Managing Anxiety
Anxiety is described as a sense of excessive worry about different events, with a burden that gets worse because of the helplessness a person feels in controlling the worry.
This excessive worrying becomes a health problem when it lasts for an extended period of time, up to 6 months, or when it begins to affect how a person functions at home, social gatherings, or even their workplace.
It is important to prioritize mental health care at all ages, because there is no single person that is immune to a mental breakdown due to excessive anxiety.
It is estimated that around 8 million people in the United Kingdom are living with anxiety. The disorders that are associated with anxiety are further linked with an increased social and psychological burden.
A lot of people do not receive help for anxiety, as up to 75% of people globally are reported to never have received care for their anxiety. According to the Mental Health Foundation, less than 50% of people with generalized anxiety disorder in the UK would receive care.
How do you know you have anxiety?
You may experience any of these feelings when anxiety begins to overwhelm you:
These feelings can quickly begin to manifest as physical signs like increased heart rate, chest tightening, fast breathing, stomach discomfort, tense muscles or restlessness, lightheadedness, or even difficulty in finding your words
What are the types of anxiety?
These types of anxiety disorders are used specifically for a group of symptoms which can be different from person to person. In some people, anxiety does not occur alone, as there is a common relationship between anxiety and depression, with anxiety being the main diagnosis.
Who is more likely to get anxiety disorder?
Younger people are more likely to get anxiety disorders, while people above 70 years old are least likely to get anxiety disorders.
Women are also more likely to report anxiety than men, with reports as high as 37.1% average from women compared to 29.9% from men. The reports of anxiety being experienced by a person can either be low level or extreme levels of anxiety, with more people reporting low levels of anxiety.
How can you tell if you’re having a panic attack?
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort peaking within a very short period of time.
A person begins to complain of very fast heart rate, sweating and trembling, with a sudden feeling of choking or chest discomfort. It can quickly become life threatening when a person cannot bring themselves out of the imagined reality of suddenly dying.
When does panicking become a disorder?
When a person begins to have thoughts of repeated unforeseen panic attacks, a period of persistently worrying about having a panic attack and the overwhelming concern about the consequences of a panic attack, it becomes a disorder that needs immediate professional intervention. This cycle of worry can cause a person to change their behavior significantly based on these attacks, and the burden of avoiding it.
How can you get rid of excessive anxiety?
Dealing with anxiety can be quite lonely, as it is often difficult to explain exactly how you’re feeling to another person, especially when people often dismiss your concerns as ‘just worrying’.
You can actively try to get rid of overwhelming anxiety by performing any of the following:
Good aerobic exercises like walking briskly, cycling, playing tennis can help relieve stress and improve anxiety symptoms.
It is important to participate in activities that relax your mind from time to time. Joining a yoga or stress management class can help you learn breathing techniques to help you unwind.
A balanced diet, with less sugar and processed foods goes a long way in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can plan a lovely meal which has less refined products, while still supplying you with all the needed nutrients for a healthy mind.
Getting behavioral therapy is an important part of managing anxiety. With the help of mental health experts, you can get psychological treatment to cope with repeated negative thoughts.
In severe cases, a psychiatrist can prescribe medications to help ease anxiety.
What can make anxiety worse?
Anxiety can get worse when you constantly encounter some triggers in your home, office or social network. Anxiety disorder can also worsen very quickly with substance use.
Other lifestyle modifications you can implement are:
In the United Kingdom, the NHS recommends some certified support groups to discuss problems relating to anxiety:
You can also discuss with your doctor during your clinic appointment if you’re having constant excessive anxiety.
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