Anxiety is a natural and essential signaling system in our brains that works like a smoke alarm. However, many people think of it only as a clinical term, not realizing that everyone experiences anxiety to some degree. It's a spectrum, ranging from everyday anxiety to subclinical levels and, in some cases, a clinically significant level warranting a diagnosis. The good news is that anxiety is more of a habit than hardwiring, which means that it can be learned and managed.
If you struggle with anxiety, you may use code words and phrases to describe yourself or others. These expressions often become part of how people define themselves and their mindset, limiting them in many ways. The truth is that these terms represent dynamic states that can be improved upon with some knowledge and practice.
For instance, you might describe yourself as "type-A," "a perfectionist," "a people pleaser," "a worrier," "a control freak," or "tightly wound." These phrases can be code words for anxiety, and there are many others, such as "nervous," "rigid," "stubborn," "angry," "negative," "jealous," "worry wart," and "jittery."
By recognizing these code words, you can learn to manage your anxiety better. Therapy with a specialist in treating anxiety is an excellent option for those who want to improve their anxiety tolerance. With some knowledge and practice, you can learn to recognize your anxiety, mitigate it, and develop your list of "what I do to manage my anxiety."
Anxiety is a part of everyone's life, but it doesn't have to control you. By learning to manage it, you can live your life with more ease, peace, and happiness.
Here are some of the expressions I hear often as people describe themselves or others and how they operate. These code words represent a level of anxiety, however. And what I have observed is that these expressions of an anxious state become the way people define themselves and their mindset. They don't think of them as euphemisms for anxiety or anxious thinking or changeable even.
- on edge
- perfectionistic
- overthinker
- self-critical
- tense
- avoidant
- critical
- apprehensive
- self-doubting
- uncertain
- indecisive
- agitated
- panicky
- self-conscious
- irritable
- easily overwhelmed
- restless
- uneasy
- fearful
- constantly on alert
- overreactive
- defensive
- overly sensitive
- frozen
- stress/stressed
- rigid/anal
- worrier
- stubborn
- angry
- basketcase
- triggered
- control freak
- "a little OCD"
- worked up
- negative
- short fuse
- passionate (meaning reactive)
- dramatic
- nervous
- unsure
- stressball
- in my head
- stewing
- set me off
- jealous
- worry wart
- jittery
- bitter
- freaked out
Remember, these terms may be used to describe a dynamic state of anxiety, and therapy can help you learn to recognize and manage your anxiety more effectively. Don't let anxiety hold you back from living the life you want.
About the author: Dr. Melissa Hudson has been a Plano couples' therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist since 2012. She offices near the Shops of Legacy in West Plano conveniently located to serve the communities of McKinney, Allen, and Frisco. She also specializes in working with those contending with depression and anxiety as well as a wide spectrum of other psychological concerns you can learn about here.