In a historic moment, Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios claimed the Miss Universe crown, becoming the first from her country to achieve this accolade. The 72nd edition of the competition in El Salvador witnessed Palacios' triumph, with Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild and Miss Australia Moraya Wilson as the first and second runners-up, respectively. While the spotlight shines on her achievement, Palacios courageously shares her personal struggle with debilitating anxiety, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
Palacios' Miss Universe Triumph: A Dream Realized Amidst Anxiety Battles
Palacios, a 23-year-old communicologist, expressed her disbelief at the moment of victory, recalling the overwhelming realization that her dreams had become a reality. However, behind the radiant smile and glittering crown lies a poignant story of battling anxiety that plagued her since the age of 18.
"I couldn't manage my emotions," Palacios confides, detailing the gripping symptoms that left her feeling incapacitated—crying spells, racing thoughts, uncontrollable shaking, shortness of breath, and even physical actions like pulling her acrylic nails. Anxiety, as she describes it, became a weight, a chain that bound her daily life.
Despite the challenges, Palacios recognized the responsibility that came with her title. "It's time to work because [this] is a job for you. It's a responsibility for all the little girls watching you right now," she asserted, highlighting her commitment to making a positive impact.
From Struggle to Triumph: Palacios' Path to Control
Seeking professional help, Sheynnis Palacios enlisted the support of a therapist who played a pivotal role in helping her regain control of her life. Now, as Miss Universe, she is determined to utilize her platform to advocate for mental health, encouraging others silently grappling with similar challenges to seek help.
"I feel a responsibility. A lot of people feel the same. Maybe people [feel they] don't have the money, don't have the tools or the time [to get help]. I'm here to say it's possible," emphasizes Palacios. Her aim is to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health, assuring individuals that addressing their mental well-being is a right they possess.
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: A Multifaceted Challenge
As per Dr Fabian Almeida, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, anxiety disorders, affecting a person's ability to work, study, and engage in various activities, manifest in different forms:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Specific Phobias
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Trichotillomania/Dermatillomania or Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
- Hoarding
These disorders, often distressing and debilitating, can lead to significant disruptions in education, employment, and interpersonal relationships. However, with appropriate treatment, recovery is not only possible but achievable.
Also Read: What Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder Or GAD? Know Its Signs And Method Of Treatment
Effective Strategies for Managing Anxiety Disorders
Dealing with anxiety disorders requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses various strategies aimed at promoting mental well-being. These strategies go beyond mere coping mechanisms; they empower individuals to take control of their lives and navigate the challenges posed by anxiety. Here are some effective strategies to consider:
Learning About Anxiety
Understanding the intricacies of anxiety is crucial to its management. By delving into the physiology of the 'flight-or-fight' response, individuals can gain valuable insights into their triggers and responses. Education becomes a powerful tool in fostering a sense of control over the symptoms.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices guide individuals to redirect their attention from anxiety-provoking thoughts and immerse themselves in the present moment. This approach, increasingly popular for its holistic benefits, involves cultivating an awareness that promotes mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Relaxation Techniques
Chronic tension is a common companion of anxiety disorders, and learning how to release muscle tension can be a valuable strategy. Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, abdominal breathing, and isometric relaxation exercises provide practical tools for promoting physical and mental relaxation.
Correct Breathing Techniques
Proper breathing techniques play a pivotal role in anxiety management. Individuals can avoid hyperventilation by learning to breathe from the diaphragm, ensuring that abdominal movement occurs during breathing. This practice helps maintain optimal carbon dioxide levels, contributing to a more balanced physiological response.
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive therapy focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns associated with anxiety. By embracing rational self-talk, reality testing, and cognitive restructuring, individuals can actively reshape their cognitive landscape. This approach addresses the beliefs that trigger anxious thoughts and feelings.
Behavior Therapy
Exposure therapy, a significant component of behaviour therapy, involves deliberately confronting fears to desensitize oneself. This systematic approach allows individuals to redefine the perceived danger or fear aspect of a situation or trigger. Through exposure, confidence is gradually built, paving the way for a more resilient mindset.
Dietary Adjustments
Diet plays a role in mental well-being, and certain adjustments can positively impact anxiety. Including magnesium-rich foods for muscle relaxation, ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin B and calcium, and limiting stimulants like nicotine and caffeine contribute to stress reduction and overall health.
Exercise
Regular physical activity proves instrumental in alleviating stress associated with anxiety. Exercise not only burns stress chemicals but also promotes relaxation. Diversifying exercise routines ensures sustained interest and motivation, making it a practical and enjoyable strategy for managing anxiety.
Also Read: Dealing With Social Anxiety Disorder? Here are The Signs To Look For
Learning to be Assertive
Being assertive involves communicating needs, wants, feelings, beliefs, and opinions in a direct and honest manner. This skill is crucial for individuals with anxiety disorders, as it empowers them to overcome the fear of conflict and fosters open and honest communication, ultimately contributing to improved self-esteem.
Building Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem often accompanies anxiety disorders, exacerbating the impact on an individual's mental health. Actively addressing self-worth through community support and counselling becomes essential. Recognizing the connection between anxiety and self-esteem is the first step towards improvement.
Sheynnis Palacios' journey from anxiety struggles to Miss Universe triumph exemplifies the resilience that individuals can harness in the face of mental health challenges. As she extends her advocacy to destigmatize mental health, her story becomes a beacon of hope for those navigating similar paths. The crown she wears symbolizes not just beauty but also the strength to overcome, inspire, and create a positive impact on the world.