Anxiety is a normal part of life, but it can be overwhelming when it becomes severe. Treatment options, such as psychotherapy and medications, can help manage symptoms.
Some people are more likely to develop anxiety disorders than others, due to their genetics or environmental factors. But experts don’t know why this is.
Causes
Anxiety is a normal human response to danger, but it can also become excessive and irrational. This can make it difficult for sufferers to function at work, school or home.
People vary in their susceptibility to anxiety as a result of genetics, personality traits and life experiences. They also can learn coping skills and change their lifestyle habits to reduce their risk.
Having a strong social network of friends and family helps reduce anxiety. This can include meeting up with people regularly, attending support groups and talking to your doctor or therapist.
In some cases, the cause of anxiety can be traced back to environmental stress or a medical condition. It can also be related to your brain chemistry and medications you may be taking.
Anxiety is often a combination of several factors, so it is important to seek treatment if you are experiencing symptoms that are interfering with your day-to-day life. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to get better.
Symptoms
Everyone experiences anxiety and fear from time to time - they are normal human reactions to a situation or event that poses a danger. But if these feelings of fear become constant and excessive, they can be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder.
A person with an anxiety disorder may have many different symptoms of their condition. These include persistent and intense thoughts of fear, worry or dread, difficulty controlling these feelings, and problems sleeping or concentrating.
Physical symptoms are also common. These can include shaking, sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat or breathing difficulties.
It's important to seek help if your symptoms are making it difficult for you to function. Your GP may refer you to a mental health specialist for an assessment and treatment.
Treatment
There are several treatment options for anxiety disorders, including psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. The best way to find out what will work for you is to talk to a doctor or therapist.
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of talk therapy, helping you to understand and change negative thoughts. It also teaches you how to recognise and respond to your anxious thoughts.
Biofeedback is another useful tool that uses a monitoring device to teach you to control your brain waves. You may need to attend a number of sessions, each lasting about an hour.
Self-help methods are also available, such as relaxation techniques and daily exercise. Keeping active is important because it reduces stress, which can help with anxiety symptoms.
Medication is a common way to treat anxiety disorders, including benzodiazepines and newer antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). However, people need to speak to their doctors about the benefits, risks and side effects of medication.
Prevention
Anxiety can affect people in many ways. For some, it can be a normal part of life; for others, it can become chronic and persistent.
Despite the many differences, anxiety can be treated and managed to make people feel better and live their lives more comfortably. Treatment can include psychotherapy (counseling), medications, and lifestyle changes.
It can also be prevented with some simple steps. For example, making sure you exercise regularly is a good way to reduce stress and help keep your body healthy.
In addition, maintaining a positive attitude can help reduce anxiety and increase confidence. Sharing your feelings with friends and family can also be a helpful way to cope.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States, and it affects nearly 1 in 5 adults. It's important to learn more about the condition, which is not a normal reaction to life's stressors but can be treatable.
