Recognize What is Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
I remember when I had my first experience to go on a snow go kart drive in Vermont in 2013, I was very excited since I have never had this kind of experience in my home country.
We don’t have winter in Indonesia. However, during the preparation before the ride, I was in panic, I had this anxiety for when my friend put a full face go kart helmet on me. Oh my, I was freaking out so bad. I screamed “take the helmet off, please.”
Later on, I remember I have a phobia called claustrophobia which is an irrational fear from the thoughts of having no escape or being closed-in place. Phobia is classified as an anxiety disorder. What is actually an anxiety? Why is it a disorder? Let’s find out!
General description
Anxiety is a term that describes psychological disorders that can have characteristics in the form of fear, concern for the future, prolonged worries, and nervousness.
Anxiety is indeed commonly experienced by everyone. It is the body’s natural reaction to stress, which is actually useful for making us more careful and alert. However, anxiety can become unhealthy if it appears excessive, difficult to control, or to interfere with daily activities. This condition is called anxiety disorder. When you cannot function well and finish your daily tasks, it is a disorder and you should seek help from professionals.
Also read: Anxiety versus Panic Attacks – Know the Difference
Causes of Anxiety
The exact cause of anxiety is unknown. However, it has been proven that anxiety is caused by a combination of certain factors. Like other mental disorders, anxiety is caused by the failure of the nerves of the brain to control emotions and fear. For example, stress can change the flow of communication of nerve cells in brain circuits. This will change certain brain structures that control emotions. This particular brain structure was originally formed from genetic and inheritance of traits by offspring (family offspring).
Environmental factors such as childhood trauma (for example, domestic violence, loss of loved ones like parents, husband/wife, kids, etc.) or major problems in life (for example, financial crises and the failure of love relationships) can trigger anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety can also be caused by systemic disorders such as hyperthyroidism, endocrine problems, low blood sugar, lack of calcium, and heart disease.
One thing I would like to emphasize here is that anxiety is not caused by a person’s weak personality or poor education. When we encounter someone with anxiety, please be considerate with their conditions. We do not know what they are going through in their life.
“A slip of the foot may injure your body, but a slip of the tongue will injure your bond.”
― Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal response in dealing with difficult situations. In fact, anxiety can help someone if a situation that requires an “opponent or run” response occurs. The “opponent or run” response means a response regulated by the hormone adrenaline that will determine whether you should “fight” or “run” in a precarious situation. However, if this response is excessive and prolonged or becomes too paranoid just because of a small problem, you may experience anxiety disorders.
Signs of anxiety disorders are or a combination of the following:
– Feeling irritable, offended, sad, or worried
– Unable to focus and calm
– Insomnia
– Fear and panic
– Heart palpitations for no apparent reason
– Cold sweaty hands and feet
– Tingling sensation in the hands or feet
– The muscles tighten
– Dizziness and nausea
– Dry mouth
Also read: Most EFFECTIVE MEDITATION Techniques: Overcome Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders Type
Anxiety disorders can be classified into several types, namely:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – This is a prolonged and excessive disruption of situations or events that are not specific. Patients generally worry about all kinds of things excessively and respond excessively. For example, patients with this disorder worry about financial, health, work, or family problems but cannot determine what they are really worried about.
Panic Disorder / Panic Abnormal – Patients with this disorder suffer from attacks of fear and panic quickly and suddenly.
Also read: CONTROLLING ANXIETY ATTACK
Phobia – this condition has a characteristic of fear that is unknown why an object, situation, or living thing. For example, fear of heights, fear of small spaces, fear of spiders, or fear of reptiles. Unlike GAD where the patient cannot determine what he is worried about, the phobia patient can clearly determine what he is afraid of. Even though what they fear is sometimes irrational, patients still cannot control their fear.
Social Anxiety Disorder / Social Anxiety Disorders – Commonly called social phobia, this disorder occurs when the patient is in a social situation. Patients feel uneasy and overly aware of their appearance, behavior, attitude, or personal words when faced with someone. Generally, patients avoid social gatherings for fear of self-shame and being seen by others.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) / Obsessive Behavior Disorders – These disorders are behaviors and thoughts that make you nervous and this is usually repetitive. For example, some patients are so obsessed with clean hands that they always wash their hands every hour or see others’ dirty hands they also feel uneasy. Patients suffering from this disorder realize that what they are doing is not supposed to be but still cannot control it.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) / Post-traumatic Disorder – This disorder is caused by a past event that causes severe trauma such as an accident, rape, or witnessing a crime. PTSD often causes changes in behavior and attitudes with the hope of avoiding trauma. Without getting treatments, people with PTSD can suffer from it for years even the rest of their lives.
Separation Anxiety Disorder – Patients with this disorder will experience excessive anxiety and excessive panic when they are separated from someone or a place that gives patients a sense of security.
Treatment Options for Anxiety Disorders
People who experience symptoms as mentioned earlier should see a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in diagnosing anxiety disorders. They can also do a mental health test in the form of observation and discussion about what the patient feels. In addition, there will be some kind of interview or a comprehensive evaluation of family history. Depending on your answer and the standard diagnostic manual for anxiety disorders, your doctor will be able to identify what type you are suffering from, what causes it, and what treatment is most suitable for you.
There are two general choices for dealing with anxiety disorders, they are:
Medication Without Medication / Confidence – Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most frequent and most effective therapies for dealing with anxiety. Your doctor will help you understand your thinking flow and identify whether there are bad thoughts or behaviors that might come from your anxiety so that you can avoid those thoughts and behaviors. Your doctor will also recommend the following depending on your condition: counseling, hypnotherapy, relaxation sessions, and anxiety management courses.
Medications – Anxiety attacks can be treated with antidepressants, buspiron, beta-blockers (propanolol), sedatives (diazepam), and pregabalin. These drugs can relieve symptoms by changing the balance of chemical substances in the brain that affect anxiety.
Also read: The Pros and Cons of Taking Antidepressants
Anxiety reaches the level of danger when you are constantly hit by unreasonable fears and assume various things as a big threat. Though these things might not trigger a threat as big as you have in mind. In such conditions, you should consult a doctor or psychiatrist to determine further steps to overcome your anxiety.
Specific drugs to treat anxiety disorders have not yet been found. However, a combination of counseling, medication, and other options can easily overcome the disorder. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, breathing exercises, self-relaxation techniques, and yoga are also beneficial. Research shows that people who suffer from anxiety can control or reduce anxiety attacks by avoiding foods or drinks that contain caffeine such as chocolate, soda, and coffee.
Reference:
Crosta, Peter (2009). Medical News Today Knowledge Center: “All About Anxiety.”
Starcevic, Vladan (2005) Anxiety Disorders in Adults: A Clinical Guide. Oxford University Press.
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We Stress Free does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, if you need someone to talk to and want to make friends, please feel free to reach me at ferra@westressfree.com. If you would like to REDUCE your STRESS and are interested to do an ONLINE THERAPY, you can do so here.
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The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Thank you for reading today’s topic: Recognize What is Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
I enjoyed this article. I appreciate you touching on the fact that anxiety sufferers are not determined by personality or education!
Hi Felicia,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site and read the post. Yes, I think we need to remind people that each one of use can suffer from anxiety and we have to be considerate to each other.
I am glad you enjoyed reading the article.
Once again thank you.
Ferra 😃
Thank you so much for giving us such a wonderful article. Your article is really informative and I gained a lot of knowledge by reading your article which is very helpful to me. I enjoyed reading your article .I think there are concerns in every human life. However, it is possible to pick the right symptoms and take the necessary remedies and get on the right path.Individuals suffering from anxiety are not determined by personality .Anxiety is a term that describes psychological disorders that develop into fear, anxiety for the future, chronic anxiety, and nervousness. I have been able to get out of anxiety with the right cure and succeed in my life .As well as the tips you give are really great which will be very helpful to me in the future .
I will definitely get your article out to my friends and they will greatly benefit and will definitely share with you their new experience. Can I share your article on my social media?
Hi Shanta,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful.
I would love to hear more on how you get over your anxiety. It would be nice to get more tips on this so other people can benefit from it as well.
Of course, my friend. Sharing is caring. You can share this post as many times as you like. 🙂
Stay safe and healthy! Take care!
Ferra 💕
I totally agree with you that there is more to anxiety than just the mere look that the people going through it are illiterate or without strong background. It surely surpasses that. It is a matter of actually facing it square on and thankfully, you shared ways to combating it. My uncle was wealthy and he suffered immensely from anxiety attacks consistently. Thanks for this and I’d be sure ti share out
Hello Rodarrick,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful.
Wealthy and successful people are not immune to anxiety and depression. Sometimes authority and all of the obligations of being a leader can lead to depression. I hope your uncle can find ways to deal with his anxiety.
Stay safe and healthy! Sleep well tonight!
Ferra 💕
Hi There,
I’m your best fan at the moment and wany you to know your posts are really good for me to read and learn not just about the actual problems with mental health but more about the differences and signs. These days it’s a huge problem with something like most people at some point in their life suffer at least once. As you said People who experience symptoms as mentioned earlier should see a psychiatrist or psychologist who is trained in diagnosing anxiety disorders because they are really tuned in to knowing what you need to talk about. I told my whole life and that was a huge weight off my shoulders I can tell you.
Steve
Hi Steve,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 Thank you for your kind words as well. 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful.
Yes, looking for help from professionals is great but we do have to know what’s bothering us beforehand. Talking about our difficulties to strangers is not easy but sometimes it is just what we need. Let it out of our chest. Let all the burdens go. Be in peace with ourselves first and know what we actually need and want in life. The thing is with depression, sometimes we don’t see what’s the point to keep moving forward, what’s the point of being alive. That’s a dangerous thought we don’t want to have.
Stay safe and healthy! Take care, my friend!
Ferra 💕
Wow, you seem to know so much about anxiety. That’s a very good thing to know really that there’s a post like this. I think my sister has a little anxiety disorder because she freaks out at some things and gets restless too. I thought to check the online space to see if there was any help I could get concerning the issue. I am happy for the help you have given here. I will make sure that I try one of these measure for her.
Hello Henderson,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful. I hope your sister can fight her anxiety . If there’s anything I can help you with, please do let me know.
Stay safe and healthy!
Ferra 💕
Anxiety can really be annoying when it comes in situations where you are having a hard time doing a particular work. A lot of people do not know how to deal with it and for some people its a health issue that takes a longer time to cure. However, personally, I have given in to taking drugs to help fight against anxiety and its really been helpful. Does anxiety come with age or genetics?
Hello Benson,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful.
Sometimes I think taking pills is just a quick fix that may lead to another problems such as bad dreams, etc. The side effects from those medication that scares me. However, there must be some medication that suits the patients’ needs and work well for them.
Study finds that anxious brains are inherited. The brain function that underlies anxiety and depression is inherited, a new study finds — but there is still plenty of space for experience and environment to reduce the risk of a full-blown mental disorder.
Stay safe and healthy! Sleep well tonight!
Ferra 💕
Many thanks to you for sharing such an excellent article with us .Initiatives are a serious disorder that describes psychological disorders that benefit the future.And one of the main reasons for creating this initiative is if it shows the interference of everyday tasks.And especially when I’m unable to finish my day-to-day tasks, there is a sense of anxiety within myself.That is why we must complete our day-to-day work just so we can stay healthy.
Hello Shariful,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful.
Stay safe and healthy!
Ferra 💕
Thank you so much for sharing us a wonderful article. The main content of this article is Anxiety, which causes results and treatment. Researchers don’t know exactly what brings on anxiety disorders. Like other forms of mental illness, they stem from a combination of things, including changes in your brain and environmental stress, and even your genes.
I was very worried about my Master’s exam. Because of this, I have anxiety Disorder. When I saw a physician, he advised me to meditate.Later on, by doing this meditation, I relieve anxiety.
I Loved reading and enjoyed your article and it is an educational I would like to share in my Facebook group if you allow me.
Hello there,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful. If there’s anything I can help you with, please do let me know.
Yes, of course. You can share it to your social media. Sharing is caring! 🙂
Stay safe and healthy!
Ferra 💕
Thank you for sharing this article. I got to know so much information about anxiety. The whole article is very useful and informative. I think most of our society people have anxiety attack. Social anxiety disorder is the Most common. You have discussed everything so openly. This is much appreciative. I did not know that sweaty hands are symptoms of anxiety. I hope those who has anxiety attack.may cure soon.
i all share this article in my social media account so that other people can know about this important topic.
Hello Sumaiya,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful. If there’s anything I can help you with, please do let me know.
Sharing is caring. Yes, you can share this post to social media. That would be wonderful, thanks!
Stay safe and healthy!
Ferra 💕
Firstly I want to give you thanks for this type of post or article cause I was searching for this type of information. For a few days I am suffering from anxiety disorder but I was in confusion. is it anxiety disorder or not. after reading your article now I think it is an anxiety disorder. hope that no I can solve this problem. Thank you again for this type of article and I will share it with my friends.
Hello Taufique,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful. If there’s anything I can help you with, please do let me know.
Stay safe and healthy!
Ferra 💕
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Whatever form of anxiety you have, treatment can help. Thank you so much for sharing such a great article among us. Here you have discussed in detail Anxiety Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment. What effects anxiety can have on a person’s life is beautifully highlighted. I learned everything about anxiety from this post. Now I know better about anxiety. This post helped me. Thanks for presenting beautifully.
Lastly, I would like to share this post on my social media so everyone can know about Anxiety. Thanks
Hello Tanvir,
Thank you for taking time to visit my site, read my post and leave a comment. I really appreciate it! 😃 👍
I am glad you found this post is useful. I hope your sister can fight her anxiety . If there’s anything I can help you with, please do let me know.
Once again thank you for your nice comment. Stay safe and healthy!
Ferra 💕