What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorder is a serious and another common mental disorder. It is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of feeling fear and tenseness.

Though feeling anxious at times is completely normal, the disorder is very discomforting for the individual. The feeling of anxiety is manifold as compared to usual anxious feelings and it is repetitive and overwhelming. Anxiety disorders disrupt daily functioning along with personal and social relationships. There are several types of anxiety disorders (social anxiety, GAD, panic attack, panic disorder etc), which will be discussed in later blogs.

On an average, one in four individuals suffer from an anxiety disorder. On an average, the age at which anxiety occurs is 19 years but research shows that it has and it can develop in children as small as 14 years also. The likelihood of adolescents suffering from this disorder is on the rise. Women are more likely to develop anxiety disorders than men.

The cause for anxiety disorders is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It is a disorder that runs in families. Factors like stress creating situations are a major factor of anxiety disorders, especially so when adequate support to deal with stress and anxiety is absent.

Symptoms Seek help if you notice some (5 or more) of these symptoms for over a period of 2-3 weeks:

  • “Racing” heart or heart palpitations

  • Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy

  • Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers

  • Sense of terror, or impending doom or death

  • Feeling sweaty or having chills

  • Chest pains

  • Muscle tension

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Feeling a loss of control

  • Irritability

  • Fatigue

  • Difficulty to pay attention and concentrate

In the presence of these symptoms, one may consult a counsellor or a psychotherapist. Medication along with psychotherapy works best for anxiety disorders.

Tips to take care Small steps to help you or your loved ones along the way.

  • Eat healthy and a balanced diet

  • Exercise regularly

  • Sleep well in the night

  • Relaxation techniques for breathing under guidance

  • Reduce consumption of caffeine

  • Talk to family and friends about your anxious feelings

  • Let people know that you need support

  • Meditation and yoga under guidance may help