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Let’s Talk Anxiety Stigma and Mental Wellness

Let’s Talk Anxiety Stigma and Mental Wellness


Let’s Talk Anxiety Stigma and Mental Wellness

Ever felt that knot in your stomach? That racing heart right before a big presentation or maybe even when you’re just trying to relax? Then it’s time to talk.

Do You Ever Feel Like You’re the Only One?

We all experience anxiety sometimes. It’s a normal human emotion, our built-in alarm system. It tells us when there might be danger lurking, helps us get ready for challenges, and even motivates us to prepare. Think about that nervous energy before a test—it can push you to study, work, or concentrate a bit harder.

But what happens when that alarm system gets stuck? When the feeling isn’t just a fleeting moment before a job interview, but a constant part of your life? When it keeps you up at night, makes everyday tasks feel monumental, and whispers worries into your ear even when everything is seemingly fine? That’s often when we step into the territory of what healthcare professionals call anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misunderstanding swirling around that topic.

We have been conditioned to be comfortable discussing our physical health—a broken leg, a cold, high blood pressure. But mentioning an anxiety disorder isn’t often met with the same level of understanding. People might shift uncomfortably, change the subject, or worse, offer up well-meaning yet unhelpful platitudes like, “Just relax,” or “Snap out of it!” This is where the anxiety stigma really digs its heels in. =And it’s doing a lot of harm.

Beyond Just “Feeling Nervous”: Understanding the Real Situation

Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions that cause persistence, excessive, and often debilitating worry and fear. These aren’t feelings you can simply switch off. They can significantly impact how a person thinks, feels, and behaves and can cause very real physical symptoms too.

Here’s a quick look at a few common types:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)—Constant worry, even when there’s no clear reason.
  • Panic Disorder—Sudden episodes of intense fear—your heart races, your breath shortens, your world spins.
  • Selective Mutism—Not being able to speak around a person or a group of people, maybe under some specific circumstances because of worry mixed with fear. (Raj from “The Big Bang Theory” had it and couldn’t talk to women without drinking alcohol.)
  • Social Anxiety Disorder—Overwhelming fear of being judged or embarrassed in public settings.
  • Phobias—intense fears about specific things (like flying, snakes, or spiders) that disrupt daily life or make it nearly impossible for you to attend some activities.

And that’s just a few!
Why do these happen? It’s rarely one single thing. It’s usually a mix—maybe some genetic predisposition (it can run in families), brain chemistry imbalances, difficult life experiences (trauma, stress), and even certain medical conditions can play a role. It’s complex, multilayered, and definitely not just about being “weak” or a “drama queen.”

The symptoms can be wildly different for everyone, but common ones include feeling restless or on edge, being easily fatigued, having trouble concentrating, being irritable, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping. Physically? The list goes on: sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and dizziness. It’s a whole-body experience, not just “in your head.”

The “Just Calm Down” Myth and Other Stigma Traps

Now, let’s address the most pressing issue: the misconception about anxiety that it isn’t a legitimate medical condition. This myth is probably the main driver of social stigma and anxiety. The idea that it’s a character flaw or that someone should simply “get over it.” Not true at all. Like diabetes or asthma, anxiety disorders are real, diagnosable illnesses. They have actual biological and psychological factors.

One more harmful myth? Those who suffer from anxiety are merely looking for attention. Again, completely untrue. The majority of people who suffer from severe anxiety are making an honest attempt to hide it. The fear of being judged, of being viewed as “weak” or “crazy,” is a very strong emotion. The stigma associated with anxiety is kept alive by this silence.

And what about the idea that only certain types of people get anxiety? Anxiety doesn’t discriminate. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or life circumstances. From the high-powered executive to the stay-at-home parent, the students acing their exams to the retiree enjoying their golden years.

This lack of awareness for anxiety and the pervasive myths creates a toxic environment. When people fear being judged or misunderstood, they’re far less likely to reach out for help. They suffer in silence, often for years, which can make their anxiety worse and lead to other health problems, like depression. Stigma doesn’t just hurt feelings; it actively harms health and well-being.

The Added Layer: Anxiety and Women

It’s also important to remember that, particularly for women, anxiety might occasionally reveal itself in somewhat different ways or be triggered by certain pressures. According to research, women are diagnosed with anxiety disorders at a higher rate than men. Women may experience a variety of stresses related to work-life balance, caregiving responsibilities, or social expectations regarding behavior and emotions. We also understand that hormonal variations through a woman’s life cycle influence serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn influence mood and anxiety. Men may express their fear through diverse activities, whereas women may exhibit more absorbing worry. In order to raise awareness of anxiety and make sure that everyone receives the appropriate care, it is important to understand these nuances.

Anxiety Treatment and Talking About It

Here’s the good part, and it’s important: anxiety disorders are treatable. People can do and get better. It’s not a life sentence.
What helps? Often, it’s a combination of things. Talking therapies, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), are incredibly effective. They help people understand their thought patterns and develop healthier ways of reacting to anxious feelings. Sometimes, medication can be a necessary and helpful tool to manage symptoms, especially severe ones, allowing therapy to be more effective. And let’s not forget the power of lifestyle changes—regular exercise, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and eating well can all make a big difference in managing anxiety levels.

But perhaps just as crucial as professional help is the power of connection and support. Leaning on understanding friends and family, joining a support group where you can share experiences with others who get it—these are invaluable. Knowing you’re not alone in this fight is incredibly empowering.

This is where breaking the anxiety stigma comes into play. The more we talk openly and honestly about anxiety, the more we normalize it as a health issue, not a personal failing. We need to challenge those myths whenever we hear them. We need to educate ourselves and others. We need to create safe spaces for people to share their struggles without fear of judgment. This kind of awareness of anxiety is contagious in the best possible way.

It starts with each of us. Maybe it’s sharing your own experience if you feel comfortable or simply listening with empathy when someone confides in you. It’s choosing to respond with understanding instead of that uncomfortable silence or those dismissive phrases. It’s about recognizing that seeking help for anxiety is a sign of strength, of courage, of taking charge of your well-being.

Mental health is an important part of your overall health. Your physician and your community are ready and willing to help, so don’t be shy about opening up and admitting that you need help. You deserve to feel better.

Eileen West, MD, FACP, NCMP, CCD

Eileen West, MD, FACP, NCMP, CCD

Leading the way in women's healthcare is renowned board-certified internal medicine doctor Dr. Eileen West. She has over 20 years of experience and is recognized for her expertise in menopause, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease prevention. Her excellence-driven compassionate approach, which is associated with the American College of Physicians, improves the lives of her patients by putting a strong emphasis on their overall well-being.

Location: Fairfax, Virginia

Areas of Expertise: Women's Health, Menopause Management, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Osteoporosis Diagnosis and Treatment.


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