Anxiety is our body’s natural fight-or-flight response to dealing with stress. It is not just as simple as a lack of rest. Anxiety is much more complex than that, involving our brain chemistry, genetic pool, traumatic experiences, and so on.
Anxiety becomes a problem when it becomes long-lasting, constant, and out of control. As a result, it clearly affects our physical, emotional, and behavioural state.
Restlessness, sleep disruption, heart racing, and nausea can be noticed for days or weeks as a result of anxiety.
According to the data published by the World Health Organisation in 2021, 359 million people suffered from anxiety disorders. It is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting people globally. But only 1 out of 4 are receiving actual treatment.
What Causes Anxiety:
The most common causes of anxiety can be family history, dysregulation of neurotransmitters, traumatic life events, excessive stress, an unstable surrounding environment, etc.
The parent’s history with anxiety can elevate the risk of anxiety in children. Relationship problems, workload, perfectionism, self-criticism, low self-esteem, etc are known to be related to anxiety.
How it feels:
Feelings can include racing thoughts, a constant sense of dread, an inability to relax, feeling on the edge or overwhelmed, and feeling detached.
Noticeable physical symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations, sweating, breathlessness, digestive issues, etc.
Effects:
Anxiety can significantly lower the quality of life of an individual. Due to the lack of concentration, their productivity may suffer.
They may have difficulties in maintaining a relationship due to detached behaviour and low self-esteem.
Problems with sleep may lead to insomnia and a dysfunctional routine. Or, other health issues or chronic pain can be a part of their lives.
In the long run, they can end up having depression or addiction problems with substances.
People surrounding them can also have issues. Loved ones will feel worried and stressed; they won’t be able to understand how to help the person.
Due to a lack of proper communication, they might feel neglected, irritated, and misunderstood.
Parents' anxiety issues can also heavily influence children’s lives.
Methods of dealing with Anxiety:
There are proven and well-researched methods that are known to be helpful in terms of dealing with anxiety.
According to NHS UK, relaxation techniques are known to be a good method for managing anxiety. Otherwise, breathing exercises and mindfulness practice are there to reduce tension and calm the system.
According to neuroscience, a method called Box breathing, which even astronauts use to calm their nervous system, works well for people with anxiety.
Daily physical activities also help to boost happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine. Walking, jogging, yoga, and stretching are things that are easily manageable for almost everyone.
Creative activities like painting, DIY crafts, journaling, playing music, or dancing, etc can work very well too. Or joining support groups and talking to someone trusted can help reduce anxiety a lot.
A more professional route can be to see a doctor or seek therapy. Therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy are proven to gradually improve the symptoms.
Last but not least, the power of will. We have to believe that anxiety is treatable and not a life sentence. With the right mindset, plans, and determination, anxiety is just like any other common illness that can be overcome with the right guidance.
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