Feeling anxious is normal for everybody. If you’re interviewing for a job, going on a date or giving a speech, anxiety is something many people face. Yet, there are times when anxiety becomes too much, won’t go away and limits what people can do. If anxiety stops you from performing normal activities, this may go beyond being tense and may be an anxiety disorder.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
A mental health problem called an anxiety disorder happens when a person feels much too much fear, worry or nervousness about a situation. They are not normal worries or stresses and often change a person’s mindset, emotions or behaviors.
Many Americans of all ages suffer from anxiety disorders which happen to be among the most common mental health issues. Although experience of anxiety from time to time is common, anxiety disorders include continual intense anxiety that not only sticks around but may get worse over time without medical attention.
What are the Most Common Types of Anxiety?
A range of anxiety disorders exist and each is triggered by different things. Being aware of these differences helps you determine whether you or a family member go through trauma.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Chronic excessive concern about ordinary activities such as work, health or meeting people with others can indicate generalized anxiety disorder. Those who have GAD tend to predict the worst will happen, regardless of how little cause for worry there is.
Social Anxiety Disorder
A person with social anxiety disorder which is the same as social phobia, has a very strong fear of being around others. Individuals experiencing social anxiety may be concerned about getting judged, made to feel embarrassed or rejected by others. Those with social anxiety disorder are likely to avoid crowds, avoid talking in front of others or avoid meeting their eyes with people.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is explained by repeated and unexpected episodes of severe fear known as panic attacks. You can experience these moments without any notice and feel symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, difficulty breathing or a racing heart.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Although usually thought of as a problem in childhood, separation anxiety disorder can influence adults as well. It means worrying extremely about being separated from people who hold great importance to you, like family or partners.
Specific Phobias
Phobias are strong, unwarranted fears of particular things or experiences such as being high up, aboard an airplane or close to spiders, that guide people to avoid these situations, even if the danger is low.
Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia involves anxiety over being in places where help couldn’t be reached if a panic attack occurs. Because of this, those with phobias may steer clear of public transport, parks and busy locations.
What are Some Anxiety Symptoms?
Symptoms of anxiety disorder change from one type to another but typically involve both emotional and body symptoms. Sometimes, these symptoms are temporary, but other times they happen all the time.
Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms:
- Excessive or uncontrollable worry
- Fear of losing control or impending doom
- Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
- Feeling tense, nervous, or restless
- Irritability or mood swings
- Avoidance of anxiety-triggering situations
Physical Symptoms:
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating or chills
- Muscle tension or aches
- Trembling or shaking
- Fatigue or insomnia
- Nausea or gastrointestinal discomfort
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
The symptoms in severe anxiety disorders may be so strong that they interrupt personal relationships, employment and ordinary daily activities.
How is Anxiety Diagnosed?
An anxiety disorder is usually diagnosed after a complete examination by a healthcare provider or mental health expert. The process often consists of:
- Doctors check your background and conduct a physical exam to ensure that no other health problems are causing the anxiety symptoms.
- A professional will inquire about your symptoms, thoughts, actions and when your symptoms and feelings began.
- Certain types of anxiety disorders are identified by the provider using the DSM-5 as a reference.
Due to the fact that anxiety disorder symptoms are similar to those of depression or substance abuse, a full exam is needed for the correct diagnosis.
How is Anxiety Disorder Treated?
Treatment works well for anxiety disorders and it’s possible to fully recover. Often, getting the most benefit means having therapy, using medication and practicing holistic health measures. Your specific needs are considered when we create a treatment plan here at Valiant Detox and Assessment Center.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is the most respected therapy for anxiety disorders. Learners acknowledge their unhealthy thoughts and learn how to change them for the better.
2. Medication
Sometimes, doctors may prescribe antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs or beta-blockers to control physical or mental symptoms. Such treatments are under close professional oversight to ensure they help and cause no harm.
3. Holistic Therapies
Here at Valiant Detox and Assessment Center, we provide many holistic practices including mindfulness, yoga, nutrition guidance and breathing exercises to address healing from all sides.
4. Medical Detox followed by Assessment
We help people whose anxiety comes from substance use by first providing a safe and supervised detox program. Both anxiety and substance use disorders often appear together and we are skilled at addressing them both.
What Can You Do on Your Own to Relieve Anxiety?
Even though getting support from a professional is important for anxiety, there are many actions you can take by yourself to feel calmer and stronger.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
These exercises help ease your nerves and help you focus on the present. Headspace or Calm can notify you with short, daily meditation schedules.
Stay Active
Staying physically active often reduces stress hormones while raising your levels of happy brain chemicals called endorphins. Just taking a short walk each day can matter a lot.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can increase feelings of anxiety and disturb your sleep which limits your body’s ability to heal.
Introduce a regular schedule for yourself.
Having a sense of what to expect can help us feel less stressed. Wake yourself up, eat and go to bed at the same time every day to help you feel more secure.
Stay Connected
You should rely on social support. Share how you are feeling with someone who cares about you such as a friend, family or therapist.
Make your targets achievable.
Manage your project by working on parts one at a time and congratulate yourself for small successes. As a result, your confidence can grow and make you feel less anxious.
When to Seek Help
When your anxiety doesn’t go away, becomes very intense and affects your life, don’t put off seeking help. Getting support is an act of strength, not weakness. Carrying out self-therapies instantly can hold problems at bay and help you manage better.
We know that anxiety disorders can negatively affect both your mental and physical health. With kindness, our team works closely with you to track down the source of your anxiety and show you ways to handle it. Take the first step toward getting better by calling us today.
