taggit Summary
It is this voice or self-talk as cognitive psychologists call it, that is the cause of our stress, anxiety or any other emotion we feel. As worrisome reports of increased numbers in anxiety disorders, somatization, established depression, substance use and anger causing harm to self or others surface, researchers, psychologists and mental health practitioners anticipate and warn against mental health diseases being the next big health battle to be faced by the world. While external events, others’ ill-treatment of us, and a pandemic are genuine triggers, it is time and truly imperative that we recognise and establish that what makes us anxious is our inner voice, whether on our way to a party, a meeting or surviving a pandemic, our thoughts can influence our emotional and behavioural consequences, making us active participants in taking care of our mental health. Anxiety is an emotion we cannot do without.