At work or among your friends, you're probably known as a great person. Your work is always completed on time, your results are neat, and you're always reliable in any situation. From the outside, your life appears to be very successful and going well.
But, underneath all of this, do you often feel stressed inside? Are you constantly afraid of making mistakes, having trouble sleeping because of tomorrow's assignments, or feeling excessively anxious even when nothing major is happening?
If so, you might be experiencing anxiety hidden beneath your busy schedule. Let's recognize the signs and learn how to overcome it!
Anxiety Hidden Behind Being Busy?
Simply put, this condition is a feeling of anxiety and restlessness masked by high levels of productivity or achievement. Unlike normal anxiety, which can sometimes leave someone feeling weak or unwilling to engage in activities, this condition actually causes its victims to use their fear as a driving force to keep moving forward and work even harder.
While this condition may appear productive and successful on the outside, it's actually incredibly draining on both the body and soul. If left untreated, you risk experiencing extreme mental exhaustion and even severe stress.
Signs That Are Often Ignored
Because sufferers appear successful and normal on the outside, signs of this condition often go unnoticed. Be aware of the following if they start to occur in you or your coworkers:
- Too Much Demanding for Perfection: Always feeling that your work is not good enough and having an overwhelming fear of failure or other people's judgment.
- Difficulty Saying "No": Always taking on all tasks and responsibilities given for fear of disappointing others, even though it is already very draining on your energy and mind.
- Unstoppable Thoughts: Always overthinking small things, worrying about the worst possible outcome that may not happen, making it difficult to calm your mind even when on vacation or relaxing.
- Body starts to feel sore: Often feels stiff shoulders and neck, heart suddenly beats fast, stomach acid rises, and has difficulty sleeping soundly at night.
- Anxiety When Sitting Still: Feeling very guilty, anxious, or uncomfortable when just sitting still without doing anything.
The Right Steps to Restore Your Peace of Mind
Remember, feeling anxious is normal. As humans, it's natural to occasionally feel anxious when facing challenges. However, if this anxiety becomes excessive and interferes with your daily activities and well-being, it's time to pay more attention to your mental health.
To relieve sudden feelings of anxiety, you can try a breathing relaxation technique. Simply inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, hold it for a moment, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this several times until your heart rate stabilizes and your mind feels calmer.
In addition to self-care, consulting a psychologist is a very wise step. A psychologist will help you identify the root of your anxiety and provide appropriate strategies for managing it. With professional help, you can remain productive without feeling tormented by your own thoughts.
Consult with a Psychologist at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital
Holding in daily anxiety is not a wise choice. Remember, the greatest achievement in life is when you can achieve success while maintaining a calm mind. If you experience any of the signs above, take immediate action to restore your inner peace.
EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital's Psychology Services provide a safe, private, and comfortable consultation room. You can discuss directly with our experienced psychologists to find the stress management strategies that work best for you.
Don't let anxiety continue to plague your days. Contact EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital now to schedule your appointment!
The article was written by Mrs. Helena Kristina Leman, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist (Psychologist at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).