« Home

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is our bodies built in alarm system that lets us know when danger approaches. If you come home from work and notice that your door lock has been broken, your heart begins to beat faster, your palms become sweaty, and your mind races. Anxiety in this particular time helps you get out of danger. Anxiety can also help you doing busy times of your day to get things done in a timely manner and by deadline. The thoughts of having so much to do in a short time can trigger our anxiety to give us more energy to get the job done. But, anxiety can become out of control, you will have a feeling of fear and dread for no apparent reason. This type of anxiety is a problem and can interfere with your normal routine of life. Anxiety disorders can refer to different conditions, like generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. What Is A Generalized Anxiety Disorder? Generalized anxiety disorder goes on forever, worry or fear is out of proportion to what you can expect. Things like worry about if your car is going to run out of gas before you make it home and you have a half a tank and only 10 miles to home. Another example is worry that your spouse is ill, and they have no health problems. The symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder are: * Tight muscles * Trembling or shaking all over * Shortness of breath * Increased heart rate * Dry mouth * Dizziness * Irritability * Insomnia * Confusion What Is Panic Disorder? Another type of anxiety is panic disorder. The characteristics of panic disorders are the abrupt episodes of intense fear. Panic attack can occur anytime for no apparent reason. Your body’s alarm goes off without cause. The symptoms of anxiety – panic attacks are: * Chest pressure or chest pain * Fast heartbeat * Pulse begins to race * Dizziness or lightheadedness * Shortness of breath * Choking feeling * Sweating * Trembling or shaking all over * Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet * The fear of losing control of oneself * The fear of dying What Causes Anxiety Disorders? Anxiety disorders usually start after or during a very stressful happening in your life, like a divorce or a death in the family. Some people claim to have felt anxious their entire lives, other becomes anxious without a known reason. Anxiety can also be related to a side effect of some medications or illness. Anxiety disorders do tend to run in families. Is There Treatment For Anxiety Disorders? Yes. If you believe that you may have an anxiety disorder talk with your family doctor. They will be able to help you with a plan to improve skills that will help you to cope with the feelings of anxiety. They also suggest that you seek counseling or even prescribe a medication to help you with your anxiety. There is a form of psychotherapy than has been proven to help people with anxiety disorders. It is called cognitive-behavior therapy. What Are Ways That I Can Help Myself With Coping With The Anxiety? Yes, there are some ways that may help you curb these anxious feelings, they are: * Exercise on a regular basis * Get plenty of sleep – do not over sleep, but be sure you are getting the required amount of sleep. * Do not abuse alcohol or other substances. * Avoid caffeine. * Find ways to relax and use them Discuss with your family doctor other ways that you might be able to control anxiety. He should be able to give you suggestions on ways to relax and how much sleep you need.