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iChhori Team

Are You More Prone to Anxiety Than Your Friends?

Have you ever wondered why certain people seem calm in stressful situations while others, maybe including yourself, tend to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or nervous? Anxiety is a natural emotional response, but some people are more susceptible than others. This article explores why you might be more prone to anxiety than your friends and offers practical ways to manage it.

Understanding Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. While occasional anxiety is normal, chronic anxiety can interfere with daily life, affecting relationships, work, and health.

Why Are Some People More Prone to Anxiety?

There are several factors that make someone more prone to anxiety than others:

  • Genetics: Family history plays a significant role. If your parents or siblings suffer from anxiety, you're more likely to experience it too.
  • Personality Traits: Highly sensitive, perfectionist, or people-pleasing individuals are more likely to suffer from anxiety.
  • Biological Factors: Imbalances in brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol can influence anxiety levels.
  • Childhood Experiences: Traumatic events, bullying, neglect, or overprotective parenting in childhood can make anxiety more likely in adulthood.
  • Lifestyle: Excessive caffeine, lack of sleep, unhealthy diets, and sedentary behaviour can increase anxiety.
  • Social Comparison: Constantly comparing yourself to others (especially on social media) can trigger feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety

  • Persistent worrying
  • Racing thoughts
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • Shortness of breath
  • Upset stomach or nausea

Why You Feel More Anxious Than Your Friends

It may feel like your friends handle stress with ease while you struggle, but everyone experiences anxiety differently. Key reasons include:

  • Your brain may process threats differently, heightening fear responses.
  • Your coping mechanisms may be less developed due to past experiences.
  • Social media exposure can amplify self-doubt and fuel anxiety more for some people than others.
  • Friends may hide their struggles better; you might not be as different as you think.

How to Manage and Reduce Anxiety

1. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises, help anchor you to the present moment and reduce racing thoughts.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a proven therapy that helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety.

3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol

Both can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Switch to herbal teas or decaffeinated options.

4. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity boosts mood-enhancing chemicals like serotonin and reduces stress hormones like cortisol.

5. Build a Support System

Surround yourself with understanding friends and family who offer support instead of judgment.

6. Set Boundaries with Social Media

Limit screen time and unfollow accounts that cause stress or comparison.

7. Seek Professional Help

If anxiety severely impacts your daily life, consult a therapist or mental health professional for support.

Real-Life Example

Sneha, 26, from Mumbai, noticed she was constantly anxious about work deadlines while her friends stayed calm. Through therapy, she realised her childhood perfectionism and fear of failure were major causes. With regular mindfulness practice and support, her anxiety reduced significantly.

FAQs

  • Is anxiety a mental illness? Yes, when it is chronic and affects daily life, anxiety is classified as a mental health disorder.
  • Can anxiety be cured? Anxiety can be managed effectively. Some people fully recover, while others learn lifelong coping strategies.
  • Is medication necessary for anxiety? Not always. Many benefit from therapy, lifestyle changes, and mindfulness without medication. However, in severe cases, medication helps.

Conclusion

Being more prone to anxiety than your friends doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It simply means your brain and experiences process stress differently. Understanding the root causes and adopting healthy coping strategies can transform your mental well-being.

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Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You are not alone in your journey.

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