Treatments for Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety can take many forms, from nervousness and worry to self-doubt. Sometimes the cause of anxiety is apparent, while other times it may not be so obvious. Everyone experiences anxiety to some degree, but when it becomes overwhelming and recurring or comes out of nowhere, it can have a profound impact on individuals. If anxiety starts interfering with your daily life, talking to a therapist can help.

Diagnosing anxiety depends on a person's feelings of worry, so symptoms will vary from person to person. Personality, co-occurring mental health conditions, and other factors may also explain a person's symptoms. Anxiety can cause intrusive or obsessive thoughts, confusion, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and frustration. Others may experience depression as a result of their anxiety.

Symptoms of anxiety can also manifest physically such as tense muscles, high blood pressure, trembling, sweating, a racing heartbeat, dizziness, insomnia, headaches, digestive problems, difficulty breathing, and nausea. If the physical symptoms of anxiety are severe and sudden, it may be a panic attack. Seeking help from a mental health professional can make a significant difference in managing anxiety symptoms and improving overall well-being.

What does anxiety look like?

Anxiety can manifest in many different ways. Some people become more talkative, while others withdraw or self-isolate. It's not uncommon for outgoing, friendly, or confident people to experience anxiety too. The symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person, and what it looks like for one individual may not be the same for another.

For some, anxiety may cause them to withdraw, while others may become confrontational and trigger a "fight" response instead of a "flight" response. Stumbling over words, trembling, and nervous tics are also commonly associated with anxiety. However, people who don't have anxiety may also exhibit these signs.

Is Anxiety on the rise?

Anxiety has taken the mantle as the most prevalent mental health issue worldwide, and its incidence continues to escalate, particularly among young people. Changes in economic conditions and cultural shifts, increasing uncertainties in nearly every aspect of contemporary life, are commonly cited as reasons for this surge. While uncertainty doesn't directly cause anxiety, it certainly fosters an environment where anxiety can thrive. Overprotective parenting practices and the advent of social media, with its novel opportunities for negative social comparison and exclusion, are identified as key contributors to the rising anxiety among younger demographics.

What are the signs of anxiety?

Anxiety manifests not only as incessant mental worries but also as physical discomfort ranging from restlessness and trembling to auditory disturbances and shortness of breath. However, these bodily symptoms can often be misinterpreted—sometimes as signs of a cardiac event or impending disaster, leading to a series of medical misdiagnoses. This misunderstanding can further prolong the search for the true root of the problem, leaving the anxiety unaddressed.

Therapy for anxiety

Anxiety can be managed successfully through a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other therapeutic approaches tailored to address an individual's unique anxieties, is often a highly effective. It helps to challenge distorted thought patterns causing distress. There are various types of therapy for anxiety that may help with symptoms management, and discussing this with your therapist is crucial.