It’s All Wrong: How Anxiety Is Ruining Our Lives and Is It Possible to Stop Worrying

It’s All Wrong: How Anxiety Is Ruining Our Lives and Is It Possible to Stop Worrying

Each of us has experienced anxiety at least once. It is a normal reaction to stress that occurs when you are afraid of something, in the face of the unknown. Anything can become a stressor – not only a negative event, but also something very pleasant.

It’s completely normal to be nervous, but if you worry so much that you can’t go about your daily business, then that’s already reason to suspect an anxiety disorder.

What is an anxiety disorder?

Worrying about a new job, a trip, a wedding, the illness of loved ones is normal. It is unpleasant to be nervous, but in most cases the discomfort will pass on its own – the body adapts and will not react to stress in this way.

But if you notice that due to anxiety you cannot do your usual activities, anxiety prevents you from falling asleep, you are constantly depressed, you cry or, in principle, you behave atypically – this is already beyond normal.

Also, situations where stress and anxiety cause quite mundane things – going to the store, traveling by public transport, which previously did not seem to be a problem for you, may indicate an anxiety disorder.

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Anxiety disorders are quite common and can affect people of all ages. Women are more sensitive to it than men, although it is possible that they simply go to the doctor more often.

What are anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are a fairly large group that combines different mental problems. Among them:

  • panic disorder, which consists of periodic panic attacks;
  • phobias: fear of certain things or situations;
  • social anxiety disorder;
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which results in the need for rituals and repetitive actions;
  • hypochondria – feelings about one’s own health;
  • post-traumatic stress disorder, which occurs after stressful and traumatic events;
  • Separation anxiety disorder: the feelings that come with being separated from loved ones and those we love.

Symptoms of an Anxiety Disorder

The feelings in an anxiety disorder can be different and their severity varies from person to person. Someone may experience tachycardia – a rapid heartbeat, someone – the need to go to the toilet, someone cannot control their emotions and constantly cries. More serious problems can arise: insomnia, nightmares, even suicidal thoughts.

The most common manifestations of an anxiety disorder are:

  • tachycardia;
  • rapid breathing;
  • constant pressure;
  • difficulty concentrating;
  • sleep problems.

One person may not have the same symptoms as another.

How does a panic attack manifest?

A panic attack covers a person, causing both fear, horror and anxiety. In addition, the following symptoms may appear:

  • feeling of nausea;
  • dizziness;
  • dry mouth;
  • sweat;
  • hot flashes;
  • chills;
  • feeling of anxiety;
  • fear;
  • numbness of limbs.

Why does anxiety arise?

Scientists don’t know the exact answer why there is suddenly an anxiety disorder and anxiety that cannot be treated. Most likely, genetic and environmental factors contribute.

In some cases, the anxiety disorder becomes a side effect of treatment and goes away when the drug is stopped.

How is anxiety disorder diagnosed and treated?

There is no single test to make a diagnosis. The doctor will have to prescribe a series of tests, examinations may be requested, as well as interviews to assess the psychopathological state of the patient.

It is not always necessary to take pills for the anxiety disorder – in some cases, psychotherapy, as well as lifestyle changes, can be dispensed with.

But sometimes you can’t do without drugs – they need to be selected by a doctor, focusing on how your friend or relative was treated, it’s definitely not worth it.

Commonly prescribed medications for anxiety include sedatives and antidepressants.

Is it possible to deal with anxiety without pills?

Here are some tips to follow for those who have experienced an anxiety disorder. These tips will help you improve your quality of life:

  • enough sleep;
  • meditation;
  • physical activity;
  • Balanced diet;
  • refusal of alcohol;
  • stop smoking;
  • avoid caffeine.

20 Phrases to Help Calm a Panic Attack or Anxiety

Anxiety and depression

People who have an anxiety disorder often suffer from depression. These are different diseases, but often occur together.

Also, anxiety can be a symptom of major depressive disorder, and worsening depression can lead to increased anxiety.

For treatment, all the same methods are used: lifestyle changes, psychotherapy, drugs.

Anxiety and stress

Stress and anxiety are inextricably linked. Stress can trigger and increase anxiety, but an anxiety disorder can also occur in the absence of obvious stressors.

Against a background of stress and anxiety, the following manifestations may occur:

  • headache;
  • toothache;
  • tachycardia;
  • sweat;
  • dizziness;
  • muscle pain;
  • muscle tension;
  • rapid breathing;
  • panic;
  • nervousness;
  • concentration problems;
  • assault;
  • irritability;
  • constant fatigue;
  • insomnia.

Remember that stress and anxiety can be the result of the norm – often they motivate us to come together and work more productively. You should see a doctor only if they start to negatively affect your well-being and daily activities.

Anxiety and alcohol

The decision to calm down with alcohol comes quite often, alcohol has a sedative effect and can really help to relax. However, it is definitely not worth abusing this method, as this can cause addiction to alcohol and the need to solve all emerging problems with it. In the future, this will only aggravate the situation.

Can food help manage anxiety?

Indeed, some products help to feel better. It is worth switching to a healthier diet, which will help improve the situation. Mental health experts recommend the following products:

  • Salmon;
  • chamomile;
  • Turmeric;
  • bitter chocolate;
  • yogurt;
  • green tea.

However, changing your diet alone is not enough to overcome your anxiety disorder. An integrated approach is important, which will include a visit to a doctor, medication and lifestyle changes.

Sometimes it is not possible to completely cope with anxiety disorders, but in most cases a person learns to live with them and his quality of life does not deteriorate.

Photo: Getty Images

Source: The Voice Mag

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