Mental Health Day 2023: Navigating Anxiety – Insights from Mental Health Experts – News18

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has become an increasingly common problem, especially among younger generations, including Gen Z and millennials. The modern scenario, with its unique stressors such as social media pressures and economic uncertainty, has given rise to high levels of anxiety. To shed light on this pressing concern, we turned to two experienced, licensed clinical psychologists, Sandeepa Kaur and Kanika Choudhary, who provide valuable insights into understanding and overcoming anxiety.

Sandeepa Kaur, a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience, recognizes the alarming rise in anxiety among today’s youth. She identifies several factors contributing to this increase, including constant exposure to social media and the looming specter of economic instability.

Kanika Choudhary,Leading clinical psychologist, DocVita, believes, While Gen Z is equipped with abundant information to express their stress and anxiety, it is important that we create an environment of validation to support their internal resilience and recognize that their voices matter and their experiences are witnessed. On the other hand, millennials struggle to express themselves as they constantly oscillate between being themselves and conforming to social norms. This often paves the way for doubt and anxiety.”

Importantly, Kaur offers a number of effective strategies for combating these anxieties.

For many individuals, promoting self-awareness is the initial step in managing anxiety. Kaur advises individuals to reflect and identify the specific triggers that contribute to their anxiety. These triggers can range from feelings of unpreparedness to excessive use of social media, or even deeply personal factors.

Kaur emphasizes the significant impact of thoughts on anxiety levels. Negative thinking patterns can exacerbate anxiety. To combat this, she recommends incorporating mindfulness and meditation practices into daily routines. These techniques can help individuals stay grounded and manage racing thoughts more effectively.

Furthermore, Kaur highlights the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle. Lifestyle choices play a key role in managing anxiety. She suggests that regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and moderation in caffeine and alcohol consumption can make a profound difference in reducing anxiety levels.

One practical piece of advice from Kaur is to disconnect to reconnect. Stepping away from digital devices and reducing the pressures of constant comparison and information overload can significantly alleviate anxiety.

Above all, Kaur encourages those struggling with anxiety to seek help. Opening up to friends, family, or a therapist about one’s feelings can provide much-needed relief and support. By adopting these strategies, Gen Z and millennial individuals can take proactive steps to manage their anxiety and lead happier, more balanced lives.

Choudhary emphasizes the importance of validating your experiences. Despite having access to large amounts of information and resources, these individuals need to feel that their voices are heard and their experiences are recognized. Creating a supportive environment is crucial for your mental well-being.

For millennials, Choudhary suggests identifying external expectations and establishing personal boundaries. By recognizing and managing the pressure to conform, millennials can maintain their authenticity and reduce anxiety. Seeking supportive relationships that encourage them to be themselves is also key.

Anxiety is a prevalent issue affecting Gen Z and millennials, driven by modern stressors. By adopting these strategies and seeking support when needed, individuals from these generations can take steps towards a happier, more balanced life.