It’s normal to feel anxious when facing a challenging situation such as a job interview, a tough exam. But when ones worries and fears seem overwhelming and interfere with their day to day life then we call it as an anxiety disorder. There are many different types of anxiety disorders—and many effective treatments and self–help strategies to overcome this suffering.
What is Anxiety disorder?
Anxiety is the body’s natural response to danger, when you feel threatened, under pressure, or are facing a stressful situation.
In moderation, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. In fact, anxiety can help to stay alert and focused, spur you to action, and motivate to solve problems. But when anxiety is constant or overwhelming, when it interferes with relationships and activities, it stops being functional—that’s crossed the line from normal, productive anxiety into the territory of anxiety disorders.
What a person feel with Anxiety Disorder?
- Continuous tension or worry.
- Anxiety interferes with work, school or family responsibilities.
- Irrational fears, but can’t shake.
- Belief of something bad will happen.
- Avoiding everyday situations or activities, thinking they may cause anxiety.
- Feeling like danger and catastrophe are around every corner.
What are the signs & symptoms of Anxiety disorder?
Because anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions rather than a single disorder, they can look very different from person to person. One individual may suffer from intense anxiety attacks that strike without warning, while another gets panicky at the thought of mingling at a party. Someone else may struggle with a disabling fear of driving, or uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts. Yet another may live in a constant state of tension, worrying about anything and everything.
Despite their different forms, all anxiety disorders share one major symptom: persistent or severe fear or worry in situations where most people wouldn’t feel threatened.
Emotional symptoms of anxiety: –
- Feelings of apprehension or dread
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble concentrating
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Watching for signs of danger
- Anticipating the worst
- Feeling like your mind’s gone blank
Physical symptoms of anxiety: –
- Sweating
- Stomach upset or dizziness
- Frequent urination or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Tremors and twitches
- Muscle tension
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Heart pounding
- Insomnia
What are the types of anxiety disorder?
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Anxiety attacks (Panic disorder)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Phobia
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
What is the treatment for anxiety disorder?
Self-help skills
- Write down your worries
- Create an anxiety worry period
- Accept uncertainty
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Adopt healthy eating habit
- Reduce/stop alcohol and nicotine
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
Professional`s help
- Medications
- Behavioral therapy
- Cognitive-behavior therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Counseling