By Malak Embaby

During my teenage years, I found happiness and camaraderie with my friends at school, but when I returned home, I inevitably faced the most troubling part of my day. I would ask my sister if our parents had argued, and her reply was disheartening. She confirmed their argument, emphasizing that the underlying problem remained unresolved. Her words left me speechless, and tears welled up in her eyes as she retreated to her room. Curiosity got the better of me, so I followed her and she expressed, “It saddens me how our parents neglect our mental well-being, believing that parenting solely involves monitoring our behavior while disregarding the essential responsibility of nurturing our mental health.” I couldn’t add much to her statement, as she had already chosen her words wisely. The fact that our parents’ unsatisfactory actions were clearly the consequence of their negligence surprised me greatly.

A Troubled Home: Unveiling the Impact of Family Dynamics

I gradually came to comprehend the profound impact my parents’ problems had on my mental well-being. Their persistent issues became my primary vulnerability, triggering a distressing sensation whenever a domestic incident unfolded. Understanding the negative emotions and recurring symptoms that plagued me proved challenging: numbness in certain body parts, insomnia, heightened heart rate, rapid breathing, trembling, weakness, increased pulse, and difficulty concentrating. I constantly questioned whether these symptoms were normal or if I was alone in facing such struggles and emotions.

However, my perspective shifted after a heartfelt conversation with a friend who had gone through a similar situation. She enlightened me about the medical term “anxiety,” which captures the sensation of worry that triggers an adrenaline response in the body, resulting in the symptoms I had described. Opening up with my friend brought immense relief, assuring me that I wasn’t alone in grappling with anxiety.

With time, I began to understand that my parents were under tremendous pressure due to demanding work schedules and financial hardships we faced. I recognized that these triggering events and the resulting household stress contributed to ongoing problems, including verbal and physical abuse, which further intensified my anxiety. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that parents should shoulder greater responsibility and prevent their children from reaching the point of mental breakdown.

Coping with Anxiety: A Personal Transformation

I found myself caught in a whirlwind of emotions, experiencing a bewildering blend of tension, nervousness, sadness, and an inability to relax. Overthinking consumed me as I fixated on the worst possible outcomes, causing time to drag on and keeping me in a perpetual state of fear and panic. The absence of peace and affection in my life left me feeling isolated. Coping with anxiety proved to be an arduous task, and what hurt the most was realizing that my parents allowed such trauma to persist without taking any action. Despite expressing my concerns and describing my symptoms, they dismissed them as normal, leaving me anxious that I might be exaggerating the situation.

However, the true gravity of the problem became evident as it started affecting every aspect of my life. The severity of my anxiety caused a profound transformation in my behavior. I began to withdraw from my family and friends, unable to attend school, feeling trapped and confined. Despite my dreams and ambitions, my anxiety hindered me from pursuing my goals, leading to insecurities and a loss of confidence. As my parents failed to address my deteriorating mental health, I felt a sense of neglect from them. This experience opened my eyes to the ethical implications of the relationship between family dynamics and anxiety. Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge that ongoing parental mistakes are unacceptable, as they disrupt a child’s peace of mind and impede emotional development.

One morning, I made a firm decision to reclaim control over my anxiety. I summoned the courage to seek natural solutions for improvement. My journey began by immersing myself in online narratives shared by individuals who had encountered similar struggles with anxiety. Recognizing that each person copes uniquely, delving into diverse stories helped me gain a deeper comprehension. I learned valuable advice: engaging in breathing exercises, seeking therapy, and confiding in a trusted confidant. Implementing these coping techniques, I discovered their profound efficacy in managing my anxiety.

Moreover, I prioritized reading best-selling self-help books that delved into psychology, equipping myself with knowledge and ideas that transformed my perspective. I took charge of my environment, purposely distancing myself from negative influences and surrounding myself with supportive individuals. Seeking solace in challenging hobbies like gardening, volunteering, and horseback riding became a source of comfort and distraction, infusing me with renewed vitality and effectively reducing my anxiety levels.

Furthermore, I recognized the importance of addressing the underlying issues perpetuated by my parents. By engaging them in shared activities such as cooking, taking walks, and practicing meditation, my intention was to foster open and positive conversations, strengthening their bond. Embarking on a journey of healing and successful anxiety management, I embraced self discovery, incorporated beneficial strategies, and deliberately instigated changes in my surroundings and interactions.

Lessons Learned and Future Commitments

I am grateful for the valuable lessons that my anxiety has bestowed upon me. Initially, the understanding was startling, as managing anxiety can be a formidable undertaking. Its symptoms have a pervasive impact on every aspect of our lives, influencing our actions, emotions, well-being, and behaviors. While I once believed that I had simply accepted a life with anxiety, I took a step back and gained a fresh perspective, realizing that it serves a higher purpose. Perhaps anxiety is meant to guide us towards discovering our deepest core values and attaining a profound understanding of life. This newfound realization empowers me to respond differently when confronted with similar circumstances in the future. Moving forward, I am committed to cultivating a strong bond with my future spouse, ensuring that love and affection occupy a central place in our family dynamics. Additionally, I will prioritize educating my children about anxiety, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate their own experiences. Furthermore, I pledge to assist those who find themselves in similar situations by extending a helping hand and sharing the wisdom I have acquired from my personal journey.

In conclusion, anxiety affects many people significantly, but it also teaches important lessons about bravery, resiliency, and the realization that wisdom can be gained despite difficulties in life. It teaches us that both positive and negative experiences are entwined in the ups and downs of life. Furthermore, studying the humanities can be a powerful tool for understanding and overcoming the difficulties brought on by trauma and anxiety. We may learn more about the variations and intricate nature of these challenges by exploring the rich patterns of human experiences and relying on the wisdom and collective knowledge of our cultural heritage. By doing this, we may attempt to create a society where everyone is supported and treated with understanding.