Young adults are at the stage of life where they are developing their own identities. They are also beginning to navigate the complexities of the world. From college to starting a career, to beginning a family, there is a lot of reward that comes with this but also a lot of stress and anxiety as well. Unfortunately, young adults are often overwhelmed by the demands of life and find themselves dealing with high levels of anxiety.
It doesn't help that most forms of communication are through digital media. This can make it difficult to fully connect with people. It can also contribute to anxiety when people are bombarded with images of “perfect lifestyles” or expectations that may be difficult to live up to. So, in this blog, we will discuss how to manage anxiety in Nashville and provide coping strategies for young adults.
What Exactly is Anxiety?
There are many ways you can describe anxiety. It can be the feeling of dread the night before a big exam or the dread of an unknown future. Anxiety can be a feeling of unease when put in uncomfortable or unfamiliar situations. Or it can also be a physical state of negativity with increased apprehension and worry.
The way I would describe it as an anxiety therapist in Nashville, TN is it is both a mental and physical state of negativity. Mentally there is increased apprehension and worry, and physically there is distressing activation of the body all to drive this response to an unknown danger, whether it is real like losing a job, or imagined like being judged by your peers.
How Does Anxiety Impact Young Adults in Nashville and Beyond?
Anxiety impacts young adults in many unique ways because each individual is different. Even though they are dealing with so many first-time stressors such as their first job, their first mortgage, or marriage, the way they cope with these stressors can be very different. It can make these young adults feel overwhelmed, "keyed up" and exhausted, all while trying to figure out their identity.
In fact, if they are experiencing too much anxiety and stress, it can overwhelm their nervous system. This can lead individuals to eventually crash into a major depression and can feel like they have no hope and no way out. Hence, why it's a great idea to find ways that work for you to manage and cope with your anxiety.
What are Ways For Young Adults to Cope with Anxiety?
Finding ways that work for you to cope with your anxiety is not only beneficial for your mental health but also helps to get your life back on track. Here are some strategies I recommend to my clients in Nashville, TN:
Manage and Keep Your Expectations Realistic
When you're struggling with anxiety, creating expectations that are not obtainable will only increase that anxiety. For example, if you are setting a goal to go from a 2.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA in one semester, that is most likely not achievable. It's okay to have high expectations for yourself but make sure that they are realistic! Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage and build on expectations can be really helpful.
CBT helps with managing expectations by breaking them down into smaller, more achievable goals. This can help to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and focus on what is manageable. For example, instead of jumping for a 4.0 GPA, breaking it down into monthly goals of studying more or getting help from a tutor can be much more achievable. Just make sure you don't overdo it with your schedule. Remember to take breaks and give yourself grace!
Mindful Breathing and Detaching From Negative Thoughts
Anxiety can cause your nervous system to go haywire as it thinks there is an immediate threat. Mindful breathing helps lower your anxiety by having you focus on the present moment. The idea is to focus on the movement of your breath and block out any negative thoughts that are coming up. You can do this anywhere, which makes it such a great coping skill.
Another coping skill that I recommend to my clients is to use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to detach from their negative thoughts. ACT helps you to detach from your negative thoughts by labeling them as “just thoughts”. This helps to reduce your attachment to the thought and neutralize it, eventually reducing the anxiety that it may have caused.
Keep Good Boundaries with Social Media
Social media can be a great way to connect and keep up with family and friends, or to stay informed on the latest news. But it can also be a source of anxiety if you are constantly comparing yourself to others or seeing images that don't make you feel good about yourself. Implementing boundaries such as screen time, social media detoxes, or even unfollowing accounts that make you feel anxious can be really helpful.
Doom scrolling is a likely culprit of increased anxiety, so be mindful of how much social media you are consuming. Make sure to take time to connect with your friends and family in the real world.
Spend Time Outside in Nature
Nature and Vitamin D have been known to help relieve stress and anxiety. Taking walks in parks, going for a hike, reading outside, or just taking in the fresh air can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels. When clients ask me for recommendations, I usually recommend Edwin and Percy Warner Park, Radnor Lake State Park, or Shelby Bottoms Greenway. These parks are beautiful and a great way to relax and enjoy nature.
Another way to ensure you get outside time is to combine it with your exercise routine. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, hormones that help to improve your mood. This could be going for a jog, a walk around the park, or even swimming.
Joyous But Overwhelming Firsts
Overall, young adults are at the point in their lives where there are a lot of joyous firsts happening, but these firsts can come with a lot of stress and anxiety. It's important to recognize the signs of increased anxiety in order to take steps toward managing it. Also, finding coping mechanisms that work for you will help to keep your anxiety levels in check. Remember to be gentle with yourself.
BEGIN REDUCING YOUR ANXIETY WITH AN ANXIETY THERAPIST IN NASHVILLE, TN
Having someone to support you with your anxiety during these pivotal moments in your life can be invaluable. Even if you're just experiencing anxiety in your everyday life, an anxiety therapist in Nashville can help you to manage the symptoms and build tools that work for you. Stu Cook at Vitus Counseling is an anxiety therapist in Nashville, TN who can support you in managing your anxiety. Whether it's caused by wonderful firsts or everyday life, Stu is here to help! If you are ready to start your therapy journey you can follow these simple steps:
Contact me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or (615)-709-5779.
Set up a free consultation call and learn more about my approach to counseling.
Manage Your Anxiety With an Experienced Anxiety Therapist in Nashville, TN!
ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT VITUS COUNSELING
At Vitus Counseling, I offer a range of counseling services to support you with your anxiety and any other challenges you may be facing. I specialize in therapy for trauma or PTSD, as well as for anxiety and depression. Additionally, I provide addiction treatment for those seeking support for substance abuse. Vitus Counseling is located in Brentwood, TN outside of Nashville. However, I also offer online counseling to anyone living within the state of Tennessee, so I can offer you support even if you cannot make it to my clinic. I am here to support you through your journey and help you to manage your anxiety.
