Anxiety attacks can be reduced and eliminated by changing behavior. Stress management techniques, aerobic exercise and meditation can help people suffering from anxiety.
The goal is to calm down, for all who have experienced anxiety attacks should know that caffeine, illicit drugs and even some over-the-counter cold medicines can aggravate the symptoms of anxiety disorder. However, it is very important to recognize the symptoms of anxiety and be aware of the correct treatment once an attack occurs.
What is anxiety?
Fear is the innate response of the human body to real danger or threat. Anxiety is also the reaction of a body to perceived, anticipated, imaginary danger or a threatening situation. Anxiety comes in many different forms. This disorder can be a fear of snakes or spiders, or scary fear before an important speech. However, it can also be a non-stop concern about your parenting skills or a constant concern for success at work. Others may think that someone’s feelings of anxiety are not rational or logical, but in the patient’s mind the dangers or fears they perceive are very real.
Anxiety is a common occurrence. Most people experience it before or after stressful situations or traumatic events. Anxiety symptoms may also develop spontaneously, even when a threatening situation is not immediately apparent. Anxiety represents a continuum that ranges from ordinary symptoms of distress to life-consuming disabilities, most people suffering from anxiety fall somewhere in between.
What Is An Anxiety Attack And What Is An Anxiety Disorder?
If a patient suffers from an anxiety disorder, anxiety is much more than an occasional nervousness and fear. The characteristics of an anxiety disorder include anxiety that is constant, relentless and all it consumes. It also includes anxiety that causes self-imposed isolation or complete emotional withdrawal and an anxiety that prevents certain normal activities such as going out or interacting with other people.
Anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, are unexpected episodes of intense terror or fear that usually come without warning. Although fear is generally irrational, the perceived danger is very real and the person experiencing an anxiety attack often feels as if they are about to die or faint, So this could be particularly scary. It is because overwhelming fear and worry can easily take over and make life seem like it is too difficult for these people.
What are the symptoms of anxiety attacks and disorders?
Anxiety causes physical symptoms such as rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations), stomach or gnawing, nausea, butterflies, diarrhea , irritable bowel syndrome, sweating or feeling cold and wet. Possible symptoms are headaches, lightheadedness or dizziness, tension or pain in the body, fatigue or difficulty breathing, tremors, difficulty staying asleep, hot flashes or chest pain, chest pain, light legs and a tingling in the fingers of the Hands or feet.
At the same time, the emotional symptoms of anxiety include a general sense of apprehension and fear, nervousness, irritation, fear, isolation from others, unbelievable sense of self-awareness and insecurity and fear of dying or going crazy, As well as a strong desire to escape. General anxiety can produce chronic and long-lasting symptoms. The symptoms of an anxiety attack usually come suddenly and unannounced, unless you know what triggers your attacks. Symptoms may only last as long as an attack is occurring or may be present all the time.
Check This Out: Anxiety Causes
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
There are several commonly experienced types of anxiety attacks and disorders.
- Generalized anxiety disorder occurs if you constantly feel anxious for reasons that are not always obvious. GAD-related anxiety is often manifested in physical symptoms such as headaches, upset stomach and fatigue.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder has thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control, such as the main unwanted symptom.
- Panic disorder / panic attacks is a type of anxiety that is characterized by repeated unexpected panic attacks. Panic disorders can also be accompanied by agoraphobia , a type of anxiety associated with being in places where the possibility of escape or help is not perceived.
- Phobia is a type of anxiety that consists of an extreme, unrealistic fear of a specific object or activity, such as a particular animal, flying or certain situations such as being in open spaces or social situations. Usually, phobias cause relentless fear and physical symptoms that prevent the person from facing that fear.
- Separation anxiety is a normal stage of development experienced by a child when separated from their primary caregiver. It consists of crying and anguish when a child is away from a parent or household. If separation anxiety continues to occur beyond a certain age or when it adversely affects life or activities, treatment may need to be addressed.
- Social anxiety / social phobia can be thought of as extreme shyness. It could be extreme to the point of avoiding social situations and causing disruption in social and professional relationships.
Self-Treatments for Anxiety Control
To some extent, anxiety is a normal part of everyday life, but anxiety disorders occur when the anxiety symptoms become uncontrollable and overwhelming. The combination of factors that cause an anxiety disorder may be out of your control. If you feel overwhelmed, you should seek help. Social and lifestyle options play a role in feeling anxious and you can learn techniques to handle your daily anxiety. You could also learn to take steps to reduce the sources of anxiety. There are some strategies that can help you fight the anxiety, stress and fear you feel on a day to day basis.
Physical exercise is very important, so try to exercise regularly. Pay special attention to exercises that involve large muscle groups, such as walking or jogging. Abandon alcohol and drugs. Eat a healthy and balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. Eliminate caffeine from your life and do it slowly. You should notice a difference in your stress and anxiety levels over time.
Social treatment could also help as well to cultivate a support system. Try to spend as much time as possible with people who make you feel good. Share your problems, thoughts and fears with friends, family or a therapist. A journal can also be a useful way to record things that make you anxious, stressed or hurt. You should also know that helping someone else can take your mind off your worries and give you a different perspective. Volunteering on a regular basis or helping someone in need in your neighborhood, church or community can give you a break from yourself. Try to improve your intimate relationships. Especially if your anxiety comes from early life problems that interfere with your ability to build secure and dependable relationships.
Check This Out: Anxiety Symptoms
Mental and relaxing exercise is important, so take time out for play, recreation and relaxation, and try to spend time doing hobbies and activities you really enjoy. Identify your stressors or anxiety and try to limit known stressors in your life. Avoid difficult colleagues, family members and acquaintances as much as possible. It would be prudent to lower your expectations, so if you feel anxious because people or situations do not live up to your expectations, adjust it properly.
Try to shift gears and if you notice an anxiety attack or panic coming, try to break the cycle before you take over. Stop what you’re doing and do something athletic, like going for a walk, running or doing something you really enjoy, like painting or knitting, to change your thoughts. You can also become your own expert, read books, visit websites, go to conferences and workshops, and talk to your doctor and therapist. Learning more about your anxiety will help you get the best treatment and will allow you to conquer your fears and improve treatment outcomes. You probably know that laughter is very healthy, so laugh as much as possible and look for things and people you find fun. It would be good to find humor or absurdity in stressful situations.
Medications for Anxiety Disorders
Some types of anxiety are easily controlled by medications, which can be prescribed and controlled by a psychiatrist . The use of medications is somewhat controversial, so be sure to investigate the options before deciding whether medication is the best course of treatment. Most antidepressants are started at a low dose and gradually increased to minimize the risk of serious side effects that are possible to occur. Antidepressants usually take weeks to affect the symptoms of anxiety disorder. Some commonly prescribed drugs include fluoxetine or Prozac, sertraline or Zoloft, fluvoxamine or Faverin, paroxetine or Paxil and citalopram or Celexa. Anti-anxiety medications should only be taken for short periods of time because they can become addictive and less effective over time. When leaving benzodiazepines, it is important to gradually reduce the amount of doses to prevent possible withdrawal symptoms. Common commercial names of benzodiazepines are Valium, Xanax, Klonopin and Ativan.
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