Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear which is strong enough to be an interference with one's day to day activities. They are a group related to conditions rather than a single disorder, and symptoms may vary from person to person. 

It is a mental disorder that produces fear, worry and a constant feeling of being overwhelmed. It may occur to anyone, ranging from a 13-year-old kid or a 70-year-old senior citizen. It is characterized by excessive, persistent & unrealistic worry about everyday things. Major symptoms can vary from difficulty to control things and self-isolation to avoid things.

Some mental and physical symptoms of Anxiety disorders are:

  • Excessive fear/ irritation/ worry.

  • Watching for signs of danger

  • Trouble concentrating 

  • Insomnia 

  • Feeling of mind going blank

  • Feeling tense and jumpy

  • Pounding heart /headaches /shaking and trembling

  • Shortness of breath and muscle twitches

  • Frequent panic attacks

  • Feeling overheated very often

  • Feeling constantly lightheaded or weak.

Panic Attacks:

Panic attacks are episodes of intensifying panic or fear. An obvious trigger ranging – hallucinations – claustrophobic, giving a speech, getting stuck. Even side effects of chemical medications can be a reason.

The attack peak within 10 minutes to 30 minutes, one may experience extreme terror, hyperventilation, nausea, stomach pain, hot flashes and chills.

Treatment -

You may try to overcome your fears or face the pain that brings anxiety levels to bad, as it is possible to control the disorder in few ways :

  • Connect with others, build positive communication and share your thoughts.

  • Manage stress by picking new hobbies or lowering your workload.

  • Practice relaxation by a good run, meditation, journaling.

  • Get enough sleep if your anxiety disorder is related to insomnia or fewer hours of sleep.

You may even seek a doctor/therapist /counselling:

  • The most common one is a psychotherapist who uses Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), whose effect has been great in matters for anxiety disorders.

  • Medications are another measure used, which include sedatives and antidepressants that ward off severe symptoms of disorders.

  • Resolve some queries if the disorder is hereditary or due to any medicines used for different illnesses which causes side effects.


Lastly, build self-communication and techniques which will help you to lower your panics and improve your depression.

Seek professional help if your thoughts or actions are harmful.


Citations:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/anxiety-what-it-is-what-to-do-2018060113955

https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2016/03/understanding-anxiety-disorders

Divya ShettyComment