We want to talk about anxiety.

It isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [It is our honor to suggest that hope and help are real. ]( [Anxiety isn't a one-size-fits-all experience.]( Anxiety is something we have likely all felt at one point or another. It may have been situation-induced, like before a presentation or riding a rollercoaster. It may have been brought on by your brain repeating scary or negative statements. Or maybe, your anxiety is connected to a diagnosis like ADHD or depression. No matter what form your anxiety comes in, your experience is valid. Whether you struggle with anxiety daily, or it only seems to show up periodically, you deserve a toolbox that helps you cope with these feelings. No amount of anxiety is too small to seek help. [301 million people around the world, including 58 million children and adolescents, were living with an anxiety disorder in 2019.]( [In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% worldwide.]( [Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the country every year.]( [Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.]( Sources: 1. [World Health Organization]( | 2. [American Psychiatric Association]( 3. and Depression Association of America The truth about anxiety. Anxiety is physical and taps into our senses as a warning signal. It looks like fidgeting, like snapping your fingers or bouncing your legs. It feels like adrenaline with an increased heart rate and warmer body temperature. It sounds like trying to talk through chattering teeth or labored breathing. In some people it can have a “freezing” effect, making them feel unable to move like they are used to. When you feel anxiety, it can be normal to get angry or frustrated with your body’s response. “Why am I making this situation harder? Am I overreacting? Why does it feel like my body is disconnected from my brain?” These questions are valid, but we want to remind you that your body is not your enemy. It’s trying to be a team player and keep you safe from a perceived threat. In this case, we can learn to work with our bodies, not against them, to properly assess and manage what we’re feeling. What this management looks like is entirely up to you. We’ve heard of people who manage their anxiety by doing things like showering in the dark to create an atmosphere that isn’t overstimulating, playing music as loud as they can to distract themselves, and even doing a morning routine in the middle of the day to give themselves a fresh start. What do these things have in common? Nothing. This means that if something works for you, then it’s the right answer for you! Things like deep breathing and spoken affirmations tend to have a positive effect and can be done easily at any time. The response to your anxiety may look different each day, depending on where the anxiety comes from or what your surroundings are when it hits. There is no shame in taking the time and space you need to care for yourself. Your body and your brain are friends. They want to protect each other. It’s OK if they need a little help with that process. [Anxiety isn't a one-size-fits-all experience.]( Anxiety is something we have likely all felt at one point or another. It may have been situation-induced, like before a presentation or riding a rollercoaster. It may have been brought on by your brain repeating scary or negative statements. Or maybe, your anxiety is connected to a diagnosis like ADHD or depression. No matter what form your anxiety comes in, your experience is valid. Whether you struggle with anxiety daily, or it only seems to show up periodically, you deserve a toolbox that helps you cope with these feelings. No amount of anxiety is too small to seek help. [301 million people around the world, including 58 million children and adolescents, were living with an anxiety disorder in 2019.]( [In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% worldwide.]( [Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the country every year.]( [Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.]( Sources: 1. [World Health Organization]( | 2. [American Psychiatric Association]( 3.[Anxiety and Depression Association of America]( The truth about anxiety. Anxiety is physical and taps into our senses as a warning signal. It looks like fidgeting, like snapping your fingers or bouncing your legs. It feels like adrenaline with an increased heart rate and warmer body temperature. It sounds like trying to talk through chattering teeth or labored breathing. In some people it can have a “freezing” effect, making them feel unable to move like they are used to. When you feel anxiety, it can be normal to get angry or frustrated with your body’s response. “Why am I making this situation harder? Am I overreacting? Why does it feel like my body is disconnected from my brain?” These questions are valid, but we want to remind you that your body is not your enemy. It’s trying to be a team player and keep you safe from a perceived threat. In this case, we can learn to work with our bodies, not against them, to properly assess and manage what we’re feeling. What this management looks like is entirely up to you. We’ve heard of people who manage their anxiety by doing things like showering in the dark to create an atmosphere that isn’t overstimulating, playing music as loud as they can to distract themselves, and even doing a morning routine in the middle of the day to give themselves a fresh start. What do these things have in common? Nothing. This means that if something works for you, then it’s the right answer for you! Things like deep breathing and spoken affirmations tend to have a positive effect and can be done easily at any time. The response to your anxiety may look different each day, depending on where the anxiety comes from or what your surroundings are when it hits. There is no shame in taking the time and space you need to care for yourself. Your body and your brain are friends. They want to protect each other. It’s OK if they need a little help with that process. You are not alone. Managing and dealing with anxiety can be tiring. We see the effort and strength that you’re putting in and we hope the stories below can be a reminder that there are others fighting with you. [Dear Anxiety Podcast Episode]( [''My First Panic Attack'' by Osanna Bennett]( [''Dont Aplogize for Existing'' by Dragon Harris]( You are not alone. Managing and dealing with anxiety can be tiring. We see the effort and strength that you’re putting in and we hope the stories below can be a reminder that there are others fighting with you. [Anxiety is a Liar and a Thief Podcast Episode](   [Dear Anxiety Podcast Episode](   [''My First Panic Attack'' by Osanna Bennett]( [''Dont Apologize for Existing'' by Dragon Harris]( [''When Anxiety Doesn't Look Like Panic'' by Angie Gibbons]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. If you struggle with anxiety and want to share your story and experience, we invite you to submit a 400-900 word piece (no PDFs) for consideration to the TWLOHA Blog. These stories help us remind others that they are not alone on this journey. You can [send your writing](mailto:blogs@twloha.com)[here](mailto:blogs@twloha.com) for our team to review. (Please note this is a volunteer-based opportunity.) It won't last forever. We are confident that the hard parts of what you’re facing won’t last forever. There is no right or wrong way to tackle these feelings and you definitely don’t have to tackle them alone. We see you and we’re walking this road together, hand in hand. If you aren’t sure where to start, we encourage you to explore the resources available near you. Our FIND HELP Tool allows you to search by zip code and filter for professionals who specialize in anxiety. You deserve care and patience, both from yourself and others, as you navigate this healing. [EXPLORE THE RESOURCES]( [READ MORE]( Your story is important. If you struggle with anxiety and want to share your story and experience, we invite you to submit a 400-900 word piece (no PDFs) for consideration to the TWLOHA Blog. These stories help us remind others that they are not alone on this journey. You can [send your writing](mailto:blogs@twloha.com)[here](mailto:blogs@twloha.com) for our team to review. (Please note this is a volunteer-based opportunity.) It won't last forever. We are confident that the hard parts of what you’re facing won’t last forever. There is no right or wrong way to tackle these feelings and you definitely don’t have to tackle them alone. We see you and we’re walking this road together, hand in hand. If you aren’t sure where to start, we encourage you to explore the resources available near you. Our FIND HELP Tool allows you to search by zip code and filter for professionals who specialize in anxiety. You deserve care and patience, both from yourself and others, as you navigate this healing. [EXPLORE THE RESOURCES]( [Hope is real. Help is real. Your story is important. ]( [facebook]( [twitter]( [YouTube]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( [BLOG]( [DONATE]( [STORE]( [FIND HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA [facebook]( [twitter]( [YouTube]( [instagram]( [TikTok](tiktok.com/@twloha) ☰✕ [GET INVOLVED]( [BLOG]( [DONATE]( [STORE]( [FIND HELP]( PO Box 2203, Melbourne, FL 32902, USA You received this email from TWLOHA. If you would like to unsubscribe, [click here](.