Empowering Women: Understanding and combatting Anxiety
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month! As a women’s wellness coach, I believe it is crucial to address one of the most prevalent mental health challenges faced by women today: anxiety. I’m confident it creeps in for all of us from time to time. I know it can be debilitating for some. Many of us live with anxiety and have found ways to navigate it over time and many of us struggle daily. For me it’s recognizing it before it reaches a point that I can’t implement those coping strategies I’ve learned in therapy. Let’s take a look at Anxiety.
Understanding Anxiety in Women
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can significantly impact a woman's mental and emotional well-being. Women are more likely to experience anxiety disorders compared to men, often due to a combination of biological, psychological, and societal factors.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety in Women
Persistent worry and fear: Women with anxiety often find themselves trapped in a cycle of excessive worry, fearing the worst-case scenarios, and struggling to let go of negative thoughts. I have a film real on repeat in my head and I know that sounds kind of crazy but I’m confident I’m not the only one thinking about all the ways the world is going to get me today. 🌏
Physical manifestations: Anxiety can manifest as physical symptoms, including rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, muscle tension, headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue. Always in my stomach however as a teenager I use to have terrible migraines and often wonder if it was anxiety induced. 🫦
Sleep disturbances: Women with anxiety may experience difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up frequently during the night. ✅ Yup, I don’t know that I have ever slept with out tossing and turning multiple time throughout the night.
Emotional challenges: Anxiety can lead to mood swings, irritability, restlessness, and a sense of being overwhelmed by everyday tasks. I can relate to irritability at times and that feeling of overwhelm when I look at all the things I need to tackle. 📃
Social withdrawal: Some women may feel compelled to isolate themselves from social situations, avoiding interactions that trigger their anxiety.
Causes of Anxiety in Women
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause can contribute to heightened anxiety in women.
Societal pressures: Women often face societal expectations and pressures related to appearance, career success, relationships, and family, which can fuel anxiety.
Traumatic experiences: Past traumatic events, such as abuse, loss, or significant life changes, can leave women more susceptible to anxiety.
Genetic predisposition: Certain individuals may have a genetic vulnerability to anxiety disorders, making them more likely to develop symptoms.
Empowering Strategies to Combat Anxiety
Seek support: Reach out to a mental health professional or a coach like myself who has years of experience working with people who have anxiety and my own personal experience. They can provide guidance, tools, and support tailored to your unique needs.
Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction. Engage in activities such as exercise, meditation, deep breathing, journaling, or pursuing hobbies you enjoy. I call this my self-care journey and sometimes I’m very good at making this a priority. I call it a work in progress. Signup for my self care reset to find what you need for a self-care routine.
Challenge negative thoughts: Learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety. Replace them with positive affirmations and realistic perspectives.
Establish healthy boundaries: Set clear boundaries in your personal and professional life to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Learn to say "no" without guilt and make time for activities that rejuvenate you. YES, sister! Boundaries, #1! 💯
Build a support network: Surround yourself with positive and understanding individuals who can provide emotional support. Joining support groups or connecting with like-minded women can also be beneficial. I’m offering a virtual women’s empowerment circle the last Wednesday each month. Check it out! (❁´◡`❁)
Practice mindfulness: Cultivate mindfulness by staying present in the moment and focusing on your senses. This practice can help reduce anxiety by grounding you in the here and now. 💕
By recognizing the symptoms, understanding the causes, and implementing empowering strategies, women can take control of their mental well-being. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, and with the right tools and mindset, women can combat anxiety and live a more empowered, fulfilled life. Let's make Mental Health Awareness Month a time of unity, empathy, and empowerment for all women. Together, we can create a supportive environment where mental wellness is what drives your day.
Love you for YOU sister! 👯♀️
~Jess
