What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is the general feeling of panic, fear, and/or worry. Although all of us experience these emotions and sensations from time-to-time, those suffering with an anxiety disorder, whether diagnosed or not, are acutely aware of how disruptive and impactful these amplified feelings can be. Anxiety can make normal, everyday situations and occurrences feel extremely difficult or even impossible. Even when unprovoked, the onset of anxiety can be sudden, and is difficult to control or manage.

How Does It Show Up?

Anxiety may be an overall fear or worry (generalized anxiety), or an acute and specific phobia, such as arachnophobia (fear of spiders). Some common symptoms of anxiety may include, but are not limited to:

• Feeling nervous, or
• Restless
• Hyperventilation
• Excessive Sweating, or
• Shaking
• A sense of looming danger
• Increased heart rate
• Insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep
• Situational triggers and fear

How Covid Affects/Amplifies Anxiety?

We have all been affected in some way by Covid-19, and those suffering from anxiety are no different. Feelings of worry, panic, and fear are amplified and more disruptive in the current pandemic climate, when so much is present and outside of one's control.

How We Deal with It At Expanse:

At Expanse we believe in healing, and wellness, opting for a more comprehensive treatment of disorders such as anxiety. Beyond simply using medication, or other short-term (although effective) approaches, Expanse Wilderness focuses on what is underneath all of the worry, and fear.

If an adolescent or young adult can understand where the anxiety originates, they will better be able to implement healthy and intentional solutions to their worry. Through intentional therapeutic focus, and the inherent challenges and joys of wilderness living, our students are able to identify triggers and solutions, better enabling them to thrive in difficult and challenging situations.