Anxiety is a common experience in people’s lives. When confronted with a challenging situation at work, before taking a test, or before making a significant choice, you could feel uncomfortable. Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time.
In contrast, people with anxiety disorders usually experience intense, excessive, and persistent distress or even terror in ordinary settings. Anxiety disorders are frequently characterized by repeated episodes of acute anxiety, panic, or terror that peak within minutes. It can make you feel restless and tight which causes your heart to race. It’s a common stress reaction; they are more than just a feeling of concern or fear, it can lead to panic.
Anxiety does not go away for people with anxiety disorders, and it might worsen with time. If you anxiety is severe and it lasts longer than a few months and interferes with your daily life then it is generally diagnosised as General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This diagnosis is the most frequent emotional problem affecting people of all ages. Other anxiety symptoms include nightmares, panic attacks, and uncontrollable, unpleasant thoughts or recollections. You may be afraid of a specific place or incident, or you may be fearful of a general sensation of anxiety and concern.
Symptoms
Here are some of the common occurring anxiety indications and symptoms:
- Nervous, restless, or tense feelings
- A feeling of impending danger, terror, or approaching calamity
- An elevated heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Extreme sweating
- Extreme trembling
- Have difficulty sleeping
- Have gastrointestinal (GI) issues
- Feeling exhausted
- Have trouble managing one’s worry
- Have a strong desire to avoid situations that cause worry
Anxiety and panic disrupt daily tasks, are challenging to manage, out of proportion to the actual danger, and can endure an extended period. To avoid unpleasant feelings, you could avoid certain places or circumstances. Symptoms might begin in childhood or adolescence and last into maturity.
Major Types
Major anxiety disorders can include, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Social Anxiety Disorder, to list a few. There is a possibility that one will have more than one anxiety condition. Anxiety might be caused by a medical issue that requires medication management.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
It is a sort of anxiety disorder that comprises continuous anxiety, excessive worry, and tension, even when there is little or no cause.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a mental health disorder that strikes individuals of all age groups. OCD comprises a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears that lead to repetitive behaviors. Obsessions and compulsions cause great suffering and make it difficult to carry out regular responsibilities. Trying to ignore or stop your habits will only make you feel worse. Finally, you feel forced to indulge in compulsive behaviors to relieve your stress. They continue despite attempts to ignore or eradicate troubling thoughts or desires. It contributes to the vicious circle of OCD’s repeated behavior.
Panic Disorder
Recurrent panic episodes and overwhelming physical and psychological anguish are the most common signs of panic disorder. Many people who have a panic attack mistakenly feel they are experiencing a heart attack or another life-threatening illness due to the severity of the symptoms. Chest discomfort, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or stomach trouble are possible physical symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental illness related to experiencing or witnessing a stressful event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the occurrence.
Most people who experience disturbing situations have temporary difficulties adjusting. Still, people can get better with time if adequate self-care is taken. You may have PTSD if your symptoms worsen, linger for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety problem marked by overwhelming anxiety and extreme self-consciousness in ordinary social interactions is known as a social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder can be restricted to a single circumstance, such as a fear of speaking in official or informal settings, eating or drinking in front of others, etc.
Treatments
Anxiety disorders can make it difficult for a person to work, study, or engage in other activities. With the right therapy, you can get back on your feet. Psychotherapy, medicine, or a combination of the two is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. Anxiety may be treated in various ways. You should consult with a doctor to determine the best option for you.
Medications:
Anxiety disorders are not curable with medication. However, they can help you feel better. Anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers are common examples. A healthcare practitioner will work with you to determine the best medication combination and dose.
Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy, assists you in coping with your emotional reaction to mental health problems. A mental health professional walks you through steps for better understanding and managing the anxiety. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Â and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are two approaches
Final thought
Anxiety disorders are caused by various factors that aren’t entirely understood. Anxiety disorders tend to be triggered by life experiences such as catastrophic occurrences in persons who are already stressed and worried. There’s no precise way to know what causes someone to develop an anxiety disorder. Still, you may lessen the symptoms’ severity by seeking early assistance, staying active, and avoiding drugs and alcohol.
