Dealing with Anxiety

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or unease. It is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their life. However, some people experience anxiety more frequently or more intensely than others. For some, anxiety can be so severe that it interferes with their daily life.

Common signs and symptoms of Anxiety

• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Trembling or shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Feelings of choking
• Chest pain
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Fatigue
• Trouble concentrating
• Sleep problems (insomnia or restless sleep)
• Irritability

These symptoms can occur when someone is faced with a perceived threat, whether that be a real or imagined one. Anxiety can be a normal and adaptive response to stress, but it can also become a problem when it's excessive, persistent, and interferes with normal functioning.

Theories of Anxiety

There are several theories of anxiety that have been proposed over the years. The most prominent theories include the cognitive theory, the behavioral theory, and the psychodynamic theory.

The cognitive theory

The cognitive theory of anxiety posits that anxiety is the result of negative thinking. anxious people that anxious people tend to have negative thoughts about themselves and the world around them. These negative thoughts can lead to a feeling of unease and fear.

The behavioral theory

The behavioral theory of anxiety suggests that anxiety is the result of learned behaviors. anxious people that anxious people have learned to be anxious through their experiences. This theory is supported by research that shows that people who have anxiety disorders tend to have a history of trauma or stressful events.

The psychodynamic theory

The psychodynamic theory of anxiety suggests that anxiety is the result of unresolved conflict. anxious people that anxious people have unresolved issues from their past that are causing them to feel anxious in the present. This theory is supported by research that shows that people who have anxiety disorders tend to have a history of trauma or unresolved conflict.

The biological theory

The biological theory of anxiety posits that anxiety is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. This theory suggests that anxious people have a higher level of the neurotransmitter serotonin in their brains. This theory has been supported by research that shows that anxious people tend to have higher levels of serotonin in their brains than people who are not anxious.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. They affect 40 million adults in the U.S. age 18 and older, or 18% of the population.

Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment. Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country’s total mental health bill. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322877#What-is-anxiety?

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are several different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own set of symptoms:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that are difficult to control. People with GAD may have a hard time concentrating, and may experience muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue.

Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear, accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that leads to a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult, or help might not be available in the event of a panic attack. People with agoraphobia often avoid public places, such as being in a crowded area, traveling on an airplane, or being in an elevator.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, is a type of anxiety disorder that causes extreme fear in social situations. People with social anxiety disorder may have a hard time talking to people, meeting new people, and speaking in public.

Selective Mutism

It is an anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak in certain social situations, such as school.

Separation Anxiety Disorder

This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by a fear of separation from home or from people to whom the child is attached. Children with a separation anxiety disorder may have a hard time sleeping away from home, going to school, or being away from their parents.

Causes of Anxiety Disorders

There is no single cause of anxiety disorders.

They are likely caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Risk factors for anxiety disorders

• Family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders
• Traumatic or stressful life events
• Certain medical conditions
• Use of drugs or alcohol

Anxiety disorders can be triggered by a variety of stressors, including:

• Going to college
• Getting married
• Having a baby
• Losing a job
• Moving to a new home

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

Most people with anxiety disorders can be helped with treatment. The key is to get started early and stick with it.

There are several different types of treatment for anxiety disorders, including:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people with anxiety disorders by changing the way they think and behave. CBT can be done in individual or group sessions.

Exposure therapy

Exposure therapy is a type of CBT that helps people with anxiety disorders by gradually exposing them to the things they fear. Exposure therapy can be done in a controlled setting, such as a therapist’s office, or in real-life situations.

Medication

Medication can be used to treat anxiety disorders. The most common types of medication used to treat anxiety disorders are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers.

Relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing, can help people with anxiety disorders.

Support groups
Support groups can provide people with anxiety disorders with support and information.

 Anxiety can be a normal reaction to stress. It can be helpful in small doses. For example, it can help you stay alert and focused, and it can motivate you to take action. But when anxiety is severe, it can be disabling.