Understanding Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

We’ve all used the term “stress” at some point in our lives. It could be over money, relationships, feeling anxious about work, or being uneasy around people. These feelings are usually normal that stimulates our senses and helps us focus and take appropriate course of action. 

However, when the feeling become overwhelming it causes a sense of panic, dread, and uneasiness that leads to anxiety. The sensations of being consumed in your thoughts might increase the level of anxiety over time. 

What are the Symptoms of Anxiety?

The symptoms of anxiety might differ from person to person . To understand if you are in the grip of anxiety issue, look for some signs like:

• Your ability to perform daily tasks is hindered.
• When something sets off your emotions, you frequently feel anxious and overreact.
• You are not in control of your reactions to situations and surrounding.
• You have stomach discomfort or pain, nausea, headaches, or chest pain, you sweat, tremble or there is shortness of breath.

It can be tough to get up from the bed or get through the day if you are dealing with anxiety. Thankfully, there are a number of efficient treatments available for anxiety disorders.

What are the types of anxiety disorders?

There are primarily 5 types of anxiety disorders which include:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Characterised by fear, a persistent sense of being overpowered, and excessive worry about everyday matters. Children, teenagers and even adults can be affected by it. 

It can be controlled with talk therapy and/or medication.

2. Panic disorder: A panic attack is a rapid bout of extreme dread that results in significant physical symptoms even when there is no immediate risk or obvious reason for them.
   
   Panic attacks can be terrifying. You might feel you are losing control, suffering a heart attack, or even about to pass away when panic attacks strike.

3. Separation anxiety: For new borns and toddlers, separation anxiety is a common occurrence, although it usually passes by the time they are 3 years old. But in some kids, separation anxiety leads to separation anxiety disorder.

This usually has to do with the child’s fear of getting separated from his or her parents, or another close caretaker. Teenagers and adults may also experience separation anxiety disorder, but therapy can be helpful.

4. Phobias: A phobia is a persistent, uncontrolled fear of a specific thing, circumstance, or action. A person may go to considerable efforts to avoid the cause of this dread if it becomes too overwhelming. This is an abrupt, deep terror that lasts for a while.
   
5. Anxiety disorders: Anxiety or triggers are common with other mental health diseases as well like obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

What are some anxiety treatments?

If you feel anxious, take note of the red flags and consult a mental health professional. A mental health professional or a psychologist should always be consulted if you are experiencing crippling levels of anxiety.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in the study, treatment and diagnosis of mental health issues like Anxiety. A person dealing with anxiety can be diagnosed and treated by a psychologist and other mental health professionals (psychotherapy).

A therapist can discuss your therapy choices with you after diagnosing you with anxiety. Receiving treatment can assist you in overcoming the symptoms and living a more reasonable daily life.

Your therapist or counsellor can help recognize coping strategies for anxiety, resources, supports, and strengths to help you navigate your anxiety. Your therapist will also work with you to build the confidence and skills necessary to understand anxiety and continue living your life!

If you feel anxious, take a leap of faith and consult a therapist. You can use Myndz Matter, a growing mental health space to find the right therapist and together you can liberate yourself from your inner turmoil. 

In the meantime, leaving you with a few quotes on anxiety to encourage you get through difficult times; nuggets of wisdom to calm the mind, drive away anxiety, and put things in perspective. 

1. “No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.” -Virginia Woolf

2. “Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.” – Robert Tew

3. “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” – Maya Angelou

4. “The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Confucius

1. “Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” – Benjamin Franklin