Anxiety
Do you frequently feel anxious for no reason at all? Does your anxiety escalate until you feel short of breath and your heart rate goes up? If so, you could have an anxiety disorder. The good news is it’s a treatable condition.
What you need to know about anxiety
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Fear of confined spaces, or agoraphobia
- Anxiety resulting from a medical condition
- Generalized anxiety about activities or events
- Panic disorder, or sudden, intense fear or terror
- Separation anxiety, or fear of being away from parents
- Social anxiety or hearing of social gatherings
- Substance-induced anxiety disorder
Signs and symptoms of an anxiety disorder
If you or someone you know exhibits these signs and symptoms, an anxiety disorder might be indicated:
- Frequent feelings of restlessness or nervousness
- Feeling impending danger or doom
- Frequent hyperventilation and increased heart rate
- Frequent sweating, trembling, or tiredness
- Difficulty thinking about anything but worry
- Difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep
- Frequent gastrointestinal problems
- Wanting to avoid anxiety-triggering events
- Not being able to control worry
How is anxiety diagnosed?
A mental health provider will perform a complete psychological evaluation of your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Your symptoms are then compared to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to achieve a diagnosis.
Professional treatment for anxiety
Anxiety therapy in Illinois is a combination of two treatment types, including:
Psychotherapy, which is working with a mental health provider to reduce your anxiety symptoms. Treatment is in the form of counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy to help you develop coping skills to deal with events that cause anxiety symptoms.
Medication, the goal of which is to reduce and relieve anxiety symptoms. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and, in some cases, sedatives are all types of medications used to treat anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the difference between normal anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
Normal anxiety comes and goes and is often tied to specific situations (like a job interview). An anxiety disorder involves excessive, ongoing worry or fear that interferes with daily life and doesn’t go away on its own.
Can anxiety go away without treatment?
For some people, anxiety symptoms may lessen over time. However, for many, untreated anxiety can worsen or lead to other mental health issues. Early treatment increases the chances of managing symptoms effectively.
Is anxiety caused by a chemical imbalance?
Anxiety can be influenced by a combination of factors, including brain chemistry, genetics, trauma, and environmental stressors. It’s rarely caused by just one thing.
How long does treatment for anxiety usually take?
The duration varies. Some people feel better after a few months of therapy, while others benefit from longer-term treatment. Medication effects also vary, often taking several weeks to show improvement.
Can anxiety affect physical health?
Yes, chronic anxiety can contribute to problems like high blood pressure, digestive issues, insomnia, and a weakened immune system.
What lifestyle changes help reduce anxiety?
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, mindfulness practices, and limiting caffeine or alcohol can all help manage anxiety symptoms.
How do I support someone with anxiety?
Listen without judgment, encourage professional help, be patient, and avoid minimizing their feelings. Education and empathy are key to being a strong support system.
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