Am I victim of free-floating anxiety?

It was just another typical evening filled with joy and laughter. I found myself in the cozy embrace of a charming rom com at the movies, relishing the delightful delicacies of a new Korean restaurant, and revelling in the company of loved ones. Yet, as night fell and the lights dimmed, a peculiar feeling seized me. Amid the remnants of a beautiful day, I was startled by a wave of unexplained anxiety. But why?

This spontaneous anxiety I was experiencing is referred to as free-floating anxiety.

Unmoored and seemingly baseless, free-floating anxiety describes feelings of apprehension, distress, and concern that can swoop down upon you without a traceable source or reason. This form of anxiety can often feel generalized, randomly looming over you without any connection to a specific event or situation.

What’s more, this sense of anxiousness isn’t exclusive to those diagnosed with anxiety disorders. Even those sailing smoothly in all life’s avenues may occasionally find themselves grappling with free-floating anxiety. The consequence? A life shadowed by perpetual unease and worry, impairing the ability to relish life’s offerings, and reducing overall life satisfaction.

Worse yet, the echoes of this anxiety can trigger a domino effect, leading to depression, headaches, social isolation, substance abuse, and strained relationships.

So, how does one navigate through the fog of free-floating anxiety? The keys lie in meditation and mindfulness, acceptance, channelling nervous energy, and seeking support.

Meditation and mindfulness, for starters, serve as invaluable tools. They help you discern anxious thoughts, pinpoint their origin, and acknowledge accompanying physical sensations. Practicing mindfulness means immersing oneself in the present moment, absorbing it with a sense of curiosity and non-judgment, thus promoting awareness and acceptance of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.

Secondly, embracing the anxiety when it surfaces, instead of battling it, can significantly alleviate the discomfort. When anxiety is given the freedom to ebb and flow, it’s likely to dissipate naturally over time.

Additionally, harnessing the nervous energy and rerouting it to productive endeavours can also help. Physical activities such as taking a stroll, cleaning, or exercising can act as effective outlets for anxious energy.

Finally, confiding in a trusted friend or family member can bring about a sense of relief. External perspectives can provide a balanced view, helping challenge and navigate anxious thoughts.

While some degree of anxiety is a normal part of life, it’s crucial to recognize when it starts to take over. If it becomes a constant shadow, disrupts daily life, triggers panic attacks, or incites other complications like substance abuse, it might be time to seek professional help. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Treatment for chronic anxiety typically encompasses medication and therapeutic interventions. Despite seeming innocuous, free-floating anxiety, if unattended, can be debilitating. Therefore, it’s essential to remain vigilant, recognize its presence, and take timely action. Embrace the journey to tranquillity, one step at a time.