“Words matter—they can either clarify or confuse.”
In today’s fast-paced world, the term “anxiety” is often used casually, but are we overusing it? As a therapist in Singapore, I’ve observed how this trend can impact our understanding of mental health. In this blog, I’ll explore how we use the term “anxiety,” its true meaning, and how this overuse might affect our mental health awareness.
But here’s the issue: the rising use of the term “anxiety” for everyday worries has created confusion. Is this shift in language helping us understand mental health better, or is it trivializing genuine anxiety disorders?
“Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” — Arthur Somers Roche
Understanding the Definition of Anxiety
Anxiety is more than just feeling worried or stressed; it’s a clinical condition that can severely impact daily life. Anxiety disorders involve persistent, excessive worry that doesn’t go away and can include symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate. For example, one of my clients, Siti, struggled with constant worry and fear about her job performance, impacting her sleep and overall well-being. With the help of techniques like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), we were able to address the root causes of her anxiety and help her regain control over her life.
How Society Perceives Anxiety Today
In modern society, the term “anxiety” is often used to describe everyday stress or nervousness. This misuse can dilute the severity of actual anxiety disorders. For instance, my client Mei Ling came to me because she was constantly anxious about her upcoming wedding. While her stress was valid, it was essential to differentiate between normal pre-wedding nerves and clinical anxiety. Through transactional analysis (TA) and clinical hypnotherapy, she was able to address her fears and distinguish between everyday stress and something more serious.
The Impact of Overusing Anxiety on Mental Health Awareness
Overusing the term “anxiety” can diminish the understanding of its clinical significance. When people misuse anxiety terminology, it can lead to misunderstandings about the severity of actual anxiety disorders. This can also impact those who suffer from genuine anxiety, making it harder for them to seek help. I worked with Arjun, who felt dismissed by his peers because they didn’t understand that his anxiety was more than just “worrying too much.” By combining Brainspotting with Systematic Desensitisation, we were able to tackle his anxiety head-on, helping him feel understood and supported.
Differentiating Between Anxiety and Everyday Stress
It’s crucial to differentiate between clinical anxiety and normal stress reactions. Stress is a normal part of life and can even be motivating in certain situations. In contrast, persistent and overwhelming stress may evolve into an anxiety disorder. Take the case of Ravi, who came to me with what he described as “anxiety” over his public speaking duties at work. Through talk therapy and visualisation techniques, we identified that what he was experiencing was more about performance anxiety rather than a generalised anxiety disorder. Understanding this distinction helped us tailor his treatment more effectively.
The Role of Media in Shaping Anxiety Perceptions
There is a strong influence of the media on how we perceive mental health, including anxiety. When headlines constantly scream about “anxiety epidemics” or when social media influencers casually talk about their “anxiety,” it can skew public understanding. While it’s good that mental health is being discussed more openly, inaccurate terminology is also essential. In therapy, I often help clients navigate the overwhelming information they encounter online, teaching them to assess what they read and hear about mental health critically.
When Does Anxiety Become a Disorder?
Understanding the distinction between everyday anxiety and clinical anxiety is crucial. Here’s what you need to know:
Symptoms of Everyday Anxiety:
- Feeling nervous before a test or interview.
- Worrying about paying bills or meeting deadlines.
- Experiencing mild discomfort in social settings.
Symptoms of Clinical Anxiety Disorders:
- Excessive Worry: Worrying about everyday situations more than necessary.
- Physical Symptoms: Muscle tension, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, or sweating.
- Avoidance: Avoiding people, places, or activities that trigger anxiety.
- Impairment: Difficulty functioning in school, work, or personal relationships.
If symptoms persist for six months or more and significantly affect daily life, it’s time to seek professional help.
Common Anxiety Disorders Include:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Specific Phobias
Expert Opinions on the Use of Anxiety Terminology
Experts agree that while it’s important to acknowledge and talk about mental health, we must also be careful not to trivialise severe conditions. Misusing the term “anxiety” can lead to misunderstandings and prevent people from getting the help they need. As a therapist, I advocate for the accurate use of mental health terminology. Both professionals and the public need to understand what anxiety truly is and how it differs from everyday stress or worry.
Steps to Use Mental Health Terms More Accurately
So, how can we use mental health terms more accurately? First, educating ourselves about the differences between everyday stress and clinical anxiety is essential. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to say you’re stressed, but reserve the term “anxiety” for situations where it truly applies. Secondly, if you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from an anxiety disorder, seeking professional help is crucial. As I’ve seen in my work with clients like Siti, Mei Ling, and Arjun, accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment can make a difference.
Treatment Options for Clinical Anxiety
If anxiety goes beyond everyday stress, professional treatment can help. Common approaches include:
1. Therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Teaches strategies to manage anxiety.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Particularly effective for anxiety stemming from trauma.
- Brainspotting: Helps process unresolved traumas and emotional triggers that contribute to anxiety.
- Hypnotherapy: Utilizes relaxation and focused attention to address the root causes of anxiety and reframe negative thought patterns.
2. Medication:
- Anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants may be prescribed.
- Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
3. Lifestyle Changes:
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and consistent sleep routines can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
4. Support Groups:
- Joining a group of individuals with similar experiences can provide comfort and coping strategies.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a severe condition that deserves our attention and understanding. While it’s encouraging that mental health is becoming a more common topic of conversation, we must ensure we’re using the correct terminology. By doing so, we can help those who are genuinely suffering from anxiety disorders receive the support they need while also fostering a healthier understanding of stress and mental health in general.
References:
- American Psychiatric Association: Information on anxiety disorders and their symptoms. Available at psychiatry.org.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Resources on identifying and managing anxiety disorders. Available at nimh.nih.gov.
- Mind (UK): Articles and support guides about anxiety and mental health. Available at mind.org.uk.
- Psychology Today: Exploring the overuse of terms like “anxiety” in modern culture. Available at psychologytoday.com.
- BetterHelp Blog: Responsible language use when discussing anxiety and mental health. Available at betterhelp.com.
