10/19/2026
Monday Mental Health Matters:
Anxiety is a natural emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physiological changes. We all experience anxiety. There is no need to stigmatize or shame anxiety. The reason we feel, and need, anxiety is because it keeps us cautious. For example, if I didn’t feel some anxiety at the stop sign before crossing a busy street, I wouldn’t be careful and bad things could happen.
Instead of judging yourself for feeling anxious, just notice what you feel, label it anxiety, and practice a coping skill. Notice those worried thoughts, notice tension in your body, and notice other physiological changes like increased heart rate or shallow, rapid breathing.