Anxiety Support 4 You

1. ANXIETY – A BRIEF GUIDE What What Is Anxiety? Is Anxiety? In the most primitive sense, anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or fear. It is our body’s natural response to a stressful situation, and it is perfectly normal to feel anxious from time to time. People often face situations where they come under pressure, and their bodies start to react in a panicky way. Some examples of these scenarios include going for a job interview, the first day of school, giving a public speech, moving to a new place, etc. All these tasks can churn the emotions of fear in people. Usually, the anxiousness dies out when the event that was causing it comes to an end. However, if you remain feeling anxious after the stressful situation has passed, you should seek help. Extreme anxiousness that lasts for more than six months can interfere with your day to day life, and a sign of anxiety disorders and anxiety attacks that require immediate medical attention. What What Are The Types Of Anxiety? Are The Types Of Anxiety? According to the Amerian Psychiatric Association, an anxiety disorder can take several forms, including:

2. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) GAD is a chronic condition in which a person worries excessively about non-specific life events, situations, (GAD) or objects. People with GAD have long-lasting anxiety that disrupts their daily life. GAD is among the most common anxiety disorder. Panic Panic Disorder Disorder People with panic disorders experience sudden bursts of fear and intense terror without any apparent threat. These attacks can cause confusion, nausea, shaking, dizziness, and breathing difficulties. Panic attacks without warning and usually last for a short-duration, generally peaking in 10 minutes. However, sometimes these can last for more than an hour. Phobia Phobia Technically, we can term phobia as an irrational fear of a specific place, object, or situation. Many people become uncomfortable in confined spaces, while sum might run for their life if you come close to a spider, others may fear going near crowded places. A person can have one or more phobia, and the intensity of fear each one stroke differ wildly based on different factors. Social Social Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Disorder People with this form of anxiety disorder live in constant fear of what others think of them. People with SAD also avoid social gatherings due to their extreme fear of being judged by others. Obsessive Obsessive- -Compulsive Disorder ( Compulsive Disorder (OCD Those with OCD tend to repeat certain routines or have specific thoughts repeatedly. While everyone OCD) ) frequently does some things, people with OCD become obsessed with repeating things until they find perfection. Separation Separation Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Disorder It is the anxiousness you feel when you think about being away from your loved ones or your home. Illness Illness Anxiety Disorder Anxiety Disorder People with this anxiety disorder tend to worry about their health excessively. Post Post- -Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD It is a form of anxiety disorder triggered by a terrifying event from a person’s past. It includes nightmares, PTSD) ) flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts. What What Is The Difference Between Anxiety And Panic Is The Difference Between Anxiety And Panic Disorder? Disorder? People often use the term panic attacks and anxiety attacks interchangeably, but these are not the same. While both share some common symptoms, several characteristics differ between the two. The critical

3. difference is the intensity and duration of these attacks. Panic attacks are more intense and only last for a few minutes, usually peaking around 10 minutes. The following are some crucial distinction between panic and anxiety attacks: • Panic attack symptoms usually disappear after a few minutes, while anxiety attacks take longer to subside. • Panic attack symptoms are disruptive and intense, while the symptoms of anxiety attacks vary in intensity. • A panic attack can happen without warning. In contrast, an anxiety attack occurs in response to a perceived threat or stress. Though the duration and intensity, and triggers of these attacks vary significantly, treatment for anxiety and panic disorders is usually the same. What What Causes Anxiety Causes Anxiety? ? Experts are not entirely sure about the exact cause behind anxiety disorders, but they believe that these occur due to a combination of factors. Determining the primary factor that results in an anxiety attack is tricky because many might happen at once; some might trigger others, and some may not cause an anxiety disorder in the absence of another. The factors that increase the chances of anxiety disorders include: • Environmental factors:- These include relationship problems, family issues, difficulties at work, etc. • Medical Factors:- Things like symptoms of various diseases, side effects of certain medications, the stress of surgery, or prolonged recovery can develop an anxiety disorder. • Genetics:- People who have family members with an anxiety disorder are more prone to experiencing it themselves. • Brain chemistry:- It can also be contributing to developing anxiety disorders, as scientists believe these disorders result from hormones mismanagement and problematic electrical signals in the brain. • Substance Withdrawal:- While withdrawal from illicit substances does not cause anxiety itself, it may intensify the effects of other probable causes of anxiety disorders. • What What Is The Relation Between Anxiety And Depression? Is The Relation Between Anxiety And Depression? People with anxiety are more likely to have depression, as these two psychological conditions often coincide. Doctors have also observed, in some cases, that one problem can be a symptom of the other.

4. A person with anxiety disorder’s excessive worrying can trigger depression. Similarly, a perpetual state of depression can result in anxiety symptoms. Doctors often prescribe anti-depression and anti-anxiety medications for people who exhibit anxiety and depression symptoms. What What Are The Treatments Available For Anxiety? Are The Treatments Available For Anxiety? People with this disorder can seek various anxiety and panic support groups and medical facilities to resolve their problems. Usually, anxiety treatment is a combination of behavioral therapy, medications, and psychotherapy. Psychotherapy or Counseling Psychotherapy or Counseling The most common form of therapy used for managing anxiety and stress is cognitive-behavioral therapy. Under this procedure, a psychotherapist aims to classify and change harmful thought patterns that form the basis of fear. Sometimes, the therapist can also expose the patient to the fears and triggers, which encourage them to confront their worries resulting in reduced sensitivity to their anxiety and panic triggers. Medications Medications Doctors can prescribe the following medicines for people with an anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines These are among the most prevalent and most prescribed medicines for anxiety disorders, but they can also be highly addictive. Prolonged use of benzodiazepines can make a person physically or psychologically dependent on it. Alprazolam, Valium, Diazepam, Xanax are some drugs in this category that doctors prescribe for anxiety disorders.

5. Anti Anti- -de Though these drugs are for treating depression, they also help with anxiety. Some people often use SSRI depr pressants essants (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) with fewer side effects, but these may cause nausea, sexual dysfunction, and jitters at the beginning of the treatment. Tricyclics Tricyclics These medicines can help people with various anxiety disorders (except OCD). Using them may also result in some side effects, including dry mouth, weight gain, drowsiness, and dizziness. Some other medications that may help treat anxiety include: Some other medications that may help treat anxiety include: • Buspirone • Beta-blockers • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) Can Home Remedies Help With Anxiety Disorders? Can Home Remedies Help With Anxiety Disorders? Sometimes you might be able to treat an anxiety disorder without clinical supervision. However, home remedies may not be sufficient for long-term or severe anxiety disorders. People with anxiety can perform several actions and exercises to cope with stress; these include: Stress management Stress management Managing your day to day activities can be a great way to manage stress. It can help limit potential anxiety triggers. You can start by organizing upcoming deadlines into a list and break the tasks into more manageable bits. Taking time off from work or study can also help with managing stress. Relaxation techniques Relaxation techniques Meditation, long baths, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and resting in the dark are some activities that can reduce the physical and mental signs of anxiety. Exercise to restrain negative thoughts Exercise to restrain negative thoughts When having negative thoughts, try making a list of negativity, and also write down positive reviews to replace them. This behavior can help people with anxiety symptoms related to a particular cause, such as in phobia. Support network Support network Try taking to supporting family members or close friends about your stress. You can also find support group services in your local area and online, which can help you get better.

6. Exercise Exercise Doing physical exercise can help boost positive feelings and can improve self-image. It also releases brain chemicals that can reduce your chances of getting an anxiety or panic attack.