Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. These disorders go far beyond the occasional feelings of nervousness or worry that everyone experiences from time to time. Instead, they involve persistent, intense, and often irrational fears or concerns that can significantly disrupt daily life. Despite their prevalence, many individuals struggle to recognize anxiety disorder symptoms or seek appropriate help. Understanding these conditions is crucial not only for those who suffer from them but also for their friends, family, and loved ones.
Monarch therapists weigh in on the nature of anxiety disorders, anxiety symptoms, and the available treatment options.
What are anxiety disorders?
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes, according to the American Psychological Association.
For an individual with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not disappear over time and can often worsen over time without attention, Monarch therapists explain.
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in this country with over 21 percent of adults (approximately 42.5 million people affected by the debilitating illnesses each year. They are increasingly common among children as well – 25 percent of youth between 13 and 18 years old are affected by an anxiety disorder.
“If left untreated,” the therapists say, “Children with anxiety disorders are at a higher risk for poor academic performance, missed social experiences and possible substance use.”
What are the types of anxiety disorders and what are the symptoms?
There are several different types of anxiety disorders with different symptoms:
- Generalized anxiety disorder: This is when you worry too much about many things in your life for at least six months. You might feel restless, tired easily, have trouble thinking clearly, get annoyed quickly, have tight muscles, and find it hard to sleep.
- Panic disorder: This causes panic attacks, which are sudden, scary feelings that can happen without warning. You might feel pain in your chest, your heart might beat fast, you might have trouble breathing, or feel dizzy.
- Social anxiety disorder: This is when you’re very scared of being around other people or doing things in front of others. You might worry that people will judge you or that you’ll do something embarrassing.
- Phobia: This is when you’re extremely afraid of something that isn’t really dangerous. Your fear might be so strong that it stops you from doing normal things.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): This is when you have thoughts that keep coming back even when you don’t want them to. You might also feel like you have to do certain things over and over to feel better.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This happens after you’ve been through something very scary or dangerous. You might have seen someone get hurt badly or thought you might die. After this, you feel very scared or helpless. You also might experience flashbacks, vivid memories, recurring dreams or distress when exposed to circumstances resembling the event.
“Regardless of the type of anxiety, anxiety symptoms often include fatigue, sleep issues, irritability, rapidly beating heart, and sweating,” therapists advise. “It’s also common for someone experiencing anxiety to also be dealing with depression and substance use disorders.”
What are the levels of anxiety and when is something a disorder?
Ther are differences between typical feelings of nervousness and an anxiety disorder. While stress is a typical reaction to a high pressure or stakes situation, anxiety disorders often cause excessive fear or anxiety. “It is completely acceptable, and sometimes an advantage, to feel nervous about an important job interview or test that you are taking,” therapists say. “An anxiety disorder occurs when there is a feeling of heightened stress or unexplained thoughts of impending doom. It would be beneficial to anyone struggling with similar kinds of reactions to seek guidance from a health care professional.”
What are treatment options for anxiety disorders?
For people with anxiety, there are options to treat it. However, treatment depends on the type of anxiety disorder and the person’s preferences.
- For lesser forms of anxiety, you can often treat yourself with stress management and relaxation techniques. Practicing self-care by eating well, exercising, getting adequate sleep, and drinking less caffeine and alcohol can often help.
- For more severe anxiety disorders, it is often best to get professional help, including psychological counseling and therapy to alleviate symptoms.
“Mental health professionals can help you with treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy which change harmful thought patterns,” Monarch therapists say. “In some cases, medications can be prescribed to control an anxiety disorder, as well.”
If you’re experiencing anxiety symptoms and could use a helping hand, call Monarch at (866) 272-7826.