2. Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of
tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like
increased blood pressure, according to the American
Psychological Association.
Anxiety is intense, excessive and persistent worry and
fear about everyday situations. It can be normal when
it occurs in stressful situations like interviews, public
speaking or examinations.
3. However, anxiety becomes a problem when you begin
to have excessive feelings which might interfere with
your daily life such as taking care of yourself, holding
down a job, enjoying leisure time, trying new things,
and forming or maintaining relationships.
Anxiety can impact your physical and mental health
negatively, often having short- or long-term effects on
your mind and body.
4. Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders. They
include agoraphobia, anxiety disorder due to a medical
condition, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder,
selective mutism, separation anxiety disorder, social
anxiety disorder, specific phobias and substance-
induced anxiety disorder.
5. Signs of Anxiety
Common signs and symptoms of anxiety include a rapid
heart rate, nervousness, fast breathing, restlessness,
panic attacks, chest pain, shaking, sweating, dizziness,
fatigue, weakness, nausea, sleep problems, difficulty
concentrating, feeling too hot or cold and digestive
issues.
Other signs and symptoms include headaches, grinding
of teeth, changes in sex drive, low mood and
depression, obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors,
and periods of temporary relief which often follows the
compulsive behaviors.
6. Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety may be caused by traumatic events, inherited
traits, side effects of medications and underlying health
issues like diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems,
respiratory disorders, alcohol withdrawal, chronic pain,
tumors and drug misuse or withdrawal.
Risk Factors of Anxiety
There are some factors that may increase the risk of
developing an anxiety disorder. They include trauma,
stress due to an illness, personality, stress build-up and
mental health disorders like depression.
7. Complications of Anxiety
Anxiety disorder can cause or worsen other mental and
physical conditions like depression, insomnia,
substance misuse, headaches, chronic pain, digestive or
bowel problems, social isolation, suicide, inability to
function at school or work and poor quality of life.
Prevention of Anxiety
You can reduce the impact of the symptoms of anxiety
through the following ways:
8. Getting Help
Get help as early as possible if you feel like having an
anxiety disorder. This will make it easier to treat.
Staying Active
Participate in activities you love and enjoy interactions
and relationships that can lessen your worries.
Avoiding Alcohol or Drug Use
Drinking alcohol or using drugs can cause or worsen
anxiety. For an addict, quitting can make you anxious.
Seek help if you can’t quit on your own.
9. Treatment of Anxiety
While anxiety is common, its origins are unique to each
person. Understanding the symptoms allows you to
heal any unresolved issues and create space for a sense
of internal peace, calm and firmness. The Center for
Connection, Healing and Change offers a deeper dive
into your relationship with anxiety and how it plays out
in your life, utilizing evidence-based therapy models
and offering a tried-and-tested approach to treating
anxiety.
Need anxiety treatment? Schedule a free
consultation today, or visit CCHC offices in Woodbridge
or Fairfax if you are in Virginia.