Last week, while watching the news about the upcoming elections, I felt a familiar flutter
of unease that slowly grew into a restless evening. It was an apparent reminder of how
everyday anxieties can escalate especially when the world around us feels uncertain.
Anxiety levels have been on a rise especially due to current events like the upcoming
2024 U.s. election and the back-to-school season. According to a recent poll by the
American Psychiatric Association, 73% of adults report feeling anxious about the
election, while 77% are anxious about economic issues. Additionally, 43% of adults fee
more anxious the year compared to last year, continuing a rising trend observed since
2022. ( https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/Annual-Poll-Adults-
Express-Increasing-Anxiousness )

These statistics show how uncertain times are heightening the state of anxiety and hi-
lighting the importance of coping strategies and mental health support.
Let me start by saying that feeling anxious during these times is a completely normal
reaction. We are human after all, wired for connection, unity and mutual understanding.
However, it’s important to know that there are tools available to help us regain control
and manage our mental well-being.

What is anxiety?
There are dozens of definitions floating around the internet these days but in the
simplest form, you should know that it's a feeling that manifests both emotionally and
physically.

Physical Symptoms
- Increased heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Gastrointestinal issues

Emotional Symptoms:
- Feeling intense tension
- Nervousness
- A constant sense of impending danger or panic

Behavioral Symptoms:
- Persistent worry about everyday situations, which can be overwhelming and interfere
with daily activities.
Common Triggers
-Stressful events
-Uncertainty, changes in life circumstances.

Managing uncertainty and the anxieties that come with it is important for maintaining
your everyday well-being. It can affect your daily life, relationships, and physical health
making is essential to address proactively.

At Healing Heart Therapy, our therapists are here to offer the tools and guidance you
need to enhance your ability to cope and empower your mental health journey. By
understanding anxiety and implementing manageable strategies you can regain a sense
of control, reduce overwhelming feelings and improve your quality of life.
Here are 6 techniques you can start today to use if you’re feeling the impact of anxiety
during these uncertain times:

1. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Method

This is a mindfulness exercise that helps manage anxiety
by focusing on the immediate environment through the senses. Look around and
list

5 things you can see
4 things you can touch
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste

2. Mindfulness and Meditation:
Simple practices like mindful breathing or guided meditations can center your thoughts
and reduce anxiety.

3. Limit News and Social Media:
Set specific times to engage with media to avoid constant exposure to stress-inducing
news.

4. Have a Daily Routine:
Structuring your day can help create a sense of normalcy and control.

5. Stay Connected:
Maintain contact with friends and family through virtual meetings or safe in-person
gatherings.

6. Practice Self-Compassion:
Be gentle with yourself, recognizing that it's okay to feel anxious and seek help.
Feeling overwhelmed by anxiety doesn’t have to be your norm. Reach out to our
compassionate team at healing heart therapy to explore personalized strategies
designed to help you regain peace of mind. Schedule a consultation today and start
your journey to a healing heart, a more centered you.

Disclaimer:

This blog does not substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you're
experiencing symptoms of anxiety, consult a healthcare professional.