Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion, but it can also cause physical symptoms, such as shaking and sweating. Treatment can help manage it. When a person has persistently high anxiety levels, a doctor may diagnose a medical disorder
Anxiety disorders are a type of mental illness that causes excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry.
These disorders change how people process emotions and behave, as well as causing physical symptoms. Mild anxiety can be vague and unsettling, whereas severe anxiety can seriously interfere with daily life.
Anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as "an emotion characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes such as increased blood pressure."
Knowing the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder that requires medical attention can aid in identifying and treating the condition.
When should anxiety be treated?
While anxiety can be distressing, it is not always the result of a medical condition.
Anxiety
Anxiety is not only normal but also necessary for survival when confronted with potentially harmful or worrying triggers.
Since the dawn of time, the approach of predators and incoming danger has set off alarms in the body, allowing evasive action. These alarms manifest as increased heart rate, sweating, and increased sensitivity to surroundings.
The threat triggers a surge of adrenalin, a hormone and chemical messenger in the brain, which causes these anxious reactions in a process known as the "fight-or-flight" response. This prepares humans to confront or flee any potential threats to their safety.
Running from larger animals and imminent danger is a less pressing concern for many people than it would have been for early humans. Anxiety now revolves around work, money, family life, health, and other critical issues that require a person's attention without necessitating the 'fight-or-flight' response.
The nervous feeling before an important life event or in the midst of a difficult situation is a natural echo of the original 'fight-or-flight' response. It can still be necessary for survival; for example, fear of being hit by a car while crossing the street causes a person to look both ways to avoid danger.
Anxiety problems
Anxiety's duration or severity can sometimes be out of proportion to the original trigger, or stressor. Physical symptoms such as high blood pressure and nausea may also appear. These reactions elevate anxiety to the level of an anxiety disorder.
The American Psychological Association defines anxiety disorder as "recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns." When anxiety progresses to the level of a disorder, it can interfere with daily functioning.
While anxiety disorders can have a variety of diagnoses, the following are common symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD):
agitation and a sense of being "on edge"
Uncontrollable anxiety increased irritability
difficulties concentrating
Sleep issues, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
While these symptoms are common in everyday life, people with GAD will have them on a regular or extreme basis. GAD symptoms can range from vague, unsettling worry to severe anxiety that interferes with daily life.
The following diagnoses are now included in the category of anxiety disorders.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Specific phobia
Agoraphobia
Selective mutism
Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia
Causes
Anxiety disorders have numerous causes. Many may occur concurrently, some may trigger others, and some may not trigger an anxiety disorder unless another is present.
Among the possible causes are:
Environmental stressors, such as work difficulties, relationship problems, or family issues Genetics, as people with anxiety disorders are more likely to develop one themselves.
medical factors such as the symptoms of another disease, the side effects of a medication, or the stress of a major surgery or a lengthy recovery
As psychologists define many anxiety disorders as misalignments of hormones and electrical signals in the brain, withdrawal from an illicit substance may amplify the impact of other possible causes.
Psychotherapy, behavioural therapy, and medication will be used as treatments.
Alcoholism, depression, or other conditions can sometimes have such a strong impact on mental health that treating an anxiety disorder must be postponed until any underlying conditions are resolved.
Self-treatment
In some cases, an anxiety disorder can be treated at home without the need for clinical supervision. However, for severe or long-term anxiety disorders, this may not be effective.
There are a variety of exercises and actions that can help people cope with milder, more focused, or shorter-term anxiety disorders, such as:
Stress management: Learning to manage stress can help limit potential triggers. Organize any upcoming pressures and deadlines, create lists to make daunting tasks more manageable, and commit to taking time off from study or work.
Relaxation techniques: Simple activities can help alleviate the mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, long baths, darkness rest, and yoga are examples of these techniques.
Exercises to replace negative thoughts with positive ones: Make a list of the negative thoughts that may be cycling as a result of anxiety, and then make a list of positive, believable thoughts to replace them. Imagining yourself successfully facing and conquering a specific fear can also help if your anxiety symptoms are related to a specific cause, such as a phobia.
Support system: Speak with supportive people you know, such as a family member or friend. Local and online support group services may also be available.
Exercise: Physical activity can boost self-esteem and release chemicals in the brain that cause positive feelings.
Prevention
There are methods for lowering the risk of anxiety disorders. Remember that anxious feelings are a normal part of life and that having them does not always indicate the presence of a mental health disorder.
To help moderate anxious emotions, take the following steps:
Caffeine, tea, cola, and chocolate should be avoided.
Check with a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter (OTC) or herbal remedies for any chemicals that may exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Maintain a nutritious diet.
Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
Avoid using alcohol, marijuana, and other recreational drugs.
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