Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s physical response to a threat or perceived threat. It causes a pounding heart, rapid breathing, butterflies in the stomach, and a burst of energy as well as mental responses such as excessive fears, worries, or obsessive thinking.  At one point in time, everyone experiences anxiety.  By supplying us with the strength and alertness to flee, it aids us in avoiding danger. However, for some, the symptoms never go away.

The symptoms of each form of anxiety disorder vary. A panic attack is a rapid, acute bout of terror. Other symptoms that could indicate anxiety include: shortness of breath, dizziness, a racing heart, sweating, clammy or sweaty hands, trouble sleeping, a churning stomach or stomachache, "pins and needles," feeling lightheaded or dizzy, trembling, and extreme thirst.

The most prevalent mental health issues in the United States, which impact 40 million adults each year, are anxiety disorders such panic disorders. Only 36% of persons with anxiety problems obtain the necessary care. Anxious people are six times more likely to require psychiatric treatment or visit the doctor. Every year, over 6 million adults suffer from panic disorders. Women are approximately twice as likely as males to experience panic disorders.

In a 2020 survey, 62% of respondents reported experiencing some degree of anxiety. (SingleCare, 2020)

An estimated 31% of all adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. (Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 2020)

An estimated 19.1% of adults in America had an anxiety disorder as of 2001-2003. (Harvard Medical School, 2007)

Anxiety disorders are more prevalent in women than in men in the United States and around the world. (NIMH, 2017) (Our World in Data, 2018)

Specific phobias are the most commonly occurring anxiety disorder, affecting more than 19 million adults in the U.S. (ADAA, 2020)

Anxiety disorder can affect so many areas of your life, but the following are the most critical ones:

1. Interpersonal Relationships

These include family, romantic, friendships, and colleagues. People with anxiety may feel like they must be perfect or "on duty”. They can appear intense, rigid, flakey, or in turn may push people away in various situations because they fear being judged. At times their fear of failure or being found out that they are imperfect will cause them to avoid situations all together, assimilate, or people please to ensure no one knows they are struggling. A person who fears having a panic attack may completely avoid intimate and romantic connections. They may avoid social situations as a result of this. Their confidence is affected and they may date less if this behavior becomes habitual. They will consequently experience severe loneliness as a result.

2. Self- Care/ Physical Health

Individuals who struggle with anxiety struggle with physical body issues secondary to anxiety. Often this looks like hyper-vigilance, hypochondria related worries- fatigue, somatic issues (stomach or headaches), poor circulation, poor sleep patterns which can increase other physical health ailments. Although they may appear to practice high levels of self-care, people with anxiety typically find it difficult to stick to regular routines like getting enough sleep, eating right, and exercising.

3. Work

Passion, productivity, and perfectionism coupled with disconnection/dissociation  can be prevalent and cause burnout with those who are struggle with anxiety. Productivity and relationships at work are likely to deteriorate as a result of an anxiety disorder. People who have had panic attacks before worry that they will get one while around their coworkers. They worry that their coworkers will view them as weak. Ironically, high achievers are frequently those who get panic attacks. They are not inherently weak because they constantly strive for excellence. They may refrain from certain phobias, such as driving in traffic, out of dread of attack. As a result, going to work will be challenging.

It's a good idea to discuss these symptoms with a physician, therapist, or mental health professional if any of them are having a negative effect on your life. Getting expert assistance can support you in managing anxiety and lessen its impact on your life and wellness, furthermore, it could take some time to start feeling better. Anxiety doesn’t have to be a permanent state of mind. Reaching out to professionals and having a strong support system can aid you in finding some relief. Feel free to reach out if you would like to book a consultation to address anxiety symptoms.