ANXIETY
‘Anxiety is intense excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations that people sometimes experience, anxiety can be normal in stressful situations such as public speaking, taking a test, etc.’
Anxiety disorder is a common mental disorder, however very few people receive treatment for the same. This blog will enlighten you about all the facts related to Anxiety.
WHAT IS ANXIETY?
Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress and stressful situations, characterized by feelings of tension, Persistent worried thoughts and restlessness.
If the symptoms are extreme and last longer than a few months or are interfering with your day to day routine, it may be a strong indication of an anxiety disorder
Ordinary anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes but does not interfere with your everyday routine. Anxiety disorder may make you stop doing things you would otherwise do.
SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY DISORDER!!
● Not all people experience the same symptoms.
● Anxiety attack and experiencing anxiety are 2 different things. Anxiety attack is an overwhelming feeling and sensation experienced by some people which includes worry, distress and apprehension
● Common symptoms of anxiety attack- feeling faint or dizzy, shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, dry mouth, hot flashes or chills, numbness.
● panic attack and anxiety are not the same too.
TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY DISORDER
Treatment for anxiety includes medications, psychotherapy, or sometimes a combination of both.
1. MANAGING YOUR SYMPTOMS
Stress management
Relaxation technique
Yoga and exercise (this can only help in managing the symptoms for a short period of time and not cure the disorder)
Seek help of a support group
2. COUNSELING OR THERAPY
This is the best way to seek treatment for anxiety disorder. This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, or a combination of therapies.
3. MEDICATION
Visit a psychiatrist and they will help you out by giving appropriate medications.
can include anti-depressants or medications to balance brain’s chemistry and ward off the symptoms.
MANAGING ANXIETY DISORDER SYMPTOMS
Anxiety disorder or anxiety attack can be experienced by any person at any time, there is no such ‘prevention’ that can be done to fully protect oneself from experiencing anxiety, however the below mentioned tips can only help one to ‘manage’ the symptoms and not cure or prevent it.
Practice exercise
Exercise is a great way to relieve stress. There are many ways to incorporate exercise into your daily routine.
Try:
● taking walks regularly
● joining an exercise class or gym
● practicing yoga.
Maintain a regular sleep pattern
Maintain a proper sleep cycle so that your mind remains calm and it will help to reduce symptoms of Anxiety.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Include healthy food in your diet like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grain. Also include food which are rich in vitamin D like mushroom, fish, dairy products. Also inculcate anti-inflammatory food in your diet which include tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and oil, green like almonds and walnuts. Avoid eating high fat food, processed food, high sugar food. Remember what feeds your body also feeds your brain!!
Try to distract yourself from reoccurring thoughts
Doing things that make one happy can help in distracting the person to shift their focus from their anxious thoughts to something more positive.
Maintain your own journal
Maintain a journal so that you can track your own moods, stress and anxiety. (a very helpful tool)
RTR. Sakshi Sameer Bharati
(Editor - RC Thane Premium 20-21)