What Really is Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders come in many forms and vary in severity, affecting millions around the world. These are the disorders that present with a lot of worry, fear and avoidant behaviour everyday. The first crucial step in managing anxiety is understanding it.
It is often seen in association with depression. It is marked by worry and anxiety at times throughout the day most days of the week for a period of 6 months.
Why does anxiety occur
Recognizing the Signs of Anxiety
Signs and symptoms of anxiety can vary among different individuals but often include:
- Emotional Symptoms:
- Persistent worry about everyday situations
- Feelings of restlessness or being on edge
- Irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Physical Symptoms:
- Palpitation, sweating.
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Stomach aches and increased muscle tension
Anxiety and it’s effects on health
Chronic anxiety can lead to several physical, mental health consequences apart from other issues such as:
- Physical Health Risks: Anxiety can lead to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and gastrointestinal problems. It can also exacerbate existing medical conditions.
- Mental Health Consequences: Anxiety often coexists with other mental health disorders, such as depression. The combination can create a cycle that makes recovery feel unattainable.
Diagnosis of anxiety disorder:
Generalized anxiety disorder is screened using the GAD-7 questionnaire. A simple set of questions revolving around daily life aids in diagnosis of anxiety disorder apart from its characteristic signs and symptoms.
This questionnaires should be used solely by psychiatrists and patients are warned against using them by themselves.
Treatment Options for Anxiety
There are various effective treatment modalities available for anxiety disorders:
- Therapy:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This approach helps individuals reducing negative thought patterns and behaviours associated with anxiety. It teaches you the required skills to curb anxiety and panic attacks and self-help techniques.
- Exposure Therapy: This therapeutic approach gradually exposes individuals to their fears in a safe environment, helping them learn to cope with anxiety triggers.
- Medications: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can help ameliorate anxiety symptoms. Working closely with a healthcare provider is crucial to find the right medication and dosage.
- Physical exercise and avoiding caffeine: Research has shown that drinking coffee can make anxiety worse. Moreover, physical aerobic exercises will help in lightening the mood and decreasing anxiety.
How Our Website Can Help
At HealthPil, we understand that managing anxiety can be challenging. Our telehealth platform connects you with qualified anxiety specialists who can provide the support you need:
- Access to Experienced Professionals: Our platform connects you with mental health professionals who specialize in Anxiety, providing personalized care tailored to your needs.
- Convenient Telehealth Consultations: Schedule consultations from the comfort of your home, ensuring you receive the support you need without the added stress of in-person visits.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Our team will work with you to devise a detailed all inclusive treatment plan that addresses your specific challenges and goals, helping in accurate management of the condition.
Conclusion: Your Journey to Healing From Anxiety
Anxiety disorder is commonly encountered in practice. Most forms of anxiety have good prognosis with appropriate treatment. Primary care providers may be the only point of contact for patients with an anxiety disorder, early detection and reporting anxiety from healthcare workers is very important and recovery is possible, especially if we diagnose early. Again, you are not doing this alone and there is help out there. This first step of reaching out for help is paramount in battling the disorder.
