Mental health problems can be as painful as physical health problems. So, they need to be addressed on time in order to prevent the condition from worsening. Anxiety is among the common mental health problems experienced by men and women of all age groups.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a medical condition where the person feels like they are in a constant state of worry and discomfort. Like most other mental health problems, anxiety could also be accompanied by a host of physical symptoms as well. This includes the feeling of restlessness and sometimes even an elevated heart rate and other symptoms that you would experience when you are in a state of panic.
What causes anxiety?
- People who have recently experienced trauma are more likely to develop anxiety. This can be seen in both kids and adults.
- Some types of anxiety disorders are inherited conditions.
- Stress is a highly common trigger of anxiety. Although a small amount of stress is manageable, people who allow stress to build up might be at a higher risk of anxiety. Day-to-day work stress or stress due to relationship problems could be detrimental.
- People with chronic health conditions such as heart problems or autoimmune diseases, which cannot be cured completely, might develop anxiety due to fear about the illness.
How to identify anxiety?
Anxiety manifests itself in both physical and psychological symptoms, such as those listed below.
- Elevated heart rate
- A general feeling of exhaustion
- Easily feeling nervous
- Excessive sweating
- Insomnia or difficulty in falling asleep
- Disturbed sleep
- Digestive problems
- Worrying too much about what could go wrong or a general feeling of pessimism
- Difficulty concentrating on a task
- Dizziness or shortness of breath
These symptoms can affect the daily functioning of a person. They can also make you feel tired and lose interest in trying new things because of the fear of things going wrong.
Treatment options for anxiety
The treatment depends on the type of anxiety disorder the patient has and the severity of the symptoms. Considering the patient’s medical history and health conditions, the doctor might recommend a series of changes to a person’s diet and lifestyle. He could also suggest certain supplements. Other treatment options are:
- Cognitive behavior therapy involves treating the condition by altering the thought process and eliminating baseless fears.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy is where the patient is taught to accept things instead of resisting or fearing them.
- For minor fears, exposure therapy could be recommended. This involves letting the person overcome their anxiousness by facing what makes them anxious.
Managing anxiety at home
One can manage anxiety by making some effective and easy changes to their lifestyle.
Cut back on smoking and drinking
Quit smoking and lower alcohol intake. These two harmful lifestyle habits can worsen most mental health problems including anxiety. They can also increase your blood pressure.
Have a good sleep schedule
Getting enough sleep every day can help in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Anxiety makes it difficult to fall asleep. This is why a good sleep schedule can be highly effective in keeping anxiety at bay.
Avoid processed food items
Food items that are loaded with sugar or sweeteners as well as those with additives and preservatives can be bad for your mood. Instead opt for fruits and vegetables on a daily basis.
Most cases of mild anxiety can be treated at home. Staying active and eating healthy food can solve most health problems. But remember that mental health problems need medical intervention just like physical disorders. So, if you think you are experiencing severe symptoms of anxiety, it would be better to seek medical help on time.
