Have you ever had to give a presentation, speech, or performance and felt a knot in your stomach, a dry mouth, or sweating in your palms, armpits, and face? I have; it can be nerve-wracking and disorienting. We, as humans, experience anxiety regularly. Many situations can be anxiety-inducing, such as leaving home, traveling, paying rent, buying a new car, going to the store, graduating from the university, a job interview, or getting a new job. However, how can we differentiate between having anxiety and an anxiety diagnosis?
Anxiety disorders can take several forms, however, the level of anxiety experienced tends to remain constant and often worsens with time. Here are some sub-types of anxiety disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorders, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, illness-anxiety disorder, and phobia-related disorders.
Even though these subtypes of anxiety disorders vary slightly, here are some of the most common symptoms that make them all anxiety-related. It is also important to remember that the symptoms can present differently in people. The common symptoms of anxiety disorders include anxiousness, feeling wired or uneasy, sleeplessness, worry, panic, racing heart, racing thoughts, inability to relax, difficulty/trouble concentrating or focusing, trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness, fatigue, physical aches and pains, headaches, stomach aches, muscle cramps, unexplained aches, and irritability.
What causes Anxiety Disorders? Experts have not been able to pinpoint a single cause for anxiety. However, many predisposing factors can lead to the development of a disorder. Primarily, genetics predisposes a person to the disorder. If you have a direct family member with an anxiety disorder, you will most likely develop some form of anxiety disorder. Other factors include stress, other mental health diagnoses such as depression, and PTSD, also medical conditions like diabetes. Consumption of stimulants like caffeine, energy drinks, and substance use can lead to anxiety disorders.
What are our options for treatment and recovery, then? First, we must recognize what it is
Anxiety disorders respond to psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. It is most effective when both treatments are combined. However, lifestyle modifications such as reducing the intake of energy drinks or caffeine can help. Avoiding alcohol, getting enough sleep, and exercise, and practicing mindfulness and meditation can help as well.
Let me know what you’d like me to write about next. Check out these other resources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety#natural-remedies
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967
Leah Manya 