Anxiety; Insight into Symptoms, Risk factors and Management

Everyone is affected by anxiety in a different way. The sensations of dread and panic might occasionally persist or worsen over time. Learn more about anxiety in this article, including its symptoms, causes and management.

It's common to have uneasiness every now and then. However, strong, excessive, and persistent worry and panic over common place circumstances are typically experienced by those with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders sometimes entail recurrent episodes of acute anxiety, fear, or terror that peak in a matter of minutes (panic attacks). Women are more prone to anxiety disorders than men. Why that occurs is still being investigated by researchers. It could be a result of a woman's hormones, particularly if they change during the month. Men have higher levels of the hormone testosterone, which may help with anxiety. It's also possible that because women are less inclined to seek help, their anxiety gets worse.

These uncomfortable, hard to regulate, out-of-proportion to the real threat, and protracted sensations of worry and panic interfere with daily activities. To stop these feelings, you could avoid certain locations or circumstances. Children or teenagers may first have symptoms, which may then last until adulthood.

The presence of some anxiousness is common. If you have to solve a problem at work, attend an interview, take an exam, or make a significant decision, you can experience anxiety or nervousness. And even good things can come from anxiety. For instance, anxiety helps us focus our attention and make us aware of potentially dangerous circumstances, keeping us safe.

However, an anxiety disorder goes beyond the normal trepidation and mild fear you might experience occasionally.

Anxiety has a significant role in many different conditions. These consist of:

Panic disorder: This means that you frequently have panic episodes at odd times.

Phobia: An extreme fear of a certain thing, circumstance, or behaviour.

Selective mutism: It is the inability of children to talk in some contexts, like school, despite their ability to do so in others, including at home with their immediate relatives. This may affect how you operate at work, school, and in your social life.

Social anxiety disorder: This is a severe dread of people judging you in social settings.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: This means that you frequently have irrational thoughts that cause you to engage in particular, repetitive actions.

Separation anxiety disorder: This indicates that you are afraid of being alone or separated from your loved ones.

Illness anxiety disorder: This is worry about your well-being (formerly called hypochondria).

Substance-induced anxiety disorder: Intense anxiety or panic symptoms that are brought on by drug abuse, medication abuse, exposure to harmful substances, or drug withdrawal are the hallmarks of substance-induced anxiety disorder.

Symptoms

The following list of symptoms and indicators of anxiety:

·       Feeling jittery, fidgety, or uptight

·       Feeling of impending peril, terror, or disaster

·       Having a faster heartbeat

·       Breaths quickly (hyperventilation)

·       Sweating

·       Trembling

·       Feeling drained or feeble

·       Difficulty focusing or thinking about anything but the current issue

·       Having issues falling asleep

·       Having digestive system (GI) issues

·       Having trouble managing worry

·       A desire to stay away from things that make you anxious

Risk factors

An individual's chance of acquiring anxiety disorders may increase due to a combination of genetic and environmental variables. If you have experienced or have ever experienced:

History of mental illness: Your chance of developing an anxiety disorder is increased if you also have a mental health condition like depression.

Sexual abuse in childhood: Childhood sexual, emotional, or physical abuse or neglect has been linked to anxiety disorders in adults.

Trauma: A traumatic experience raises the likelihood of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in panic episodes.

Negative incidents in life: Your risk of developing an anxiety disorder is increased by stressful or unfavourable life circumstances, such as losing a parent when you were a young child.

Severe ailment or ongoing medical issue: You may experience overwhelming stress and anxiety if you are constantly concerned about your health, the health of a loved one, or the needs of a sick person.

Addiction to drugs: Alcohol and illegal drug usage increases your risk of developing an anxiety condition. Additionally, some people utilise these drugs to mask or lessen their anxiety symptoms.

Being a shy child: Being reserved as a kid Social anxiety in teens and adults is associated with early shyness and withdrawal from strange people and environments.

Self-esteem issues: Social anxiety disorder may be brought on by negative self-perceptions.

Treatment and management

There are several ways to manage and lessen the effects of an anxiety disorder. People with anxiety disorders typically take medication and attend counselling.

Medication: Anxiety problems can be treated with a variety of medications including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics depending upon the conditions. To choose which medication is best for you, talk to your doctor or psychiatrist about the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Psychotherapy: This kind of counselling teaches you how your feelings impact your actions. It's also known as conversation therapy. Your thoughts and feelings are discussed with you by a qualified mental health professional who also offers suggestions on how to comprehend and treat your anxiety illness.

Tips for management of anxiety

You could use the following advice to manage or minimise your symptoms:

Understand your disease: The more information you have, the better equipped you'll be to deal with symptoms and obstacles along the path. Ask your doctor any questions you may have without hesitation. Keep in mind that you play a crucial role on your healthcare team.

Stick to treatment plan: Abruptly quitting your medications can have unpleasant side effects and may even make you feel anxious.

Improve your sleep: Anxiety disorders and sleep issues frequently coexist. Prioritize getting enough rest. Establish a peaceful bedtime routine. If you are still having difficulties sleeping, consult your doctor.

Control your negative thinking: Instead of worrying thoughts, it can be beneficial to think happy ones. However, if you have some kinds of worry, this could be difficult. You can learn how to reframe your thoughts through cognitive behavioural therapy.

Spend time with friends: Social interactions, whether in person, over the phone, or online, support people in thriving and maintaining their health. Social anxiety is less common in people who have a close circle of friends who encourage them and engage in conversation.

Learn to relax: Your treatment plan for anxiety disorders must include stress management. After a stressful day, practises like meditation or mindfulness can help you relax and may even improve the efficacy of your treatment.

Avoid alcohol and illicit drugs: Drug abuse raises your chance of developing anxiety disorders.

Eat healthy and exercise: Exercises that are vigorously aerobic, like jogging and biking, help the brain release hormones that reduce stress and elevate mood.

Reduce intake of caffeine: Caffeinated foods and beverages such coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate should be avoided. The mood-altering stimulant caffeine may exacerbate the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Summary

To have an anxiety disorder can be difficult and distressing. You can feel worn out and afraid due to your ongoing anxiety and panic. You've already taken the first step in letting go of the worry if you've discussed your symptoms with a doctor. Finding the best treatment for you can sometimes take some time. You may require a variety of treatments if you have many anxiety disorders. The best treatment for the majority of anxiety disorder sufferers is a mix of medication and counselling. You can learn how to control your symptoms and thrive if you receive the right care and therapy.