Anxiety is the mind and body’s response to stressful, dangerous, or unfamiliar situations. Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life; whereas, people with anxiety disorders have long-lasting symptoms that interfere with daily activities.

Several types of anxiety disorders exist:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): 

This is the most common, and is characterized by excessive worrying about everyday activities which the person finds difficult to control. There is a 9% chance of a person developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder at some point in life. The age of onset is quite variable, ranging from twenty to forty years of age. Females are more likely to develop GAD than males.

2. Panic Disorder: 

Involves repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). This causes the affected person to worry about them happening again or avoiding situations in which they occurred. 

3. Agoraphobia: 

An anxiety disorder that makes people fearful and avoidant of places that might cause panic or feeling of helplessness or embarrassment.

4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: 

Characterized by certain repeated thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to repeated routines (compulsive behaviors).

5. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: 

A mental disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event e.g. sexual assault, a natural disaster, war/combat, etc.

6. Selective mutism: 

Consistent failure of children to speak in certain situations, such as school, even when they can speak in other situations, such as at home.

7. Specific phobias:

An extreme fear of a specific situation or object; e.g. fear of heights, water, spider, needles…

8. Substance-induced anxiety disorder:

Anxiety that is caused by taking or stopping a certain substance of abuse. Substances known to trigger anxiety include alcohol, cocaine, LSD, caffeine, steroids etc.

What Causes Anxiety?

Causes of anxiety are not fully understood. Genetics play a role. Some may be due to medical causes e.g. Heart disease, Diabetes, Thyroid problems such as hyperthyroidism, Respiratory disorders e.g. COPD, Asthma.

Signs of Anxiety:

  • Excessive worrying
  • Restlessness or feeling on edge or nervousness
  • Easy fatigability
  • Difficulty falling and/or staying asleep
  • Over planning
  • Seeking reassurance from others
  • Sweating
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Gastrointestinal problems e.g constipation, diarrhea
  • Hyperventilation 

6 Foolproof Ways To Deal With Anxiety:

1. CBT- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy;

Tackle these two errors; overestimation (the exaggerated feeling of the likelihood of something bad happening) and underestimation (the exaggerated feeling of your inability to cope or handle the situation).

Practice shifting attention away from negative thoughts. Relaxation training (muscle relaxation) to control physical tension is included here.

2. Eat the right foods;

Embrace whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Add healthy fats- salmon, tuna, raw nuts. Limit sweets, sugary drinks, and alcohol.

3. Ask your doctor about medications;

Certain antidepressants are otherwise used to treat anxiety disorders. Sometimes, sedatives may be prescribed for short-term relief. Ultimately, talk with your doctor about the required drugs, benefits, risks, and possible side effects of the medications.

4. Stay physically active;

Exercise is a powerful stress reducer. It will improve your mood and overall health.

5. Keep a journal;

Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your doctor identify your stressors or triggers.

6. Know that your anxiety is not your fault;

Do not feel overwhelmed or alone. Be willing to get professional help.