ITM Wellness O’clock: Are you feeling lazy, or simply overwhelmed from carrying too much?
Not Lazy, Just Overwhelmed: Understanding Anxiety
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We hear the word “anxiety” a lot nowadays. Many people use it to describe constant worrying, restlessness, difficulty breathing, muscle tightness, overthinking, or sudden crying spells. But what exactly is anxiety, and why does it happen?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), anxiety is characterized by excessive fear and worry that may come with physical tension and other emotional, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms. It can become difficult to control and may start affecting daily life, relationships, sleep, work, and overall wellbeing.
Anxiety is our mind and body’s response to feeling overwhelmed or unsafe. It is part of our nervous system’s way of protecting us from stress or danger. When stress becomes too much for too long, the body reacts physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Imagine your body as a container. When too much pressure, stress, responsibilities, or worries are placed inside, it can start to overflow.
For many young working adults, stress may come from deadlines, financial pressure, family responsibilities, relationship problems, uncertainty about the future, or constantly trying to keep up with life. When stress builds up without enough rest or support, even simple tasks can suddenly feel exhausting or heavy.
It is not always laziness. Sometimes, the mind and body are simply overwhelmed.
Common Signs of Anxiety
Anxiety can affect us physically, emotionally, mentally, and behaviorally.
Physical
Tight chest or difficulty breathing
Fast heartbeat
Muscle tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands
Headaches or stomach discomfort
Trouble sleeping
Feeling tired all the time
Emotional
Feeling nervous or restless
Irritability or being easily overwhelmed
Frequent crying
Feeling constantly “on edge”
Mental
Overthinking
Racing thoughts
Difficulty concentrating
Constant worry about the future or worst-case scenarios
Behavioral
Avoiding people or responsibilities
Difficulty relaxing
Withdrawing from others
What Can Help?
Prevention is better than cure. Small daily habits can help regulate the nervous system before stress becomes too overwhelming.
Here are some simple things that may help:
Get enough sleep and rest
Move your body through walking or exercise
Talk to trusted friends or family
Take short breaks during work
Practice slow breathing when overwhelmed
Do activities that help you feel calm and grounded
Most importantly, anxiety is not a life sentence. It does not mean you are weak or failing. It may simply mean your mind and body have been carrying too much stress for too long.
Reaching out for help is okay. Talking to a mental health professional, counselor, or support system can help you better understand what you are experiencing and learn healthier ways to cope.
You do not have to go through it alone.
Expert Insights by
Cleo Viray, MC, RGC
Mental Wellness Counselor
Inside the Metro Check-in: Are you feeling lazy, or simply overwhelmed from carrying too much?
National Mental Health Crisis Hotlines
These services are available 24/7, free of charge, and provide immediate emotional support.
NCMH Crisis Hotline: 1553 (Luzon-wide landline), 0917-899-8727 (Globe), or 0919-057-1553 (Smart)
Other Crisis Support Lines:
Hopeline Philippines: (02) 8804-4673 / 0917-558-4673 / 0918-878-4673
In Touch Community Services: (02) 8893-7603 / 0917-800-1123 / 0922-893-8944
Tawag Paglaum - Centro Bisaya: 0939-936-5433 / 0939-937-5433 (Smart) or 0966-467-9626 (Globe)
National Emergency Hotline: 911
Corporate Wellbeing & Mental Health Training
For organizations looking to support their teams, specialized training is available to address workplace-specific challenges.
For corporate training on workplace wellbeing and mental health—covering stress, burnout, and resilience for employees at all levels—you may contact:
Ayie Bermudez | Mobile: 0966-962-0088