Are Stress & Anxiety Dictating The Way You Live?
Do you have difficulty relaxing or feeling at ease—even in ordinary situations around those you trust? Are you always on edge, mentally rehearsing worst-case scenarios or fending off negative thoughts that come out of nowhere?
Perhaps you find mundane tasks like driving a car or going into public so overwhelming that you’ve begun to neglect small but important aspects of your life. Or maybe you constantly feel exhausted from putting on a good face and powering through the stress and fear for your career or relationships—but it’s just getting too much.
If you are dealing with anxiety on any level, it can have a powerful impact on your life. You may have difficulty sleeping and wake up lacking the energy or motivation to start the day. Worrisome thoughts about your challenges begin to churn as you mechanically leave the house.
Likely, you can’t concentrate at work because all your attention is laser-beam focused on fighting a steady undercurrent of fear and self-doubt. A deep sense of dread is probably slowly making your world smaller as you increasingly avoid anything that might trigger anxiety symptoms or a panic attack. At this point, it probably feels like nothing can change—but there is hope.
At Insideout Living, we can show you how to reclaim your life from stress and anxiety so you can live with greater confidence and peace. Whether you are struggling to navigate the stresses of your daily routine or living with symptoms of an anxiety disorder, we would be honored to help you find relief.
Anxiety Is Becoming Increasingly Prevalent Throughout Our Culture
If a clinical anxiety disorder is disrupting your life, you are not alone. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), over 40 million adults suffer from some form of anxiety—making it the most common mental health concern in the US. Not even children are immune to these statistics, with over 25 percent of kids between the ages of 13 and 18 reporting symptoms of anxiety.*
There are so many factors that determine what causes or contributes to anxiety. Family history, a person’s brain chemistry, or exposure to certain stressors can play a part in the onset of anxiety. A difficult life transition, loss, or traumatic experience can plant seeds for anxiety to grow.
Moreover, cultural messages embedded in social media, advertising, and movies make people second-guess their values and self-worth. That means many people constantly worry about whether they are beautiful, successful, or wealthy enough—and how they measure up to everyone else. Even the loss and uncertainty created by the pandemic have fueled anxiety, so there is a strong reason for its prevalence in our culture.
Unfortunately, many people see their stress and anxiety as a normal part of life that is unavoidable. However, with the help of a kind and compassionate anxiety counselor, you can learn to acknowledge your self-worth and find practical ways to stop worrying and start living.
Top 3 Causes Of Anxiety For Men & Women
Anxiety is a pervasive and complex mental health issue that affects individuals of all genders and walks of life. However, it is important to recognize that anxiety may manifest differently in men and women due to societal expectations, biological factors, and psychological sensitivities. In this essay, we will explore the top three causes of anxiety for both men and women, shedding light on the unique challenges each group faces in their journey toward emotional well-being.
1. Societal Pressures & Expectations:
One of the primary causes of anxiety for both men and women stems from the weight of societal pressures and expectations placed upon them. Men are often expected to embody traditional notions of masculinity, including strength, emotional resilience, and the ability to provide for their families. These expectations can create a deep fear of failure and vulnerability, leading to excessive stress and anxiety.
On the other hand, women face the pressures of conforming to an idealized feminine image ingrained in society. The constant strive for physical perfection, juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, and the struggle for equal representation can contribute to chronic stress and anxiety. Both men and women grapple with societal expectations that can be suffocating, causing anxiety to become a significant mental health concern.
2. Career and Financial Concerns:
The demands and uncertainties associated with careers and finances represent another common cause of anxiety for men and women alike. Men may often feel the burden of the sole breadwinner mentality, feeling immense pressure to excel in their careers and provide stability for their families. The fear of falling short or losing their job can result in perpetual worry and anxiety.
Women, too, experience anxiety related to their careers, but they may also face additional stressors such as the wage gap, limited opportunities for growth in male-dominated industries, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. The fear of not being able to support oneself or facing financial instability can greatly contribute to anxiety levels among women.
3. Relationship & Social Challenges:
Relationship dynamics and social interactions can significantly impact mental health, contributing to anxiety in both men and women. Men are often conditioned to suppress their emotions and dismiss vulnerability, leading to strained interpersonal relationships. The fear of rejection or not meeting societal expectations of being strong and in control can generate tremendous anxiety.
Women, on the other hand, often face anxiety stemming from societal pressures to maintain harmonious relationships and the fear of judgment from others. Additionally, the constant questioning of self-worth in romantic relationships, body image concerns, and the challenges of finding equal and fulfilling partnerships can all contribute to significant anxiety in women.
Let Us Help You Discover A Life Of Confidence & Peace
If you are ready to stop living your life according to the limitations of fear and doubt, we can help. Please call 847 328 7588 ext 501 for your free 10 to 15-minute phone consultation to see how our comprehensive and holistic approach to anxiety treatment can relieve stress and help you live the life you were meant to.
*https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
