Guide for Conquering Embarrassment Related to Anxiety Disorders

Assistance in Conquering Embarrassment Concerning Anxiety Issues

In today's fast-paced world, anxiety and feelings of shame are becoming increasingly common. Let's delve into these emotions, their connections, and how to manage them.

Anxiety, a state of worry, nervousness, or fear, can lead to physical symptoms as well as unpleasant emotions such as guilt and extreme embarrassment. Shame, a heightened state of self-consciousness, can result in feelings of self-loathing. Understanding what these emotions are can help in managing and coping with them.

If you're experiencing disruptive side effects from anti-anxiety medications, it's important to discuss them with your prescribing clinician. Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may take several weeks to reduce anxiety symptoms and may require dosage adjustments. However, side effects such as agitation, sexual difficulties, and sleep issues can contribute to feelings of shame.

It's essential to remember that what works for one person may not work for another when it comes to treatment options for anxiety. Temporary anxiety is often related to a specific event or scenario, while an anxiety disorder is a mental health condition where ongoing anxiousness interferes with daily life. If you're feeling anxious and ashamed, it may be helpful to determine if your anxiety is fleeting or a sign of an anxiety disorder.

Screening tests can help determine if it's time to talk with a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment of an anxiety disorder. Resources are available for finding and vetting a therapist for anxiety.

In managing anxiety and shame, identifying and understanding triggers is key. Shame can be triggered by doing something perceived as wrong or socially unacceptable, or feeling unworthy of positive treatment or benefits. Assigning an image or emoji to feelings of shame can help distance oneself from the emotion. Sitting with feelings of shame and having a conversation with oneself can help manage anxiety.

If anxiety shame is due to the social stigma associated with mental health conditions, it is a stigma that needs to change. Acknowledging feelings of shame and letting them go can help manage anxiety. Remember, it's okay to seek help and it's okay to feel the way you do.

In Germany, organisations offer free online therapy and support for anxiety disorders. These include peer-supported chat services like PEER4U for young people, psychosocial crisis chat lines providing anonymous, professional support especially for those under 25, and some platforms offering free self-assessments and video therapy options. However, fully free professional psychotherapy online is rare and often supplemented by health insurance or private services.

Research suggests that shame is an adaptive emotion that originated to perpetuate social hierarchy. However, it can make anxiety worse by causing avoidance of dealing with the emotion. If you find yourself avoiding situations due to feelings of shame, it might be beneficial to confront those feelings head-on.

In conclusion, understanding and managing anxiety and shame requires self-awareness, seeking help when needed, and patience. Remember, it's a journey, and it's okay to take your time.