Anxiety is indeed a mental health issue. Not only does it disturb a person’s emotional and psychological state, but it can also cause drastic changes that can affect lives. It is something that should not be taken for granted but instead must be addressed immediately. People should be aware of this and must learn how to cope if already suffering from it. Anxiety is not just an issue on the person who has it. It is also an issue to the people and loved ones around the affected person.
“It’s unrealistic to think that we don’t have anxieties and that we don’t need to defend against them.” says Julian P Humphreys, Ph.D.
With the fast-paced lifestyle of people these days, it is a struggle to detect if one is suffering from the said mental condition. It can become noticeable when the symptoms are on a critical level already and only by then; people would take action on it. Anxiety is caused by many factors and taking it for granted can lead to more alarming damages.
Anxiety chooses no one. Even celebrities, whom ordinary people perceive as a statue of perfection, can also get affected by this mental health condition. Scott Mills, a famous radio presenter admitted that he is also afflicted by the said mental condition. He suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks.
“Anxiety is a cognitive, emotional, and behavioral process that alerts us to potential future threat.” L. Kevin Chapman, Ph.D said.
Who Is Scott Mills And What Happened To Him?
Scott Mills is a host for the 20th Mind Media Awards of the prestigious British Film Institute. The said show is to award filmmakers who created films that have something to do with mental health. The contenders for this award include journalism pieces, documentaries, and storylines that discusses mental health. The founders of this award believe that these form of media outlets are that powerful and very useful in disseminating awareness of mental health conditions to people.
Through this, people around the world are informed and would have a full grasp on mental health conditions, how to deal with it and how to avoid if possible. The founders also believe that spreading the information through the forms above can touch even the most unreachable people and spread the awareness of mental health problems. Through this too, it was believed that people suffering from mental health problems would get the courage to stand up and ask for help. It will also make them feel that they are not alone in this battle and that there are many people out there who are also suffering similar symptoms. Knowing other people’s journey on mental health issues, especially anxiety, would give them that assurance that there is hope in treatment and that they are not alone in this fight.
According to Mills, the media has a compelling means of informing and inspiring people. That is why it is used as a medium in disseminating awareness of mental health. Not only the facts of mental health conditions but also on how to avoid, overcome and help other people suffering from this condition. He said that he is privileged and proud to be part of this award-giving body that honors artists behind the movie clips, documentaries, and other media forms. Moreover, this is also to honor those people who stood up, tell their story to the world bravely, admitting that they have the said condition.
Mills is in his 40’s, and he has been dealing with mental health issues ever since he was a little boy. According to The Mirror, he even dropped school for a year because of his mental state. For years, everything is a blur for him. He doesn’t understand what is happening to him and he had undergone this episode for so many years. He also felt so alone and even unwanted throughout his life. He also experienced having episodes at school and even had panic attacks that people around him would not understand. They would opt in calling an ambulance to have him taken away because they were annoyed with him. People perceived him differently, in fact, even negatively because of his condition.
He was eventually able to get medical attention as he went through therapy sessions with medication alongside. Since then, he learned to manage the triggers himself. He was able to finish school, get a job which turned into a long-term, career. As he looked back, he is personally amazed by the changes in his life.
Anxiety Is Dangerous
According to mental health professionals, anxiety is a serious stimulus to the extent wherein one could endanger his own life. It can destroy the life of the affected person and at the same time the people around him as well. Some could not even get a job and thus unable to support himself. In return, this will make the person depressed and more problematic.
“Anxiety becomes a disorder when the symptoms become chronic and interfere with our daily lives and ability to function.” says John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
But with the evolution of mental health therapy, treatment and medicine, people with this condition now have options. These conditions can be managed and handled. But it comes with the right intervention and support of loved ones.