Anxiety affects everyone in different ways. In some cases, the sensations of worry and and dread do not vanish and can get worse over time. In this article, you can find out about anxiety, anxiety disorders, symptoms of anxiety disorders, who is at risk and how to manage it.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is your body’s natural reaction to stress. It’s a feeling of uneasiness or apprehension about what’s to come. For example, you may worry when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test or before making an important decision. If your feelings of anxiety are extreme, lasting for a minimum of 6 months or more and are interfering with your normal life, you might want to investigate further.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress in some situations. It can alert us to danger and help us to be prepared and pay attention. Anxiety disorders differ from regular feelings of nervousness or anxiousness and entail too much concern or worry. People with an anxiety disorder, experience that anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. The Pandemic created a great deal of changes to the way we live and placed stress on people and still does for many people across the globe.
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorders and more specific disorders.
- Generalized anxiety disorder.
- Panic disorder.
- Social anxiety disorder.
- Separation anxiety disorder.
- Different phobias may arise, like
- Agoraphobia (crowded public places), arachnophobia (spiders), mysophobia (germs), to name a few.
What are the common symptoms of an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders can also make it hard to breathe, sleep or stay focused to name a few. Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
- Panic, fear, and uneasiness
- Feelings of nervousness, doom, or danger
- Not being able to stay calm and still, pacing
- Shortness of breath
- Breathing faster (hyperventilation)
- Having an increased heart rate
- Feeling weak or tired
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Having trouble sleeping
- Tense muscles
- Dizziness
- Lack of the ability to focus
- Intensely or obsessively avoiding feared objects or places
- Having difficulty controlling worry
Who is at risk of anxiety disorders?
Anyone! Researchers found risk factors for each type of anxiety disorder vary. But there are some general influences, which include:
- Personality traits.
- Life history.
- Genetics.
- Other health conditions.
- Stimulants.
What are treatments for anxiety?
Once you’ve received a diagnosis of anxiety, you can explore treatment options with a doctor. Which can lead to a more manageable day-to-day life. The main treatments for anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medications. You may also benefit from exercise, proper nutrition, less screen time, mindful living practices and meditation. It may take some trial and error to discover which treatments work best for you.
Medication for Anxiety Disorders
Medication for anxiety may be recommended as a part of treatment. Medications can be prescribed by a medical doctor, psychiatrist or nurse practitioner. Speak with your doctor or healthcare provider to figure out your specific diagnosis and the best treatment plan.
Final Thoughts on Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can often go undiagnosed and untreated. Fortunately we have trained healthcare providers who can help. The proper treatment can help improve your quality of life, relationships and productivity. It can also support your overall happiness and well-being. You may need to speak to your healthcare professional.
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