The Untold History Of Anxiety: How It All Went Down

Anxiety is the critical guest who always arrives uninvited and leaves at the first touch of welcome. Everyone claims that they know anxiety well. We tend to observe it in others; we spend a lot of our time trying to analyse and read books about it, but when we finally get an opportunity to access this travelling hyper and solicitous visitor from a different perspective, then in many ways we are speechless.

This article aims to provide a brief history of anxiety, how it has affected people over time, and how our understanding of it has changed. It starts with a quick overview of the different types of anxiety disorders before delving into a more detailed discussion of the history of anxiety. The article describes how anxiety has been classified and diagnosed differently over time. And explains how our understanding of anxiety has evolved, from early theories that saw it as a form of madness, to more modern views that recognise it as a normal human emotion. Our understanding of anxiety is still evolving; we need to continue to learn about anxiety in order learning about anxiety to understand better and treat it.

Remembrances from a transpersonal point of viewFirst and foremost, it's essential to understand that anxiety is not a new phenomenon.

It has been around for centuries, and our ancestors likely experienced some form of anxiety in their lifetime. Anxiety is one of the most common human emotions.

That said, there's no doubt that anxiety has taken on a different form in recent years. Thanks to the technological advances of the modern world, we now live in a constant state of stress and worry. We're constantly connected to our devices and the outside world, which can trigger feelings of anxiety.

Interestingly, this increase in anxiety has coincided with the rise of the transpersonal perspective. This point of view considers the spiritual aspects of our existence and aims to help us find a deeper understanding of ourselves. Proponents of the transpersonal perspective believe that a disconnection from our true selves often causes anxiety. We can feel anxious and lost when unaware of who we are. This is where mindfulness comes in. By becoming more aware of our thoughts and feelings, we can start to connect with our inner selves again. This can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace and well-being.

From a transpersonal point of view, anxiety is an emotion experienced when disconnected from our true selves. When anxious, we are not aligned with who we are. We may be afraid of something in our lives, or we may be worried about the future. Whatever the case, anxiety is a sign that we need to connect with our authentic selves. There are many ways to do this. One way is to take some time for yourself and meditate or pray. This will help you to quiet your mind and connect with your higher self. Anxiety will begin to dissipate when you can connect with your true self. You will no longer feel like you are on edge all the time. Instead, you will feel at peace and centred. You will be centred because you are connected with your Higher Power.

The pressure needed to be a workaholic today

To be a workaholic today, one needs an immense amount of pressure. This can come from different sources, such as societal expectations, family members, or even self-inflicted pressure. For many people, the thought of not working or having downtime is unthinkable. They may feel like they're not good enough or that they'll never amount to anything if they're not constantly hustling. The problem with this way of thinking is that it's not sustainable and will eventually lead to burnout. If you're someone who feels like you need to be working all the time to be successful, it's essential to find a balance. Make sure to take time for yourself every day, even if it's just 10-15 minutes. Relax and rejuvenate to be your best self when you're on the clock. Sustained pressure leads to burnout

Stress as a nation

Stress is the silent killer slowly ruining our health and productivity. And it's only getting worse. According to the American Psychological Association, stress levels in America are at an all-time high, with nearly one-third of us reporting experiencing extreme stress in the past year. Stress isn't just a mental health issue; it also affects our physical health. So what's driving this increase in stress? There are several factors, but some of the biggest include the following:

- The current state of the economy: Economic insecurity is one of Americans’ most significant stress sources. With job security at an all-time low and wages stagnating, it's no wonder we're all feeling the pressure.

- The 24/7 news cycle: In today's hyper-connected world, we're bombarded with constant negative news updates. This can heighten our anxiety and make us feel like there's always something to worry about.

- Social media: Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can also be a significant source of anxiety. Constantly comparing our lives to others can trigger feelings of inadequacy and increase stress levels.

Depression and anxiety running run rampant.

Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health disorders in the Western world. One in four adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and one in ten will experience a depressive disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterised by excessive worry or fear, which can interfere with daily activities. Common anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Depression is characterised by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and low energy levels.

Both depression and anxiety can have a profound impact on someone's life. They can both lead to problems with work, education, and personal relationships. If left untreated, depression and anxiety can add to serious health problems such as heart disease and substance abuse. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for both depression and anxiety. Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes can all help to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, please seek professional help.