The most common mental illness in the United States today is anxiety. Around forty million American adults are affected by anxiety. According to the World Health Organization, around 300 million people have some kind of anxiety disorder.
These days, it seems that everyone is talking about anxiety. By understanding anxiety and how to manage it, you’ll be able to better treat your own anxiety and know the proper channels for seeking help.
Are you interested in learning more? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. So keep on reading and we’ll take you through everything about anxiety that you need to know about.
What Are Anxiety Disorders?
It is normal to feel anxious when you are taking a test, starting a new job, or moving to a new home. This kind of anxiety isn’t fun but it can motivate you to do a better job and work harder.
Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes but doesn’t interfere with your everyday life.
If you have an anxiety disorder, then the feeling of fear might be with you all the time. It’s intense and can be debilitating at times.
This kind of anxiety can cause you to stop doing things that you like. In extreme instances, it might stop you from leaving your home, crossing the street, or getting on an airplane. If the situation is left untreated, then the anxiety will just get worse and worse.
It should be noted that women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
The feelings of anxiety are going to differ from person to person. Feelings can range from a racing heart to feeling like there are butterflies in your stomach. You also might feel out of control, as if there is a disconnect between your body and your mind.
Other ways that someone might experience anxiety include panic attacks, nightmares, and disturbing memories or thoughts that can’t be controlled. You might have a vague feeling of worry and fear, or you might feel anxious about a certain event or place.
Symptoms of general anxiety include:
- difficulty falling asleep
- trouble concentrating
- restlessness
- rapid breathing
- increased heart rate
Your symptoms of anxiety may be completely different from what someone else feels. This is why it is important that you understand all of the ways in which anxiety can present itself.
What Causes Anxiety?
Researchers aren’t sure of the exact cause of anxiety. However, there is likely a combination of factors at play. These factors include brain chemistry as well as environmental and genetic factors.
In addition, experts believe that the parts of the brain that are in charge of controlling fear might be impacted.
Are There Tests That Can Diagnose Anxiety?
A single test cannot diagnose anxiety. In fact, an anxiety diagnosis will require a long process of psychological questionnaires, mental health evaluations, and physical exams.
Some doctors might conduct a physical exam, including urine or blood tests to rule out underlying medical problems that could contribute to the issues that you’re experiencing.
There are multiple anxiety scales and tests that can be used to help your doctor evaluate your level of anxiety.
What Are Treatments for Anxiety?
After you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, you can look into treatment options with your doctor. For some people, medical treatment won’t be necessary. Lifestyle changes might be enough for you to manage the symptoms.
In moderate or severe instances, however, treatment might be able to help you overcome the symptoms. They can help you lead a more manageable daily life.
Treatment for anxiety falls into two categories, medication and psychotherapy. Meeting with a psychologist or therapist can help you learn tools to use and strategies so that you can manage your anxiety when it comes up.
Medications that are usually used to manage anxiety include sedatives and antidepressants. These medications work by balancing brain chemistry. They can also stop episodes of anxiety from taking place and ward off the most serious symptoms of the disorder.
CBD and beta blockers might also help. CBD is known to relieve anxiety on its own. And beta-blockers can help with hypertension.
Combined, these two substances can be very effective for people who are trying to manage their anxiety.
What Are Some Natural Remedies For Anxiety?
Lifestyle changes can be a powerful way to relieve some of the anxiety and stress you might cope with every day. Many of the natural “remedies” consist of caring for your body, getting rid of unhealthy activities, and engaging in healthy ones.
These include:
- quitting smoking cigarettes
- avoiding caffeine
- avoiding alcohol
- staying active and working out
- eating a healthy diet
- meditating
- getting enough sleep
Speak with your doctor about natural activities you should take part in to potentially relieve your anxiety.
The Importance of Understanding Anxiety and How to Manage It
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now feel that you are better at understanding anxiety and how to manage it. As we can see, anxiety can severely affect a person’s overall wellbeing if it goes untreated. But by understanding anxiety, you can more appropriately manage and treat it.
Just make sure to consult a doctor before you start taking any substances or medications.
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