Do you know that even a positive thinker and optimistic individual that always pay attention to his mental and emotional health could get anxiety? Yes. Unfortunately, even if the person exists to believe that he can confidently cope with mental health problems sometimes suffer a lot from stress-related anxiety.

No, I am trying to emphasize a negative idea here. I am just stating that even an individual who knows how to take care of himself, aware of his surroundings, and knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms of mental illness; is not exempted from having one. That is because anxiety is a natural response to danger. It is either a positive or negative apprehension of the things that are about to come.

 

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Sadly, a lot of people are not familiar with anxiety’s severity. With that, most of them tend to ignore the emotional and mental health damage it brings. For you to avoid being one of them, allow me to share with you some tips about anxiety, its psychology, and treatment from these frequently asked questions.

How does psychology help with anxiety?

By going through cognitive behavioral therapy, mental health professionals guide patients to learn to recognize and deal with the factors that cause their anxiety. By utilizing the cognitive part of the therapy, individuals with anxiety have a clearer understanding of how their thoughts and beliefs add to their anxiety symptoms.

But take note, before engaging in therapy treatment, you should first find the right therapist for you. It is important to feel comfortable with your healthcare provider to exert an effort and cooperate.

What is the best treatment for anxiety?

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, entails working with a mental health professional to decrease anxiety symptoms. It is an effective anxiety treatment. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is one of the most popular types of psychotherapy.

CBT is the leading therapy treatment because it gives individuals hope about their condition and allows them to understand the nature of mental health. It helps with self-esteem development, relaxation, and rational thought processes.

What are the six types of anxiety disorders?

The six known major forms of anxiety disorders include specific phobia, panic disorder, separation anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and social anxiety disorder.

If you notice or experience some of these mental health disorders’ signs and symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

What is the medical term for anxiety?

Anxiety is medically known as a generalized anxiety disorder. It is characterized by six or more months of overwhelming nervousness and worry that is baseless or more intense than the usual anxiety that most individuals suffer.

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What is the true definition of anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling described as emotions of worry, tension, and physical changes such as increased blood pressure, among others. Individuals with anxiety typically have meddling thoughts. They may try to avoid specific situations because of their overwhelming worry.

But of course, anxiety is not all that bad. Anxiety can be beneficial in some ways as it can make you smarter. It gives you an edge of alertness to protect yourself from harm. It directs you to your deepest core value and helps you with the discovery of your true potential. Anxiety provides you enough access to the energy necessary for an immediate response.

What are the main causes of anxiety?

The most common causes of anxiety include:

• Changes in living conditions
• Unemployment or workplace stress
• Pregnancy and delivery
• Death of a loved one
• Physical, emotional, verbal, or sexual abuse
• Family and relationships issues

Can you get rid of anxiety?

You can make anxiety disappear completely, but you can decrease the frequency of episodes from occurring. You can do this by recognizing your triggers. Despite when your anxiety symptoms started, your mind is likely overwhelmed with worry, and you are constantly expecting things and situations to be at their worst.

It would help if you stayed focused on getting rid of the signs and symptoms of anxiety. Remember not to allow yourself to fall into despair just because you think you can’t handle a situation. Get rid of your anxiety by staying emotionally, physically, and mentally active all the time.

Is anxiety a mental illness?

While one or two anxiety episodes are fine, anxiety disorders are a lot different. They are composed of a range of mental illnesses that trigger fear, tension, and anxiety. The extreme anxiety causes a person to avoid school, work, family gatherings, and other social events that might cause his symptoms to increase.

What can trigger anxiety attacks?

All these may trigger anxiety:

• Caffeine
• Health problems
• Financial stress
• Medications
• Conflict
• Skipping meals
• Social situations

Negative thoughts

 How do I cope with anxiety?

You can manage your anxiety by:

• Maintaining a well-balanced diet
• Avoiding too much caffeine and alcohol
• Spending time for yourself
• Doing slow counts in your mind
• Taking deep breaths
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Exercising

Can anxiety go away by itself?

Mild to moderate anxiety may disappear by itself or follow the event that caused the anxiety. However, chronic anxiety frequently exists and may even worsen.

It is essential to understand that anxiety stays for longer periods and does not go away independently. So it would help if you looked for ways to reduce its negative effect so it won’t take a toll on your daily life.

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Does anxiety go away with time?

Some bouts of anxiety are shorter than others, persisting for a few minutes to several days. However, for some people, these anxiety episodes are not merely passing concerns or a disappointing workday, and the anxiety may not disappear for weeks, months, or even years.

Is anxiety all in your head?

Perhaps it is true that anxiety is all in the head, as it begins in the head. Each of us experiences some bouts of anxiety at various points in our lives. It is our brain’s way of preparing us to confront or escape a threatening situation.

What can anxiety do to your body?

Anxiety stimulates your “flight or fight” response and releases a surge of chemicals and hormones, such as adrenaline, throughout your body. It increases your breathing and heart rate for your brain to acquire more oxygen for a brief time. It also prepares you for threatening or worrying situations that you are about to face.

 

My situation is not different from what my other LGBTQ families have. If you go on the streets, there is still a huge part of disgust, discrimination, and judgment that can make us lose ourselves over an emotional battle. I am not saying that people do not tend to change their perceptions toward us, because at this moment, right at this generation, individuals understand us. However, not all of them accept us for who we are. With that, our mental health is always at risk. Others are blind to see that most of us suffer from mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression.

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What are the causes of generalized anxiety disorder? 

Causes and risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder usually come from recent or prolonged exposure to stressful situations. Typically, it develops mostly from childhood abuse or traumatizing experience. However, it can also include a family history of mental health conditions, excessive caffeine consumption, and cigarette smoking.

 Can general anxiety disorder be cured? 

There is no permanent cure for anxiety disorder. However, like any other generalized anxiety disorder, these can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. One of the standard psychotherapy to consider is Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. Its primary purpose is to teach individuals skills to learn how to control their worry on their own.

Honestly, CBT has been an excellent therapy for most of us in the LGBTQ community. It made us realize that the way we experience positivity and negativity in our lives depends on how we look at things. So much to say that our lives depend on how we make it. And despite the ongoing battles of discrimination, we know we have reasons to belong in this world.

 What helps severe anxiety? 

You can cope with severe anxiety by first identifying and acknowledging your triggers. From there, consider a daily or regular meditation, change your diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep, and your body and mind healthy. If nothing works, seek professional advice, adopt cognitive behavioral therapy, and ask the doctor for medication recommendations.

Of course, it is significantly important not to take every achievement for granted. It would be best not to push or force your mental health because you thought you already recovered.

 What helps anxiety naturally? 

You can naturally reduce your anxiety by starting your day right. Eat a healthy meal, practice deep breathing for a couple of minutes, and meditate. After that, try exercising and hydrating your body. Always avoid too much caffeine and quit smoking.

 What vitamins are good for anxiety? 

The best nutrients that your body needs to fight anxiety are magnesium, Rhodiola Rosea, valerian root, Ashwagandha, and L-Theanine, Vitamin D, and B complex.

Be mindful that you already consulted your clinical physician or an expert before taking any of these. You will need their recommendations for the allowable dosage you can only assume. Because despite these nutrients’ benefits, too much of them can still cause damage.

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 How can I calm my anxiety fast? 

To instantly calm your anxiety, you should consider taking a time-out. Think about your mind and body’s needs. You can start by taking deep breaths, getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, limiting alcohol and caffeine consumptions, and eating well-balanced meals.

 What deficiency causes anxiety? 

Usually, anxiety comes from unwarranted stressful life situations. However, some research shows that having a vitamin D deficiency could also be linked to anxiety disorders. That is due to the study reports that anxiety or depression symptoms are more common in individuals with lower levels of vitamin D in their bodies.

 Which fruit is good for anxiety? 

Oranges are fruits beneficial in reducing anxiety. That is because of the vitamin C of these citrus fruits. Some studies have shown that a diet rich in vitamin C reduces other typical emotional and physical stress signs. Thus, it helps calm your mood and put you in an enhanced frame of mind and body.

 Does CBD help anxiety? 

CBD products have shown great results in treating social anxiety and other anxiety disorders. In great effects, people feel the effects almost right away anywhere from 15-60 minutes when they use it.

 What is the best natural supplement for anxiety and depression? 

The best vitamins and supplements to help combat anxiety and depression includes Glycine, Melatonin, Rhodiola Rosea, L-theanine, Kava, Ashwagandha, valerian root, and B complex.

 Are there any bad side effects of CBD? 

CBD products are now well-tolerated in the medicinal field. However, it still can cause some mild side effects. Some of them are dry mouth, reduced appetite, diarrhea, and drowsiness, and fatigue. CBD can also have an impact on other medications that are currently taken. And though CBD shows the outstanding result in reducing anxiety in patients, there is still a cause for concern on the unreliability of CBD’s dosage and purity in products.

 How can I control my anxiety without medication? 

You can control your anxiety symptoms without medication by considering some of these: Get moving and stay physically active. If you need to shout it out, express your feelings, and talk to someone. Give yourself a comfortable bedtime and focus on an anxiety exit strategy such as journaling, painting, reading, or watching a film.

 What can happen if anxiety is not treated? 

Symptoms of anxiety can be fatal can lead to extremely negative consequences, especially when not treated. It can eventually cause panic attacks and chronic conditions that can pressure the heart with an increased pulse and blood pressure.

 What is the most recommended mood stabilizer for anxiety?

The most common mood stabilizers for anxiety that you can find in the market include Lamotrigine, Valproate, Lamotrigine, and Lithium.

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Takeaway

As an individual who is part of the LGBTQ community, I often worry and fear that people still hate me despite the world rejoicing on gender equality. I understand that nothing I can do about it, and I understand that some people are still closed-minded. But despite that positive outlook, I know the likes of us will never receive a complete understanding of everyone. There will still be people out there who will make us feel worthless, irrelevant, and unloved. But that is okay. We still have to stay focus on our overall mental health, and that’s what matters.

One fear that many of the LGBT youth have is coming out to their parents. Even when they’re older, teens still want their parents to accept and love them. Worrying over how their parents react to their gender identity and preferences puts a toll on their mental well-being.

As parents, we must know how to show our children that we support them no matter what. Here are tips on how you can help ease their mind and show them the love they deserve.

Tell Them That You Love Them

The first thing you should do is to reassure them of the love you have. We often hear that parents should love their kids unconditionally, and that includes their sexual orientation. Let them know that you’re there for them no matter who they are attracted to or who they love.

Something as seemingly simple as being present can mean a lot to today’s youth. Parents can be an anchor to their kids, and those with supportive parents are more likely to grow into happier adults.

 Educate Yourself

When it comes to the LGBT, people can have a lot of misconceptions. To show support for your children, it’s best to educate yourself on gender and sexual orientation. It’s a lot easier now, given the endless resources we have available through different mediums. You can go to a bookstore to check for books, search online, and watch informative videos.

The basics you should learn about are the different aspects of gender and the terms people use: 

Sex is the biological attributes a person has at birth. This concept is separate and different from one’s gender.

Gender identity is an individual’s sense of self, whether they identify as female, male, neither, or both. A person may be born male (sex) but identify as female (gender identity).

Gender expression is how they wish to convey themselves. A female may identify as such but have mannerisms, clothing choices, and interests that may be traditionally masculine. Lastly, sexual orientation refers to who they find themselves attracted to if any.

Also, watch out for common misconstructions when it comes to these topics. For one, their sense of self is not a “phase.” Gender is fluid. Their gender identity and preferences may change over time as they get to understand themselves better. However, tagging, such as a “phase,” seems dismissive and undermines the importance of gender identity and sexuality.

By educating yourself on gender and the LGBT, you show support for your kids. When adolescents see that their parents are committed to learning more about who they are, they feel more reassured. It saves them a lot of mental stress when they feel like they’re not alone on the journey to understanding themselves.

 Encourage Discussions

The most challenging thing for a parent is getting your kids to open up. Such is especially true in their teen and adolescent years. Even if you look back to when you were young, it was likely difficult to tell your parents about certain things in your life.

The best way to encourage dialogues between you and your teen is to build trust. Show them that your home equals a safe space, and they can come to you for personal and sensitive matters. Don’t be discouraged if they seem closed off at first.

Once you establish the kind of relationship you want between you and your kids, they’ll come to see it as well. Start small by asking about their day and their friends. Make sure you appear encouraging and supportive.

Over time, you can begin to talk about other topics. They may still hesitate to start an exchange on their gender, so you may have to initiate at times.

You can bring up characters from movies or shows you watch together or some of their other friends. “This character has dated both guys and girls. That kind of stuff is okay with me. What do you think?” It may seem awkward, but you may have to take that starting step for the both of you as an adult.

 Summary

Self-discovery is a journey for everyone, but it can be especially challenging for the LGBT youth. As parents, we can play a large role in helping our children out with such.

Being supportive, open, and educated about gender and sexual orientation can take a huge mental weight off your teen’s shoulders. There’s so much we can do for them to help them lessen the stress and toll on their mental well-being.

First, always assure them that you accept and love them no matter their gender identity, expression, or orientation.

Next, find resources and educate yourself on the different aspects of gender and the LGBT. Stay updated on news and government policies that could push for equality and compassion or pose a threat.

Lastly, encourage open dialogues between you and your adolescents. Stay present in their lives and look out for them. We all want the best and the most for our kids. Accepting them is one of the most vital things we should do as parents.

 

As most of the world remains sheltered at home, LGBTQ youth are arguably among the more vulnerable segments of the population to the prolonged quarantine period.

Cut off from the support networks they formed outside of the home and forced back into space they may not consider safe, it is not surprising that there have been incidences of increased stress and anxiety among the LGBTQ youth. 

The LGBTQ Youth During The Pandemic

A nonprofit organization for LGBTQ youth released a report in April 2020 outlining the severe ramifications of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of the demographic. 

According to a study, even before the pandemic hit, LGBTQ youth already faced significant risk for depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidality. With schools and other communal spaces closed, the pandemic has made LGBTQ youth all the more vulnerable to the mental toll since access to positive social interactions diminishes while negative social interactions rise.

What do we mean by this? Although the experience is certainly not universal, a number of LGBTQ youth have been experiencing a lack of support from networks they formed in school or their communities as they take refuge in what may be an unsupportive environment at home. 

Research suggests that only a third of LGBTQ youth experience parental acceptance of their sexual orientation and gender identity. In the LGBTQ population, one-third experiences parental rejection while the remaining one-third opts to stay quiet about their identity until they are adults.

LGBTQ youth also report higher rates of sexual, psychological, and physical abuse compared to their straight or cisgender peers, and intimate partner violence is even more pronounced in the LGBTQ community, according to a study, pointing to the serious threat of some confined environments. 

The quarantine protocol ordering people to stay at home is threatening for the LGBTQ youth with unsupportive families. To be in an environment where they feel invalidated and unsafe, for a long time, may cause them to feel isolated from others.

Additionally, the unpredictability of the pandemic may feel like an endless tribulation for them. Up to this point, it’s still unsure as to when this pandemic will end. The members of the LGBT youth also feel terrified that their families might find out. 

It is undoubtedly a painful and lonely experience for LGBTQ youth who can are prone to self-destructive actions without the support and medical assistance they need to get through this health crisis.  Fortunately, there are several available resources and support groups to help one get through the other side of this crisis in a stable mental place.

Connect With An Online Community

For LGBTQ youth, one’s chosen family sometimes plays a more significant role than one’s biological family. Forging and maintaining positive social connections outside of the home are healthy ways to ease the mental pressures of the pandemic. 

The good news is there is no need to look far! Just as there are many shades in the rainbow, there are only as many LGBTQ groups on various social media platforms where young individuals can get the support, validation, and acceptance they need. There are state-based and community-based groups on Facebook that one can look up to air concerns, unload, and feel a sense of belonging.

Beyond online support groups, LGBTQ youth can cope with pandemic-induced stress and anxiety partially brought about by cabin fever in many ways. 

• Avoid a judgemental attitude.
• Secure strong connections with supportive individuals.
• Go on a digital detox.
• Create a schedule of daily activities.
• Read reliable sources to understand your rights further.
• Do projects that keep your nerves calm.
• Step out once in a while for a dose of fresh air.
• Feel free to seek help.

Getting The Help You Need

As the pandemic takes its toll, health providers have accelerated the shift online through telehealth services. LGBTQ youth experiencing anxiety can reach out to various telehealth providers through video calls, messaging apps, and hotlines. For instance, they offer 24/7 support to LGBTQ youth in crisis through text and chat. 

When worst comes to worst, there are specific organizations that offer shelter services for LGBTQ youth seeking refuge. Ali Forney Center in New York is one such organization providing housing and support services to LGBTQ youth aged 16-24.  

Moving Forward 

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, there is a need to strengthen social bonds while keeping apart. Being one of the more vulnerable demographics even before the pandemic took hold, the LGBTQ youth need all the help and support they need to get through and beyond this crisis.

When homes are not the safe spaces they ought to be, communities should step up and fill the gap. Only then can we build back better.

 

 

June is practically like December for the members of the LGBTQ+ community. You see, this is the month when we celebrate Pride. We remember the colorful individuals who have given their lives the ensure that no one will get prosecuted again for being gay. In almost every major city around the globe, we come together and hold massive parades and concerts to celebrate, well, ourselves.

Every year, I join the New York parade with all my friends, whether they are members of the third sex or not. That’s the beauty of Pride—it welcomes everyone who wants to spread joy and love. You can wear whatever you want, dance however you want, and people will support you for it.

The month of June is still a month away at the time of writing this blog, but the entire world seems to be somewhat frozen. Only a few people can leave the house; even business owners cannot open their establishments unless they sell food and other essentials. Here’s what it means for the 2020 Pride celebration.

The Bad News

When the actual Gay Pride rolls in, the quarantine regulations may have eased significantly by then. Various governors are already thinking of doing that in the coming weeks to keep the economy from crashing. Pharmaceutical companies are also close to starting their clinical trials for the new vaccines that may save people from COVID-19.

The problem, however, is that mass gathering may not be allowed until the end of the year or early next year. It is still too risky to insist on doing so, especially since no one can see the coronavirus. A person can transmit it to others unintentionally, and then another wave of pandemic takes place. Thus, there will be no parades in 2020 to celebrate Pride.

The Good News

Despite the lack of events on the streets, the gay community will undoubtedly not let a year pass without commemorating Pride in some way. What the leaders of different LGBT organizations have agreed on is to do everything online.

On the 27th of June, they will be streaming musical numbers every hour. Some well-known members and supporters of the gay community will also be doing speeches in between performances. All the performers and guest speakers will be safe because they will perform in their own homes.

A unique thing about this occasion—aside from the fact that it occurs on the Stonewall anniversary—is that it will be a worldwide effort. The organizations in Oceania, North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe are teaming up to make this 24-hour streaming possible. They even intend to feature performances from every participating country, which makes this celebration more united than ever.

The Consensus

Of course, no one feels happy about being unable to parade around the city. That’s what we have all been doing in the last 50 years. It is already part of the culture.

However, we happen to know very well that prohibiting mass gatherings is for the greater good. As much as we want to party on the streets, we surely don’t want to test positive for COVID-19 a few days later. Especially in the United States, there are hundreds of thousands of infected people, and it may increase exponentially if we don’t follow the government’s orders.

Final Thoughts

It is indeed saddening to realize that the major cities around the world will not be filled with colors in June this year. Everyone will most likely be at home, watching the festivities in various countries, wishing that you can go there.

Still, we should all be glad that there is at least a streaming party on Pride Day. That’s the best we can do right now, given the current circumstances. Once the pandemic is over, though, I have every reason to believe that the next celebration will be bigger and brighter than you can ever imagine.