Anxiety 101: What You Need to Know About Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety. It's one of the most common mental health disorders in the country, affecting 40 million adults each year. The global population is estimated to have 275 million anxiety disorders, which make up 4% of the population. In fact, women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety than men. But, what is anxiety disorder? What does it feel like? And most importantly, what can be done to treat it?

In this article, we'll answer all of those questions and more.

What Is Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder that is characterised by persistent and excessive anxiety or fear. People with an anxiety disorder may experience anticipatory anxiety, which is anxiety focused on future events, and panic attacks, which are sudden and intense episodes of anxiety.

Anxiety disorder can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning. It can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships. They may avoid certain activities or places out of fear of having a panic attack.

What Does Anxiety Disorder Feel Like?

Anxiety disorder can feel different for everyone. For some, it may feel like a tightness in the chest or a racing heart. Others may feel like they can't catch their breath, or like they're choking. Some people feel like they're going to pass out or have a heart attack.

For some people, anxiety is a constant feeling of being on edge. They may be easily startled and always feel like they're in danger. This can lead to difficulty concentrating and sleeping, as well as irritability.

Others may only feel anxious in certain situations, such as when they're giving a presentation or going on a first date. In these cases, the anxiety can be so severe that it leads to a panic attack.

What Are the Causes Behind Anxiety Disorder?

Now that you know a little more about what anxiety disorder is, you might be wondering what causes it. Unfortunately, there is no single cause of anxiety disorder. Instead, it is often the result of a combination of factors, including:

• genetics

• brain chemistry

• stressful life events

• trauma

Sometimes, anxiety can also be caused by physical health problems, such as heart disease or thyroid problems. If you think your anxiety might be caused by a physical health problem, it's important to see a general practitioner (GP) to rule out any possibilities.

You should see your GP if: 

• You feel like you're worrying too much, and it's interfering with your work, relationships and other parts of your life.

• You feel depressed or irritable, have trouble with substance abuse, or you have other mental health concerns along with anxiety.

• You have suicidal thoughts or behaviours. If you do, please seek emergency treatment immediately.

• You feel as though your worries are unlikely to simply go away on their own, and are getting worse over time.

What Are Some Ways to Treat Anxiety Disorder?

There are a few different ways to treat anxiety disorder, but the most common ones are therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.

• Therapy: This is usually the first step in treating anxiety disorder. It involves talk therapy with a licensed therapist and can help you understand your thoughts and feelings, and learn how to cope with them. GAD responds best to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT is a form of therapy that is based on the idea that how one thinks influences the way one feels and behaves. A CBT therapist will help you identify negative thought patterns and work with you to develop a more balanced way of viewing the world. CBT also uses specific relaxation and coping strategies to help one manage anxiety. 

• Medication: Medication can be used to help with the symptoms of anxiety disorder. It's important to talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you, as there are a variety of options available. The most common type of medication prescribed are antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication. It is important to remember that medication is not a quick fix - they usually take a few weeks to work, so be patient and keep going for therapy. They may come with some side effects but your psychiatrist will carefully weigh the pros and cons of each medication, and ensure that benefits outweigh risks.

• Self-care: There are also a number of things you can do on your own to help manage your anxiety. These include things like exercise, relaxation techniques, and journaling.

How Is Anxiety Disorder Diagnosed?

If you think you might have an anxiety disorder, it's important to see a mental health professional. He or she will ask you questions about your symptoms, how long you've been experiencing them, and how they're impacting your life.

The mental health professional will also ask about your family history, as anxiety can run in families. They may do a physical exam to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Once it's determined that you have an anxiety disorder, the mental health professional will work with you to chalk out a treatment plan. This may include medication, talk therapy, or a combination of both.

Self-Care for Anxiety Disorder

One of the most important things you can do for yourself if you suffer from an anxiety disorder is to practice self-care. This means taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally.

Physical self-care includes things like getting enough exercise and sleep, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. Emotional self-care includes things like practising relaxation techniques, talking to a therapist, and journaling.

It’s also important to avoid anything that might trigger your anxiety. This might include certain people, places, or situations. If you’re not sure what triggers your anxiety, keep a journal and write down when you feel anxious and what was going on at the time. This can help you identify patterns so you can avoid them in the future.

Conclusion

If you're struggling with anxiety, know that you're not alone. It's a common problem, but there are ways to get help. Talk to a mental health doctor about your symptoms and see if they can recommend a treatment plan that's right for you.

There are also a number of things you can do on your own to help manage your anxiety. Consider trying some relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Exercise can also be helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms.

If you're struggling with anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out for help. There are plenty of resources available.