This post is all about anxiousness and anxiety.
Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety, it might become a medical disorder.
Anxiety disorder affects millions of people worldwide, and it manifests as excessive, persistent, and irrational fear and worry about everyday situations.
Anxiety affects every part of a person’s life. If someone you care about has anxiety, you probably know how significantly it can impact a person’s quality of life.
One way to help the people we love is to understand the difference between anxiousness and anxiety and seek professional help when necessary. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, help is available. Check out these facts to start helping your loved one.
This post is all about anxiousness and anxiety.
ANXIOUSNESS AND ANXIETY:
1. Anxiousness means you worry, and it’s natural.
Anxiousness is a general feeling of unease, such as worry or fear. It is a natural response to stress, and everyone experiences it from time to time.
People can experience anxiousness from a job interview or a first date. In most cases, anxiousness goes away once the source of stress is no longer present, which how it’s supposed to work as natural physiological response.
However, if anxiousness becomes persistent, it might be a sign of an anxiety disorder. In such cases, the feelings of unease may be accompanied by physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and rapid heartbeat.
Keep in mind that the people in your life with anxiety might not even know. So, your friend my benefit from reading this article or other informative resources.
2. Anxiety means you worry uncontrollably, and it’s a mental illness.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is a complex mental health disorder characterized by excessive and persistent worry and fear. It is a condition that can significantly affect a person’s daily life, making it challenging to carry out everyday tasks.
This can often explain someone’s behavior when they act withdrawn, cancel without explanation, or lash out. Of course, people can display these symptoms without anxiety, but it’s worth considering that an anxiety disorder could be the reason behind them.
There are several types of anxiety disorders. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common type that involves persistent and excessive worrying about everyday situations, often with no obvious reason.
Panic disorder is another type of anxiety disorder that manifests as sudden and unexpected panic attacks.
Social Anxiety Disorder is a third type of anxiety disorder that involves irrational fear or anxiety in social situations. People with this condition might experience symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, and nausea when in social situations.
3. There are multiple causes behind anxiety disorders.
Like anything, there can be multiple causes behind anxiety. Some are obvious, while others might be unexpected. Think: genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences such as trauma and stress are some of the potential causes.
The best way to think about the causes behind anxiety disorders are to remember that each individual has a different experience. So, when you’re thinking about helping a loved one, the best way to approach causes is through a conversation.
Talk to them about why they think they get anxiety and whether a professional can help them cope. We can also think of anxiety disorders being triggered by significant life events such as a breakup, job loss, or financial difficulties.
Keep in mind that people with a history of substance abuse or other mental health disorders such as depression are at higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.
4. Anxiety can be treated!
Several treatment options are available for anxiety disorders, with psychotherapy and medication being the most common. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, involves talking with a mental health professional about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders. Medications such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines are also used to treat anxiety disorders.
However, these medications should only be used under the guidance of a medical professional and should only be used if it aligns with the individual’s goals and values. Other self-help strategies that can help manage anxiety disorders include:
- Regular exercise
- Healthy eating habits
- Adequate sleep
- Relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga
- Avoiding alcohol and caffeine
5. Coping mechanisms help people manage their anxiety.
Coping with anxiety disorders can be challenging and it can be frustrating to watch your loved one struggle. But, the good news is that there are several strategies people can use to manage their symptoms.
Try out mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help people manage anxious thoughts and feelings. It involves being present in the moment and accepting thoughts and feelings as they come without judgment.
Practicing mindfulness can help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, which can help them manage their anxiety more effectively. Some mindfulness techniques that people can use include deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.
Challenge those negative thoughts.
Negative thoughts are a common symptom of anxiety disorders. These thoughts can be irrational and lead to increased feelings of anxiety and fear. Challenging negative thoughts can help people gain a more balanced perspective on their situation.
To challenge negative thoughts, people can ask themselves questions such as:
- Is there evidence to support this thought?
- What is the worst that could happen?
- How likely is it that this will happen?
- What are some alternative explanations for this situation?
Get moving.
Regular exercise can help people manage their anxiety symptoms by reducing stress and tension in the body. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can help improve mood and reduce anxiety.
People can incorporate exercise into their daily routine by taking a daily walk, going for a jog, or taking a yoga class. Even small amounts of exercise can have significant benefits for people with anxiety disorders.
Connect with loved ones
Social support is essential for managing anxiety disorders. Talking to friends and family members about feelings and experiences can help people feel less alone and more supported.
Joining a support group or participating in group therapy can also be helpful for people with anxiety disorders. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment where people can share their experiences and learn from others.
Get help from a professional when it’s needed
Professional help is essential for people with severe anxiety disorders. Mental health professionals can provide diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support to help people manage their symptoms.
If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it is essential to seek professional help. There are several effective treatments available, including medication, psychotherapy, and self-help strategies.
