About anxiety

Anxiety is a health disorder, and it impacts us negatively. You may be familiar with some anxiety disorders, such as Social Anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD). Some mental health disorders, such as substance dependence, are hard to recognize because their symptoms are more difficult to spot.  Anxiety is mostly experienced as the feeling of “worry” and often is related to the unknown. However, it is also a normal human reaction to big changes or important decision-making. But excessive and prolonged anxiety can become a debilitating condition for your health. That’s why it is important to learn how to reduce it. When anxiety is not well controlled and managed, it may cause your brain to continuously release stress hormones, which decreases your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  

Symptoms

     Anxiety affects our mood, the ability to cope with daily issues, our relationships, and all other aspects of life. The symptoms of anxiety are manifested differently in each person. The most common symptoms are:

• fearful for no apparent reason
• restlessness or feeling of wanting to move constantly
• insomnia
• headaches and dizziness 
• sweating more than usual
• cold and clammy palms
• fast and shallow breathing, which causes the lightheadedness and dizziness 
• tremors
• stomach ache or discomfort
• irregular bowel movement
• increased heart rate
• muscle tension mostly of the jaw, shoulder and neck
• panic attack
• heart palpitation 
• high blood sugar
• irritability
• tingling in different parts of the body 

Dealing with anxiety issues     

Because anxiety affects us negatively, we sometimes try to find a fast solution to feel better. When we are anxious, we don’t always make the right decision. Also, the best way to deal with anxiety is not by turning to substances that are harmful to us. Some people, when they feel the unpleasant symptoms of anxiety, use alcohol or other drugs to cope. That can lead to addictions, therefore long-term health issues.

Things we can do to deal with anxiety

• It is helpful to recognize the reasons that cause anxiety, meaning we analyze our stressors or triggers. The causes of our anxiety may vary. They may include present health conditions, family and social environment, financial issues, living conditions, and other things that can harm our well-being.
• If the reason for our anxiety is unidentifiable, we might need to work on our thinking process (the way we think). Research shows that repetitconstantly thinking in a  negative way can also lead to anxiety and even depression.
• Making time for yoga, meditation, walks, painting, reading, dancing, and writing can help relax the brain and change focus.

The good news is that anxiety is a disorder that can be treated pharmacologically and cognitively with behavioural therapy treatments. 

Treatments, engagement in good health habits, and social interactions can help you lower your anxiety and regain the joy of living.