How To Deal With Anxiety

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences at times. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. When anxiety becomes overwhelming and affects daily activities, it may be an anxiety disorder.

Is anxiety a mental illness?

Yes, anxiety can be a mental illness. It is defined as a disorder in which there is an excessive and persistently anxious mood that causes distress or impairment of functioning. Anxiety disorders affect millions of people worldwide and can range from mild to severe.

What are the symptoms of anxiety

The symptoms of anxiety can vary, but may include feeling restless or on edge, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension and sleep disruption. Other physical symptoms may also occur, such as sweating, rapid heart rate and shortness of breath.

Can anxiety make you dizzy?

Yes, anxiety can make you dizzy. When anxious, your body releases a rush of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol which causes physical changes in the body. These physical changes can include an increase in heart rate, shallow breathing, tense muscles, and decreased blood flow to the brain – all of which may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness. Anxiety can also trigger or worsen existing conditions such as panic attacks and vertigo which may also cause dizziness.

Can anxiety cause chest pain?

Yes, anxiety can cause chest pain. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress and can actually be beneficial in some situations – like when it helps you avoid danger or take action. However, when someone experiences excessive levels of anxiety, they may experience physical symptoms like chest pain. It might feel similar to the chest pain that occurs due to a heart attack or other medical problems, but it is usually not as intense. It may be described as a tightness, pressure, dull ache, or burning sensation in the chest. It can also cause breathing difficulty and palpitations (irregular or rapid heartbeat).

Is anxiety a disability?

The answer is not a simple yes or no. While anxiety is recognized as a disabling condition by the World Health Organization, it does not necessarily mean that everyone who experiences anxiety will be considered disabled under the law.

For someone to receive legal protection under disability discrimination laws, their anxiety must substantially limit one or more major life activities. The individual must experience significant and long-term difficulty in performing basic functions like working, going to school, or taking care of one’s health.

Having an anxiety disorder may also lead to certain additional symptoms that could be considered a disability, such as depression, social isolation, and cognitive impairment.

Does anxiety go away?

Anxiety can go away. However, it is important to recognize that the process of managing and reducing symptoms may take time and require effort to address underlying issues. It’s not something that you can just “get rid of” overnight.

Remember, anxiety may never fully go away.

What do people with anxiety struggle to do?

People with anxiety often struggle to carry out everyday tasks, such as attending work or school, leaving the house, and socializing. They can also experience extreme fear or avoid situations they perceive as dangerous, even if they know that the danger is only in their mind. Anxiety can also affect sleeping patterns, concentration levels, and overall physical health.

In severe cases, it can even lead to panic attacks and phobias.

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by extreme fear, self-consciousness and feelings of discomfort or awkwardness in certain social situations.

People who suffer from social anxiety are often worried about being judged or humiliated and avoiding social interactions due to their fear. Common symptoms include blushing, sweating, trembling, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty making eye contact, and an intense fear of being embarrassed or judged. People with social anxiety may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches and difficulty breathing.

What is the main cause of anxiety?

The main cause of anxiety can vary from person to person, but some common causes may include: stress, family or relationship problems, work or school pressures, financial worries, illness or health concerns, drugs or alcohol abuse. It is also possible that symptoms of anxiety could be brought on by a combination of these factors. Other possible causes may include genetics, past traumatic events, changes in brain chemistry, or medical conditions such as thyroid problems.

Learn more about coping with anxiety by watching the video below.

How to Overcome Anxiety

Credit YouTube

6 Steps For Dealing With Anxiety

Anxiety can be a difficult emotion to manage. It can be hard to find the right balance between letting yourself feel anxious and trying to calm your mind. Here are some practical tips for managing anxiety:

Identify and recognize your triggers

It is important to identify and recognize when something is upsetting you or making you anxious. This will help you better understand your emotions and figure out what steps to take to manage them.

Take deep breaths and focus on your breathing

Practice grounding techniques such as 5-4-3-2-1 or body scan.

Engage in physical activity such as yoga or aerobic exercise to help reduce cortisol and manage stress levels.

Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling

Speaking openly about your worries can help you process them and find solutions to the underlying issues.

Connect with your support network and ask for help when needed. Having supportive people in your life can provide a sense of security and comfort that is essential during times of stress.

Exercise regularly to release tension and anxiety

Exercise can help boost your mood and provide an outlet for pent-up stress.

Practice relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or guided imagery to help calm racing thoughts.

Find a hobby or activity that you enjoy doing and make sure to take part in it regularly

Doing something you love can help distract you from your worries and provide an outlet for creative expression.

Be Kind To Yourself

Finally, remember to be patient with yourself as you work through managing your anxiety. It takes time and practice but it is possible to manage anxious feelings in a healthy way. Take things one day at a time, and be kind to yourself throughout the process.

AE Psychotherapy Can Help With Anxiety

If you need extra support for you or your loved ones with anxiety , don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

AE Psychotherapy specializes in helping people with anxiety. We provide individual therapy sessions to help clients work through their anxiety. Get in touch with us today.