What is anxiety

It is common to encounter various physical and emotional distress signals on occasion, such as rapid breathing, increased heart rate, difficulty sleeping, feelings of apprehension, or persistent worrying. These experiences are considered normal.

Anxiety, in and of itself, is not inherently problematic. It is a natural response that serves as a biological defense mechanism, triggering increased heart rate and respiration to supply oxygenated blood to the muscles, preparing the body for a fight-or-flight response. Healthy levels of anxiety can motivate punctuality, drive diligent studying for exams, or discourage walking alone in unsafe areas.

Dr. Gene Beresin, the executive director of the Clay Center for Healthy Young Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains that experiencing anxiety is a normal part of life and can even be beneficial. However, difficulties arise when the systems underlying our anxiety responses become dysregulated, 
leading to overreactions or reactions to inappropriate situations.

?What is an anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorders can be distinguished from ordinary worries or occasional anxious moments by the severity of symptoms and an individual's ability to manage them. According to national surveys, approximately 20% of adults aged 18 and above, as well as 33% of teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18, experienced an anxiety disorder within the past year.

If anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, or consistently triggered by situations that are not genuinely threatening, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The doctor can provide guidance on potential treatment options or make a referral to a specialist with expertise in anxiety disorders.

?What type of anxiety disorder do you suffer from

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for addressing any health concern, including anxiety disorders. Several common types of anxiety disorders are:

Generalized anxiety disorder: This condition involves experiencing excessive worry about various issues almost daily for at least six months. Physical symptoms such as muscle tension, a racing heart, or dizziness often accompany this persistent anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder: Individuals with social anxiety disorder feel significant anxiety in social situations or when they are required to perform in front of others, such as public speaking.

Phobias: Phobias refer to intense anxiety triggered by specific animals, insects, objects, or situations.

Panic disorder: Panic disorder manifests as sudden and intense episodes of fear, accompanied by symptoms like a pounding heart, breathlessness, and a sense of impending doom. It's comparable to the feeling of narrowly avoiding being hit by a truck, even though there is no actual threat present for those with panic disorder

There are effective treatments for anxiety

Treatment for anxiety disorders is tailored to the specific diagnosis, and there are several effective options available:

Implementing lifestyle changes: Making adjustments to one's lifestyle can be beneficial, such as reducing or avoiding caffeine intake, engaging in regular exercise, and refraining from substances or medications that may contribute to anxiety symptoms.

Mind-body techniques: Practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, mindfulness, and strategies to relax muscles can help promote a sense of calm and alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Psychotherapy: Various forms of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, can be effective. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging distorted or unhelpful anxious thoughts, as thoughts influence emotions and behaviors. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or objects in a controlled manner, guided by a therapist, to help them tolerate and reduce anxiety.

Medications: Medications can be useful in managing anxiety disorders. Short-acting medications known as benzodiazepines are taken on an as-needed basis during periods of heightened anxiety. Low doses of certain antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be prescribed to alleviate anxiety when taken daily.

Often, a combination of approaches is the most effective approach. Combining medication to alleviate acute symptoms with psychotherapy techniques like CBT or exposure therapy can help strengthen coping skills and retrain the brain to manage anxiety more effectively.