Tag: mental

This Viral Thread Perfectly Explains What It’s Like To Live With ADHD

Prolific Twitter user and independent journalist Yashar Ali has a knack for going viral whether he’s tweeting about politics or towels.

So when he opened up about the realities of living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, people payed attention, and pretty soon everyone was talking until the topic was trending nationally on Twitter.

The entire thread can be read as a Twitter Moment here but here are some excerpts:

Ali described some common misunderstandings about the disorder.

And how it makes supposedly simple tasks complicated.

Ali also discussed how ADHD can affect relationships.

Today’s internet is a fast and vicious place dominated by scathing personal attacks and political combat, some of it justified some of it mere digital bloodsport. So people appreciated Ali’s candor and vulnerability in discussing a serious issue that affects a great number of people.

https://twitter.com/JeffDauler/status/1100458748206858241

https://twitter.com/SteveHuff/status/1100404584470769664

https://twitter.com/akhanukov/status/1100451038186950659

https://twitter.com/corgi_cookies/status/1100315069286621184

https://twitter.com/veryjackie/status/1100395790923636737

Many readers shared their own struggles with ADHD.

https://twitter.com/temisanadoki/status/1100259126041489408

https://twitter.com/Ab_Synthia2/status/1100304093766127616

And shared tips for managing the disorder.

https://twitter.com/ESteltzer/status/1100268468597854208

https://twitter.com/negativestraw/status/1100268856851992577

https://twitter.com/LukeEasterling/status/1100265608187305984

It almost felt like a meeting of ADHD Anonymous, AKA Twitter.

https://twitter.com/invoglio/status/1100383104039116800

Again you can read the entire thread HERE.

Photo Credit: UBC Learning Commons

20 Ways To Break Down Anxiety To Someone Who’s Never Had Anxiety

Anxiety Explained

 

It can seem almost impossible to explain anxiety to someone who has never experienced it. That must be why people say things like, “you should just calm down” when you’re having an attack of anxiety—because they just simply do not understand how scary and out of control it can feel.

A woman named Chrissy Stockton started a Facebook group for women who struggle with anxiety. She asked the members of the group to explain what their anxiety feels like, and here are 20 of the answers. You might find something that you relate to, or some way of explaining anxiety that you think might be helpful in your communications about it with friends and family.

1.

“I read before the best way to explain anxiety to someone is imagine you have porn up on your browser and someone comes up behind you, and you cannot hit that “x” button fast enough.”

2.

“When I’m anxious I can’t think of anything else but that one thing everything is on auto pilot. Taking a bath eating texting or even reading a book feels like a chore. Simply getting out of bed when you want nothing more than to stay in it is a challenge.”

3.

“When I am anxious I am completely fixated on the one thing. I can’t think rationally or logically, I only feel overwhelmed with emotion. It feels like everything is wrong and that it will always be that way. I can’t see past the cause of my anxiety or see that it will be fine. Anxiety makes it feel like the world is ending when it isn’t.”

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5 Hidden Signs That Indicate You May Have An Anxiety Disorder

When it comes to anxiety, nothing is truly ever simple or easy. Those who suffer from anxiety know firsthand that having the disorder makes even the most normal things difficult. While many people live their lives easily–wake up, shower, eat breakfast, go to work, etc.–those with anxiety struggle to get through normal routines and everyday experiences.

While not every single moment of every single day is an obstacle (at least, not for most), there are days where we feel as though it’s impossible to even get out of bed. Nothing about having anxiety is simple or easy. In fact, it’s insanely complex–even more so when people don’t realize you are in a bad “state” or having an off day.

There’s a societal narrative that correlates anxiety attacks to simply hyperventilating and “breathing into a brown paper bag.” The media we’ve grown up around has cemented the image of an “anxiety attack” into our minds of being just that–sheer panic and inability to catch one’s breath. In reality–anxiety attacks can feel this way–but, it’s not always the case. Many people suffer from anxiety, in fact, according to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders (that’s over 18% of the population). I think it’s safe to say that not everyone suffers in the exact same way.

There are more warning signs of having a loved one suffer from anxiety and a severe anxiety attack that friends, partners, and loved ones should be aware of in order to help, or even give them a break/cut them some slack when things seem a bit off with them.

1. Irritability and testiness:

When someone is having a bad bout with their anxiety, they’re going to be slightly on edge. Anxiety doesn’t come easily–it often times consumes you (especially when you’re having a bad anxiety attack). For this reason, people who are struggling will be edgy and quick to “fly off the handle” when they feel as though they are being called out/attacked. If your friend or loved one isn’t on their game and you feel as though they’re off, don’t push them and pry, continuously asking them “why?” It will make them feel as though you’re putting them on the spot and cause them to lash out. Instead, ask them if they’re okay and see if they can use some help, or maybe even some space (day off).

2. Obsessive behavior:

Anxiety can cause one to feel as though everything is wrong and everything needs to be fixed. When having an attack, sometimes people obsess and nit-pick at things over and over again. This can be in the form of a physical behavior/habit like biting one’s nails, picking at dead skin, twirling hair. It can also be something that is behavioral like changing one’s hair color, nail color, or outfit numerous times. Other times, those suffering will do the same activity over again until they feel satisfied, like cleaning. According to Sally Winston, PsyD, co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorder Institute of Maryland in Towson:

The finicky and obsessive mind-set known as perfectionism “goes hand in hand with anxiety disorders. If you are constantly judging yourself or you have a lot of anticipatory anxiety about making mistakes or falling short of your standards, then you probably have an anxiety disorder.”

3. Hyperemotions:

When having a bad anxiety attack, your loved one may be a bit more emotional than normal. This means they can react to just about anything that triggers them. If something upsets them more easily, it’s a tell-tale sign they may be struggling with an anxiety attack. The truth behind having anxiety attacks is that people who are going through them are emotionally exhausted. We’re on a roller coaster of emotions at extremely high levels from ourselves to begin with, when adding in other people and their reactions, it puts us overboard sometimes.

4. Inability to concentrate/zoning out:

We’re going through a million thoughts a minute when having a bad attack, so it’s natural that we will zone out into our own heads. Ben Michaelis, PhD, a New York City-based clinical psychologist and founder of the YouTube channel <https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCecNEV5jHuvbaoZOb5mygAw” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>One Minute Diagnosis. says that when people have anxiety attacks:

“[People will] feel like things are not real, or feel detached from oneself.”

Often times, it’s not the best for us to be “alone with our thoughts” because our thoughts can be extremely toxic and be triggering even worse bouts of anxiety for some, but it’s not as though we are able to just silence everything in our minds. The best course of action is to put our mind to something else, hopefully, helping ease the thoughts and panic in our minds.

5. Silence:

Many of those with anxiety, or even high-functioning anxiety, will be normal and talkative throughout the day and normally. If someone you know is usual social and has a day or two where they are much quieter or withdrawn, this could be a sign that they are suffering from anxiety attacks. It’s important to try and “get them out of their own heads,” but, don’t push them too hard.

The good news:

The good news about anxiety and panic attacks is that they don’t last forever. The more you become aware of the signs of incoming attacks, the better you will become at working through them. Eventually, with enough effort and work, you may be able to avoid them altogether.

10 Insightful Reads That Perfectly Confront The Reality Of Mental Health Struggles

The only thing better than finding a good book is finding a book that focuses on characters you can identify with. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, I find it extremely comforting when I read about characters that face similar mental health struggles. It feels nice to know that I’m not alone and that there are others who have overcome similar mental and emotional obstacles. Here are a few books that center on characters that take on things such as anxiety, depression, OCD, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts and more.

*FYI: If you happen to purchase any of the products on this list, we may receive a portion of the sales. Thanks for reading!

10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Charlie is a fifteen-year-old boy struggling to cope with the suicide of a close friend. Charlie struggles with fear and anxiety that is only magnified by the fact that he’s about to start high school. As a way to manage his emotions, he starts writing letters to a stranger. Charlie makes new friends, Sam and her step-brother. These two new friends take him under their wing.

Get it on Amazon

9. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

The story follows Craig Gilner, a high school student from New York. He struggles with stress and depression. These mental issues escalate after he’s enrolled in an Executive Pre-Professional High School. In an attempt to deal with the issues he starts seeing a psychologist and is prescribed anti-depressant medication. When he finds himself contemplating suicide, he reaches out to a suicide hotline and is advised to seek help at an adult psychiatric clinic in Brooklyn. This experience exposes him to individuals with their own significant problems, much like his. He meets people who impact him in a way he never expected and even falls in love.

Get it on Amazon

8. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

The popular girl and the school freak –two students who might have never crossed paths until the day they both find themselves at the exact window ready to jump out and end it all. Theodore, known for being quite “different,” is able to talk Violet out of jumping. What happens when two individuals from different worlds find out they can actually help each other?

Get it on Amazon

7. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cath and her twin sister Wren are huge Simon Snow fans, much like the rest of the world they read and re-read the books and eventually became ensconced in Simon Snow forums. They began writing fan fiction. They are starting college and Wren has drifted away from the fandom, but Cath remains loyal. Cath is facing a lot of change, no longer rooming with her twin sister or sharing every aspect of their lives like they once did. The story follows Cath as she takes on these changes and constantly wonders if she can do it—without her sister and the life she had grown accustomed to.

Get it on Amazon

6. Crazy for Alice by Alex Dunn

This book is a cross between the universes of Donnie Darko and Pleasantville. Sixteen-year-old Ben Howard has accidentally killed his father. His suicide attempt lands him in a mental asylum. It’s in this asylum that he’s able to escape his guilt and tortured emotions to discover a new world where he leaps from one environment to another, eventually meeting Alice—who steals his heart. The thing is, no one believes him when he returns from this world—he’s been in a coma the entire time.

Get it on Amazon

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5 Anxiety Attack Warning Signs That Are Much Harder To Spot Than Hyperventilating

When it comes to anxiety, nothing is truly ever simple or easy. Those who suffer from anxiety know firsthand that having the disorder makes even the most normal things difficult. While many people live their lives easily–wake up, shower, eat breakfast, go to work, etc.–those with anxiety struggle to get through normal routines and everyday experiences. While not every single moment of every single day is an obstacle (at least, not for most), there are days where we feel as though it’s impossible to even get out of bed. Nothing about having anxiety is simple or easy. In fact, it’s insanely complex–even more so when people don’t realize you are in a bad “state” or having an off day.

There’s a societal narrative that correlates anxiety attacks to simply hyperventilating and “breathing into a brown paper bag.” The media we’ve grown up around has cemented the image of an “anxiety attack” into our minds of being just that–sheer panic and inability to catch one’s breath. In reality–anxiety attacks can feel this way–but, it’s not always the case. Many people suffer from anxiety, in fact, according to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders (that’s over 18% of the population). I think it’s safe to say that not everyone suffers in the exact same way.

There are more warning signs of having a loved one suffer from anxiety and a severe anxiety attack that friends, partners, and loved ones should be aware of in order to help, or even give them a break/cut them some slack when things seem a bit off with them.

1. Irritability and testiness:

When someone is having a bad bout with their anxiety, they’re going to be slightly on edge. Anxiety doesn’t come easily–it often times consumes you (especially when you’re having a bad anxiety attack). For this reason, people who are struggling will be edgy and quick to “fly off the handle” when they feel as though they are being called out/attacked. If your friend or loved one isn’t on their game and you feel as though they’re off, don’t push them and pry, continuously asking them “why?” It will make them feel as though you’re putting them on the spot and cause them to lash out. Instead, ask them if they’re okay and see if they can use some help, or maybe even some space (day off).

2. Obsessive behavior:

Anxiety can cause one to feel as though everything is wrong and everything needs to be fixed. When having an attack, sometimes people obsess and nit-pick at things over and over again. This can be in the form of a physical behavior/habit like biting one’s nails, picking at dead skin, twirling hair. It can also be something that is behavioral like changing one’s hair color, nail color, or outfit numerous times. Other times, those suffering will do the same activity over again until they feel satisfied, like cleaning. According to Sally Winston, PsyD, co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorder Institute of Maryland in Towson:

The finicky and obsessive mind-set known as perfectionism “goes hand in hand with anxiety disorders. If you are constantly judging yourself or you have a lot of anticipatory anxiety about making mistakes or falling short of your standards, then you probably have an anxiety disorder.”

3. Hyperemotions:

When having a bad anxiety attack, your loved one may be a bit more emotional than normal. This means they can react to just about anything that triggers them. If something upsets them more easily, it’s a tell-tale sign they may be struggling with an anxiety attack. The truth behind having anxiety attacks is that people who are going through them are emotionally exhausted. We’re on a roller coaster of emotions at extremely high levels from ourselves to begin with, when adding in other people and their reactions, it puts us overboard sometimes.

4. Inability to concentrate/zoning out:

We’re going through a million thoughts a minute when having a bad attack, so it’s natural that we will zone out into our own heads. Ben Michaelis, PhD, a New York City-based clinical psychologist and founder of the YouTube channel One Minute Diagnosis. says that when people have anxiety attacks:

“[People will] feel like things are not real, or feel detached from oneself.”

Often times, it’s not the best for us to be “alone with our thoughts” because our thoughts can be extremely toxic and be triggering even worse bouts of anxiety for some, but it’s not as though we are able to just silence everything in our minds. The best course of action is to put our mind to something else, hopefully, helping ease the thoughts and panic in our minds.

5. Silence:

Many of those with anxiety, or even high-functioning anxiety, will be normal and talkative throughout the day and normally. If someone you know is usual social and has a day or two where they are much quieter or withdrawn, this could be a sign that they are suffering from anxiety attacks. It’s important to try and “get them out of their own heads,” but, don’t push them too hard.

The good news:

The good news about anxiety and panic attacks is that they don’t last forever. The more you become aware of the signs of incoming attacks, the better you will become at working through them. Eventually, with enough effort and work, you may be able to avoid them altogether.

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