Anxiety

You’ve probably heard the word countless times, or you may have experienced some form of anxiety at some point in your life. Many people do not like to talk about the matter because talking about anxiety makes one anxious. Others lack the right words to explain it. So, what is anxiety in simple terms? What causes anxiety? How can one manage this kind of stress? Are there severe cases that cannot be treated or managed?

Here’s an insight into the matter.

In layman’s terms, anxiety is your body’s normal reaction to stress. It’s also known as “fear of the unknown.” If your anxiety lasts longer than six months, you may have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety can cause panic episodes or an uncontrollable flow of thoughts.

Anxiety is prompted by a variety of situations and has no one-size-fits-all source. Anxiety can be a genetic condition or a result of a combination of environmental influences. You may be nervous about an impending test, a job interview, meeting new people, or a presentation you are preparing to give, among other things. These, among other things, could be primary causes of anxiety, but if it severely disrupts your life, it is an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety isn’t an illness that can be identified with a series of tests. It is diagnosed by observing actions over a while. Whether you’re not sure how to determine if you have anxiety, here are a few indications to look out for:

• Increased heartbeat when you think about your causative agent.
• Sweating
• Trembling and shaking
• Feeling unexplainably weak and tired,
• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense.
• Over-thinking about the causative situation.
• Sleeplessness, or trouble sleeping at all
• Worrying too much

These are the common symptoms of mild anxiety, although they could indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety in teens is rampant, and the symptoms may be; nervousness, shyness, isolationist behaviors, and avoidance. The consequences of anxiety in teens may be poor performance in school or sometimes abuse of substances.

Below are some of the most common anxiety disorders that exist;

• Panic disorder;

These are repeat episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety, fear, or terror that escalate very fast. It may cause shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and even feelings of impending doom.

• Phobias;

Phobia is the excess fear of specific objects, situations, or activities such as height, water, and many others.

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);

Anxiety is caused by a traumatic event that happened recently or in the past.

• Separation anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder;

Recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific repeated behaviors.

• Illness anxiety disorder

Anxiety Treatment and Management.

The treatment option ranges from patient to patient. You are advised to explore the different treatment options with your doctor to see which one is best for you. Sometimes one does not need any professional advisory, because some changes in one’s lifestyle may treat the anxiety.

There are two common anxiety treatments; Psychotherapy and Medication. The medications include prescribed antidepressants and sedatives. Having an anxiety disorder could but not always, indicate that you may be suffering from depression. Some of them such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may require one to be in therapy for as long as recommended.

Besides the above-recommended treatments, there are natural ways to manage and deal with anxiety. Of course, most of them include self-care tips and encouragement to engage in healthful activities. The remedies include;

• Staying active with regular workouts
• Eating healthy
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding caffeine
• Regular meditation
• Getting Enough Sleep.