, that can also be a sign of anxiety.

4 Super Slow Down

You may have more time for naps and sleeping in if you have been working less (and you don’t have young children at home!) but you don’t feel more rested. Your battery may feel depleted and the interest in getting outside, activities at home, or even connecting with others can feel like a chore. It could be a sign of depression but it may also be from all of your mental circuits firing and your body wanting to slow down for a while. Absolutely check in with friends/family/physicians if you feel that things are hopeless, you are excessively sad, or are struggling with mental wellness in any way.

Anxiety can be a natural response to any stressful situation and we are all experiencing elements of it right now. Collectively we have come together to support each other and encourage each other to work together to help navigate a challenging time in our society. None of the ways mentioned above are dangerous or wrong but please be observant of how you are responding emotionally and physically to stress. We know that exercise, good food, connecting with nature, and resting are essential tools right now but sometimes it is difficult to find a balance when anxiety is acting out. Connect with your health care team and ask for help if you find that you fit into any of these categories and want support.

Mental and physical health is so important right now and we are here for you.