Anxiety - The Technology Advantage

Anxiety and Me

Over 8 million people in the UK have an anxiety disorder at any given time. That's more than 1 in 10 people (Mental Health UK). I am one of them.

Anxiety negatively impacts your life. Each and every day it has the power to prevent you from doing the things you want to do. Over time it can curtail your ambitions and your achievements.

Anxiety is a medical diagnosis and I have received both therapy and medication for it. It is a long road but I have always been determined to make the most of my life and achieve all that I can of my ambitions despite the constraints of Anxiety.

The Nature of Vulnerability

Vulnerability is an inherent part of the human experience. It involves the risk of emotional and physical exposure, and for many, this exposure is tied to feelings of bullying and assault. When individuals perceive themselves as vulnerable, they may become paralyzed by the fear of exposure, leading to avoidance behaviours that can stifle both educational and career advancement.

This sense of vulnerability can create barriers that prevent individuals from fully engaging in academic or professional environments. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for fostering supportive spaces that encourage growth and resilience.

The Effects of Anxiety on Careers

In the workplace, individuals with a heightened sense of vulnerability may hesitate to assert themselves in meetings, share ideas, or seek promotions. The fear of being seen can lead to missed opportunities for advancement and recognition.

This reluctance can stifle professional growth and lead to stagnation in one’s career. Anxiety can complicate relationships with colleagues and supervisors. Individuals may find it hard to communicate effectively or build rapport, which can lead to isolation and a lack of support in the workplace.

Building professional relationships is crucial for career growth, yet individuals who feel exposed may avoid networking events or professional gatherings. This reluctance can prevent them from forming valuable connections that could enhance their career trajectories.

Educational Participation and Engagement

Students with anxiety often find it challenging to participate in classroom discussions or group projects. A sense of vulnerability, fear and exposure - of people seeing you - can lead to withdrawal from social interactions, limiting their learning experiences and engagement with peers and instructors.

For some students, anxiety can lead to avoidance behaviours, resulting in absenteeism. The pressure of attending classes or facing evaluations can be overwhelming, causing them to miss out on critical learning opportunities.

Lived Experience

Anxiety makes life harder. Understanding how anxiety impacts study, work, travel, socialising - and getting in the groceries or booking a dentist is crucial for fostering supportive environments and developing effective coping strategies.

For me, at University I was unable to attend tutorials and completed my degree through attending lectures and the library only. My inability to interact directly with others was so bad it led to me sitting in silence and misery for 30 minutes of an exam unable to complete any more questions - because I had run out of paper and was unable to ask for more.

To attend conferences I had to do a dry run first. Before the day itself I would travel with a friend to the conference venue to try out the journey and arriving at the venue. On one occasion this led to an awkward conversation with a startled security guard.

How Technology Helps

Today, technology has transformed my experiences. Project management software helps me stay organised, breathwork Apps allow me to regain calm, meditation Apps help with relaxation. And google maps and google earth can make the dry run a virtual exercise - saving time with friends for more enjoyable activities.

With Google Maps and Google Earth, I can now take virtual runs to venues, and even through large train stations before I even set foot in them. This capability has significantly boosted my confidence and ability to live my life. Not only does this reduce my anxiety about navigating new places, but it also allows me to focus on the substance of my skills, experiences and insights that I am attending to share. The ability to prepare in a stress-free environment contributes positively to my mental health, making conferences, interviews, work meetings and client liaison more accessible and less overwhelming.

Overall, technology has been instrumental in reshaping how I approach participation in tasks and opportunities, turning what was once a source of anxiety into an opportunity for growth and connection.

How you can help

1. Make it OK to say: Encouraging open dialogue about anxiety can help normalise these feelings, allowing individuals to feel less isolated and more understood. When people feel safe discussing their challenges, it fosters a supportive community that promotes understanding and empathy and facilitate individuals to feel comfortable seeking help.
2. Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and stress management techniques can help individuals develop coping strategies to handle anxiety. These practices encourage a focus on the present moment, reducing the tendency to ruminate on past mistakes or future worries. One of the best things a work mentor said to me was "FEAR is 'Forever Expecting Awful Results'"
3. Flexible Work Environments: Flexibility can significantly alleviate anxiety. Options such as remote work, adjustable work hours, and supportive policies can create a more accommodating environment for those affected by anxiety.
4. Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue about mental health can help reduce the stigma surrounding anxiety. When people feel safe discussing their challenges, it fosters a supportive community that promotes understanding and empathy.

In Conclusion

Anxiety can have a profound impact on both education and career development, influencing everything from academic performance and career participation to workplace relationships.

The fear of being seen and the sense of vulnerability can create significant barriers in both educational and professional contexts. It can stop people living their lives.

By recognising these challenges, implementing supportive measures - and removing positively damaging ones- we can create environments that empower individuals to navigate their fears, unlock their full potential - and thrive.