What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Among the several mental health conditions is anxiety disorder. You could react with fear and dread to certain items and circumstances if you suffer from an anxiety condition. Additionally, you can exhibit bodily symptoms of anxiousness including perspiration and a racing heart.

A certain level of anxiousness is normal. If you have to make a big decision, go on an interview, take an exam, or deal with a situation at work, you could feel worried or anxious. It may even be advantageous. Anxiety, for instance, helps us focus our attention and identify potentially harmful circumstances, keeping us safe.

However, anxiety disorders are more than just occasional bouts of mild worry and fearfulness. It arise when:

  • Anxiety makes it difficult for you to operate.
  • When anything makes you feel something, there’s a tendency to overreact.
  • Your reactions to circumstances feel beyond your control.

Managing anxiety may make daily tasks challenging. Thankfully, it may be effectively treated using a number of methods.

10 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT ANXIETY

1. ANXIETY CAN BE GENETIC

Why do some people manage to escape traumatising experiences unscathed? Others have disorders such as Generalised Disorder, Panic Disorder, and PTSD. Anxiety disorders and nervous temperaments do appear to run in families, that much is known. Additionally, research indicates that those with a genetic predisposition to it are more likely to experience it following stressful or traumatic situations.

2. DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY ARE LINKED

Depression is frequently brought on by or triggered by anxiety. Studies show that women with GAD are more likely to experience depression. Because of the mental tiredness that comes with intense negative emotion, those who have persistent depression frequently have its symptoms. The same holds true for those who have ongoing disorder. For instance, persons who suffer from SAD frequently experience depression symptoms as a result of lifestyle decisions they make to manage their symptoms, such as avoiding social situations and other people.

3. ANXIETY OFTEN STARTS IN EARLY LIFE

Roughly 15% to 20% of kids between the ages of 3 and 17 present anxiety disorders. Children are unable to express phrases like “I have anxiety” or “I’m really worried” since they are still developing their linguistic abilities. Rather, their worry manifests in health problems like headaches, stomachaches, or behavioural problems like tantrums. Children who experience it frequently also exhibit restlessness, inattention, avoidance, and frequent meltdowns. Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently mistaken as ADHD, leading to medication.

4. PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS MAY RESULT FROM ANXIETY

Most individuals are aware that worry may lead to restlessness, irritation, annoyance, and trouble concentrating. Few people are aware, though, that it may lead to major health issues including dizziness, nausea, hot flashes, weakness, and shortness of breath. Individuals going through a panic attack frequently wind up at the emergency room thinking they are suffering a heart attack.

5. ANXIETY DISORDERS RISK HEALTH COMPLICATIONS INCREASES

Harvard study indicates that it has been linked to a number of long-term medical problems, such as substance misuse, heart disease, chronic respiratory disorders like COPD, and gastrointestinal issues like IBS. Much remains unknown about how it manifests in the body and how it affects our physical well-being. All that is known, though, is that prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels—that is, anxiety—causes lowered immunity as well as harm to the heart and lungs.

6. ANXIETY MAY RESULT IN COLD FEET AND HANDS

Have you ever questioned why, sometimes, your hands seem chilly to the touch? Did you realise that anxiousness can be the cause? Our natural instinct is to either fight or flee when we are afraid. Blood flow is diverted away from your extremities—your hands and feet, for example—and into your core, or your critical organs when this happens. Your hands and feet start to feel chilly as a result of this.

7. RAGE CAN RESULT FROM ANXIETY

Anger is a frequent, but little-known, side effect of worry. Experiencing rage is a natural way to feel in control of our lives when we feel helpless about a problem or that we have no control over it. Externalising the disagreement is far simpler than identifying and resolving the true problem. Additionally, depression can occasionally arise in those who have persistent anxiety.

8. ANXIETY MAY BE THE CAUSE OF MEMORY ISSUES

Anxious people frequently forget things because they find it difficult to remain in the current moment. Individuals with GAD experience difficulty managing their worries. When we worry, it’s usually about something that hasn’t happened yet, which means we’re projecting potential issues into the future. This explains why anxious people frequently give off the impression that they are unfocused, not listening, or uncaring.

9. THE PROBABILITY OF AN ANXIETY DISORDER IN WOMEN IS TWICE THAT OF MEN

As per the ADAA, a girl’s risk of developing an anxiety condition is double that of a male from the time she reaches adolescence until she turns 50. The fight-or-flight reaction in women is triggered more readily and lasts longer than in men, in part because of progesterone and estrogen. Additionally, data suggests that the female brain processes serotonin less rapidly than the male brain and is more vulnerable to low levels of the hormone corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which regulates mammalian stress responses.

10. ANXIETY DISORDERS ARE TREATABLE

Despite being widespread and difficult, it is a treatable disorder, and therapy sessions are essential to this healing process. In a secure and encouraging setting, therapy enables patients to investigate the underlying reasons of their anxiety, recognize unhelpful thought patterns, and create useful coping techniques. People can manage and eventually overcome by using evidence-based treatment approaches such as mindfulness-based techniques or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Through therapy, people become more resilient and self-aware, and they get the confidence to face and overcome their concerns. People may progressively understand the intricacies of anxiety with the help of a qualified therapist, which results in long-lasting alleviation and a revitalized feeling of wellbeing. Accepting therapy sessions as a way to deal with it is a proactive move toward living a happy life.

Parting Notes

If anxiety has been a constant presence in your life, this is the time to take action and set out on a path to long-term relief. Accept the healing potential of treatment at The Insight Clinic, where compassionate staff members are committed to guiding you through the challenges of it. It’s time to give your mental health a top priority and acquire the skills required to overcome the difficulties it brings.

Get in touch with The Insight Clinic right now, and use their knowledge to lead you to a more promising and resilient future. Making that phone call, setting up that appointment, and taking back control of your life is the first brave but straightforward step on your road to recovery. We at the Insight Clinic are here to help you on your path to a happy and meaningful life.