Mixed Emotions
The last couple of years have been tough, and with everything constantly changing, it’s hard to find the right words to describe how we’re feeling. One moment we might be excited for the day and then the next, we can’t be bothered. Or maybe we might be hopeful for the future, and then feel really worried about it.
Feeling HappyFlat
Feeling ChillPanic
Feeling WorryHope
When you’re excited for the day ahead
When everything around you is calm,
but just can’t be bothered anymore.
but inside you’re stressing out.
Constantly switching between looking
While many people are understandably
For people who experience social anxiety,
How much worry is too much? And when
struggling, there are plenty of others who aren’t, but who wouldn’t say they were thriving either. Those in this position don’t know how to describe it. If you’re
adapting life after lockdown may feel
forward to the future & being worried by it. does a natural response to a stressful
hard. Social anxiety – or social phobia
situation become something more serious?
– isn’t just about being a bit nervous or
Things that can bring on feelings of stress:
uncomfortable around others, it’s a mental
• Experiencing something new or
Because languishing can feel like being
and physical battle.
in limbo, you might not recognise it in
What are the signs?
• Things that threaten our sense of self
Common signs may include excessive
• Feeling as though we have little control
yourself. Be mindful of the following changes: • Not enjoying activities they usually do • Cutting back on work • Trouble focusing
sweating, shaking, blushing or stuttering when trying to speak. In addition to worrying about how you look, you may also worry that you will do or say the wrong thing and end up publicly
How do you combat it?
humiliated and embarrassed.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. One
How to keep your cool in the moment
approach is to try and find a state of ‘flow’. This could be painting, gardening, running or playing guitar. It could be doing jigsaw puzzles or just reading a book. Everyone will have a different approach to finding an activity that helps them achieve flow.
• Challenge your negative thoughts • Distract yourself • Delay your thoughts - Set aside time to think about negative thoughts later. • Breathe
unexpected
over a situation.
What is anxiety? While everyone feels
anxious at times, anxiety is more than just
feeling worried or stressed. These feelings
are a common response to a situation where
we feel under strain. This usually passes once the source of stress has gone.
What is depression? Feeling low, irritable
or sad now and again is completely natural,
but if you’re experiencing these feelings for
longer than a month, to the point where your
life is seriously impacted, it’s time to get help. Contacting your GP is the first step.
To find out more about Beyond Blue, click here. To donate points click here. If you need assistance visit Beyond Blue’s support services. Our mental health professionals are available 24/7 on1300 22 4636, Web chat (3pm-12am AEST) and email (responses within 24hrs). For immediate support call Lifeline on 13 11 14 and in an emergency, always call triple zero (000).
