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by Navi

Is It Okay to Vent?

February 20, 2018 in Educate Yourself

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Venting is a way of verbally airing one’s frustrations with others. It can be super emotional and intense. And depending on the way you handle it, venting might feel like a ton of bricks was taken off your chest, or it might be unpleasant and hurtful.

So is it okay to vent? And if so, when and how?

If you need to get something off your chest that is overwhelming you, distracting you, hurting you, or eating away at your mind, it can be okay to vent.

As long as you have a friend, family member, or other trusted person who is willing to listen to your strong feelings, there is no right or wrong time to find someone to talk to about something that’s bothering you, and this is something people tend to forget.

If you are struggling and need to let off steam, do not be afraid to reach out to someone you trust!

People tend to hide their questions and problems, afraid to come off as pushy or annoying to those around them. Keeping feelings bottled up can lead to all sorts of physical and emotional problems down the road. If you approach someone honestly and with courtesy, and explain that you need a listening ear as you vent some frustration, it’s okay as long as they’re also okay with it.

And then, after you’ve vented, maybe try to let your feelings out bit by bit, so they don’t build up so much.

If you want to know more about venting feelings, here is an article that talks about six ways venting is helpful and six ways it can be not-so-good. (One of the best tips is: it’s probably not the greatest idea to vent to the person who is annoying you at the moment. Find someone else, preferably someone who doesn’t even know that person.)

Remember—you are loved and you have worth, and the way you feel is not “stupid.” You are a human being with emotions, just the same as myself, or the person living next door to you. We are all connected.

What are some times you have vented? How did they go, for you and for the person listening? Is venting in your toolbox of strategies for handling stress? Tell us in the comments below.

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by Navi

Anxiety and Panic Attacks- What’s the Difference?

October 20, 2017 in Educate Yourself

Editor’s Note: The clinical definition of a panic attack is the “onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes” and includes at least four other symptoms which can include intense physical sensations. Typically they peak in how strong they are within 10 minutes or less before getting better. This is different than typical anxiety symptoms which are generally not as intense and last longer.

With a similar meaning, the words ‘anxiety’ and ‘panic’ are often used as if they mean the same thing: intense fear or worry. However, the truth is panic attacks and anxiety are two very different things.

Anxiety, by definition, is marked by an increase feeling of excessive fear and/or discomfort as a result of  a trigger. This trigger can be almost anything, but there is going to be one.

Panic attacks, on the other hand, occur suddenly and are completely random moments of extreme fear and panic, not triggered by anything. These feelings or symptoms come “out of the blue” and usually do not last long (approximately 10 minutes) before lessening.

Therefore, the main differences between panic attacks and anxiety are:

  • Intensity of symptoms
  • Length of time the main symptoms occur over
  • The identification of a trigger

The symptoms for anxiety and panic attacks can be similar to each other.  However, symptoms from panic attack are usually more intense compared to those experienced with anxiety.

It is important to understand the difference between anxiety and panic attacks, as well as their symptoms because the coping mechanisms and treatment can be different depending on whether you are experiencing anxiety or panic attacks.

As always it is important to discuss what you’re feeling and your symptoms with your doctors and the rest of your mental health care team. To read more about this question and about the differences, visit ABCNews.com or read this great article by BBC.

Have you ever experienced any of these symptoms or had a panic attack? Do you know of anything that triggers your anxiety?  If you have any questions about today’s blog post, let us know in the comments section below!

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