Writing and Anxiety

The good, the bad, and the ugly.

Photo by Fernando @cferdo on Unsplash

Before I get into the thick of it, I need to make sure that we’re on the same page. When I use the word anxiety, I don’t necessarily mean anxiety disorders. Experience of occasional anxiety is a normal part of being alive. The problem occurs when occasionally becomes the new normal.

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. — Apa.org

Common signs and symptoms:

• Nervous, restless or tense
• Sense of danger, panic or doom
• Increased heart rate
• Shallow and rapid breath
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or tired
• Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
• Having trouble sleeping
• Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
• Having difficulty controlling worry
• Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

The good

Writing can help you cope with anxiety by giving you a release valve for the worrying thoughts. It can help process…