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A : Here is a quick checklist that you could use to see if your anxiety is a disorder:
A : The most common factors that cause anxiety disorders are:
People who have a history of mental health issues in the family may usually have problems with anxiety. For instance, OCD can be passed down in a family.
Stress at the workplace, loss of a loved one, or troubled relationships, can also trigger symptoms of anxiety.
Ailments such as thyroid problems, asthma, diabetes or a heart disease can also cause anxiety. People suffering from depression can also develop symptoms of anxiety disorders. For instance, someone who has been suffering from depression for a long period, may start to under-perform at work. This can then lead to work-related stress which could trigger anxiety.
People who are heavy users of drugs, alcohol and other substances, develop anxiety problems when the effects of the substance begin to wear off (in withdrawal).
Sometimes, people with certain personality traits such as perfectionists or people who like to be in control, develop anxiety-related issues.
People suffering from GAD experience excessive anxiety and worry about various events and situations. They have difficulty in controlling anxiety and worry, along with restlessness and 'feeling keyed up or on edge' all the time. Such people are not worried about anything in particular and there is no specific trigger.
People with OCD have constant thoughts and fears that trigger anxiety. They relieve this anxiety by performing certain actions repetitively. For instance, a person with a fear of germs and contamination will repetitively wash his or her hands, and the vessels at home.
People with social anxiety disorder fear social and performance-related situations where they may be subject to the scrutiny of others. They have an intense fear that something they do or say will lead to their humiliation or embarrassment. These people are unable to handle everyday situations such as making small talk or even eating in public.
Phobias are unsubstantiated fears and people with phobias go to great lengths to avoid the object or situation that triggers their anxiety. Their fears could range from flying in airplanes, being in crowded places, to harmless things such as spiders and high-rise buildings.
Being part of or witnessing an extremely traumatic event such as accidents or an assault can later lead to PTSD. The person will have difficulty sleeping or relaxing due to constant flashbacks of the event.
People with panic disorder suffer from panic attacks that are uncontrollable and include a range of physical symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath and excessive perspiration. During these episodes, they also report psychological symptoms (thoughts) like experiencing a sense of impending doom and feelings such as ‘I am going to die’ or ‘I will go crazy’. These attacks happen for no apparent reason, and the person then lives in constant fear of suffering another such episode.
A : We all feel a little nervous before attending some social gatherings and are wary of being judged by peers or strangers. For example, your mind races before getting up to deliver a public speech, you have butterflies in your stomach when the teacher asks you a question in front of the class, and so on. These feelings of anxiety are normal and usually subside over some time.People with SAD or social phobia, however, experience intense fear and anxiety when they feel that they are the subject of attention. For such people, everyday social situations such as attending a conference or meeting at work, making a presentation, attending a wedding or a party, or going out for a meal with friends, can trigger severe anxiety.
A : People with SAD display a combination of physical and behavioral symptoms. The physical symptoms include trembling, sweating, nausea and stammering when trying to speak. These symptoms make the person more self-conscious because they believe that people around have noticed, leading to a deep sense of humiliation and embarrassment for the sufferer. As a result, their behavior may change in the following ways:
A : Some of the factors that can cause SAD are:
SAD can be a very distressing ailment, but it is treatable. Many people are able to cope with social situations after receiving proper treatment and learning coping skills. Like other anxiety disorders, treatment of SAD includes medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been found to be very effective in treating SAD. Social anxiety disorder medication is prescribed to help reduce anxiety and discomfort. Recovery time varies from one person to another, but it is important that you adhere to the treatment plan.
If you have noticed any of the above-mentioned symptoms in someone you know, you may want to speak to them about the disorder, and suggest that they seek professional help. Offer to accompany them when they are visiting the doctor. Learn about the disorder so that you can better understand what the person is going through. Be patient and supportive, and keep encouraging the person to continue with the treatment if it is taking more time.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of social phobia, you should reach out for professional help at the earliest so that you may learn how to overcome social anxiety disorder. If you are not comfortable with the idea, you may want to speak to someone you trust and ask them to accompany you to consult a mental health expert. Making positive lifestyle changes always help improve your wellbeing. Establish a good routine and make sure that you get enough sleep and exercise. You could also join a support group as connecting with people facing similar problems also helps in the recovery process. Treatment can sometimes take longer than you anticipate, but it is vital that you do not lose hope and continue with the treatment.
Anxiety disorders can be overcome but one must not underestimate the seriousness of the problem. If you suffer from any of the above symptoms, it is best you seek professional advice and treatment. Anxiety disorders are treated through anxiety medication, counseling or a combination of the two
If you have a family member or a friend who is suffering from anxiety disorders, your support can go a long way in reducing their distress. As with any sort of illness, the first thing you should do is to learn about the sufferer’s problem so that you can empathize with their condition. Dealing with people suffering from anxiety disorders requires a lot of patience, but they also need to be pushed and encouraged from time to time to face their stressors or fears so that they may overcome these fears. It is essential that you find the right balance for this.
