Let's Know Anxiety!

We often find ourselves sweating out and fearing for just no reason. Or most probably cannot explain the inner turmoil that we experience at that moment.

What could this possibly be?

It is termed as anxiety.

To define, anxiety is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.

Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous.

But if your feelings of anxiety are extreme, last for longer than six months, and are interfering with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

What are anxiety disorders?

It is quite normal to feel anxious about moving to a new place, a child getting admitted to a new school, getting promoted in a job or even with the idea of getting married. This type of anxious feeling is unpleasant, but it will motivate you to work harder to achieve the goal and get away from the anxious feeling. This is ordinary anxiety is a feeling of stress or light fear which comes and goes but does not interfere with your everyday life.

Whereas, in the case of anxiety disorder, the feeling of fear may be with you all the time. It is intense and sometimes enfeebling.

This type of anxiety may interfere in your daily life and may cause you to stop from doing things that you normally find pleasurable or the stuff you enjoy. There are certain extreme cases, where in it may prevent you from entering an elevator, crossing the street or even leaving your home. These are the acts which you have earlier performed with almost no difficulty. But now it seems impossible to you. You are fearsome.

If this condition is left untreated, the anxiety will keep getting worse.
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect anyone at any age. According to the American Psychiatric Association, women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

The types of anxiety disorders:

Anxiety is a vital part of several other disorders. These include-

• Panic disorder- experiencing recurring panic attacks at unexpected times. A person with panic disorder may live in fear of the next panic attack.

• Phobia- excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity

• Social Anxiety Disorder- extreme fear of being judged by others in social situations.

• Obsessive-Compulsive disorder- recurring irrational thoughts that lead you to perform specific repeated behaviours.

• Separation anxiety disorder- fear of being away from home or a loved one.

• Illness anxiety disorder- anxiety about your health (formerly called hypochondria)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)- anxiety following a traumatic event.

“Your mind is your prison when you focus on your fear”

Anxiety attack can occur to anyone at anytime. It depends on the person’s proneness to anxiety.