Anxiety is a common human emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Nearly everyone experiences some anxiety in their life.
Anxiety becomes a disorder when ongoing anxiety interferes with daily activities. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults per year. The most common types of anxiety disorders are:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worrying about everyday things
- Social Anxiety Disorder: Extreme fear about social situations
- Panic Disorder: Sudden attacks of panic or fear
- Phobias: Extreme fear about a specific thing or situation
What causes anxiety? Experts believe anxiety disorders arise from a complex mix of factors like genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Stressful or traumatic experiences can trigger anxiety disorders in people predisposed to them.
Anxiety disorder symptoms can be emotional, physical, and behavioral. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling highly nervous or "on edge" frequently
- Difficulty concentrating and sleeping
- Irritability
- Racing thoughts
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
When does anxiety become a real problem? Anxiety causes distress but is usually manageable for most people. It becomes a disorder when persistent, excessive, and difficult to control. People with anxiety disorders often have intense worries that interfere with work, school, social activities, and relationships on a regular basis.
How are anxiety disorders treated? Today anxiety disorders are highly treatable. Often treatment combines:
- Psychotherapy, to help understand causes of anxiety and develop coping techniques
- Medications, like antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds to regulate brain chemicals
- Relaxation techniques like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
The good news? With professional care and self-help strategies, most people with anxiety disorder can reduce symptoms, function well, and regain peace of mind. Don't hesitate to reach out for help overcoming anxiety. Support is available from places like Revival Clinic.