Episode 21: Is anxiety a choice?
EPISODE SUMMARY
It’s not much of a surprise, any shows we talk about mental health are some of our most popular shows -- it just goes to show how much women are struggling with mental health, and maybe unsure how to have these discussions or possibly hiding their struggles. We want to encourage you with this discussion and if you’re struggling with mental health, you are not alone! Join us today as we answer the question “Is anxiety a choice?”
THE CONVERSATION
Today we are answering the question “is anxiety a choice?”
Elizabeth started by defining anxiety: a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.
Kara-Kae shared her own experience of dealing with anxiety.
We asked the question, “Is anxiety a choice?” on social media, and one listener, @mostrehlow, commented, “Nope! Not a choice. Anxiety is so broad - there are so many types and causes. Some cases are in response to life events, while other cases are caused by a chemical imbalance. I’m clinically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder (OCD), have been in intensive therapy and am finally taking medicine that has worked wonders. I can trace my anxiety back to my very earliest memories of childhood, and I even had the most desirable of childhoods. Mine is a chemical imbalance and then made more severe by anxiety-producing life events.
@mommawhite24 commented: “After experiencing postpartum anxiety, I definitely don't believe it is a choice. I feel like choices would be under my control and I was definitely not in control of that.”
@anna_panda50 wrote, “Is pain a choice? Is an illness a choice? No way! In the same way, anxiety is not a choice. It’s the body’s innate response to the body pouring fight for flight chemicals to the brain. What we can choose is how we manage it.”
The church often tells people with anxiety to “pray more” and “try harder.” Both Kara-Kae and Elizabeth believe prayer is an important part of anyone’s life, no matter what they are dealing with. However, with anxiety and other mental illness, medication and other interventions are also necessary.
How can we manage our mental health and anxiety?
Elizabeth suggested starting with a doctor.
Both women shared their experiences with and views about counseling.
Elizabeth also suggests a support group.
Kara-Kae talked about finding safe people and safe spaces where you can be authentic and honest.
Elizabeth shared that anxiety disorders have the highest prevalence of any mental health disorder in the U.S., impacting nearly 20% of adults each year."
If someone you know is struggling with anxiety, the women offer this advice:
Kara-Kae reminds people that they are not alone and their journey will be unique. She also encourages people to ask for help.
For family and friends, she encourages people to understand where the person is. Do some research to help you understand and listen to them.
RESOURCES TO REFRAME OUR THINKING
Elizabeth recommends the TV show, Making a Model with Yolanda Hadid. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure!
Kara-Kae recommends the show, This is Us, especially the episodes in season 1 that portray Randall struggling with anxiety.