Do you experience anxiety?
In conversations with friends, it seems like everyone working in therapeutic settings is pretty much struggling with anxiety. It’s like a silent epidemic. I wanted to discuss it on my channel so I filmed a video about anxiety and discussed clinical significance as well.
Anxiety survey
In this video I share the results of a survey. Did you know that 93% of SLPs who replied to the survey experience anxiety. That seems to be a big number, but keep in mind that many SLPs are high-achievers and are more apt to experience anxiety.
Anxiety vs Stress
Anxiety and stress are different and I’m going to explain both in a way that I hope we all can understand. Keep in mind that I am not an expert.
- Anxiety is a physical and mental experience.
- Anxiety reoccurs and is typically not a “one off” experience.
- Anxiety can be incapacitating, which means that you can be overwhelmed and unable to do anything
- Stress is something you can experience as a result of an event or circumstance.
- Stress is not a constant state but it is transient.
- Stress is not as overwhelming and can be overcome.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression go together, I hate to break it to you. People who have anxiety are more often depressed and people who experience depressions can also experience anxiety more frequently. Both respond to cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. I am not a certified counselor so I recommend talking to a medical professional if you are experiencing any of these.
In general, if you have anxiety that is limiting you in your life, that is when it is clinically significant and needs attention. Seek out support from medical professionals if you have anxiety.