Understanding Anxiety: A Guide
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a common emotion designed to alert us to potential problems or dangers. However, when it becomes persistent and overwhelming, it can negatively impact daily life. At Seva Psychiatry, we're here to help you navigate anxiety-related challenges and find lasting tranquility.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Trigger-Based Symptoms:
Often initiated by perceived stressors and gradually intensify over time.
Physical Symptoms:
Gut churning, dizziness, tingling
Restlessness, aches, increased breathing rate
Irregular heartbeat, sweating, sleep disturbances
Teeth grinding, nausea, changes in bathroom habits
Sexual fluctuations
Mental Symptoms:
Tension, dread, time perception changes
Perceived attention, worry, seeking reassurance
Reality concerns, low mood, rumination
Depersonalization, derealization, future worries
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of daily life, often disproportionate to the actual likelihood or impact of the feared events.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
High levels of anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social situations due to feelings of embarrassment, self-consciousness, and concern about being judged or viewed negatively by others.
Specific Phobias:
Major anxiety when exposed to a specific object or situation, leading to a desire to avoid it. Can provoke panic attacks in some individuals.
Panic Disorder:
Recurrent episodes of severe anxiety, fear, or terror that escalate quickly, typically culminating in panic attacks within minutes.
Separation Anxiety Disorder:
Excessive anxiety related to separation from parents or caregivers, often exceeding typical developmental levels. Can persist into adulthood in some cases.
Agoraphobia:
Fear and avoidance of places or situations that might cause panic and feelings of being trapped, helpless, or embarrassed.
Anxiety Disorder Due to Medical Condition:
Anxiety symptoms directly caused by physical health problems.
Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder:
Symptoms of intense anxiety or panic triggered by substance misuse or exposure.
Distinguishing Anxiety Attacks vs. Panic Attacks
Anxiety Attacks: Typically arise in response to specific stressors and gradually build over time.
Panic Attacks: Manifest suddenly and peak rapidly without an apparent trigger.
Seeking Help and Treatment
If you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety that interfere with your daily life, seeking professional help is essential. Treatment options may include:
Therapy:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal therapy (IPT) are evidence-based treatment that can help you learn the coping skills and strategies to manage anxiety.
Medication:
Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta-blockers may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes:
Practices such as mindfulness, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety.