There are many people in the world today who suffer from Anxiety/Panic Disorders but the meanings, types and early signs can be confusing for some. Below I have explained what anxiety is, the different types and the signs that may occur which will let you know that you may be suffering from an Anxiety Disorder.
The components of an anxiety disorder consist of Depression, Anxiety, Panic and Trauma. Anxiety is a normal human activity that one may have when faced with small problems at home, at work or before taking a test. This is usually a nervous type of feeling that one can and will overcome.
Anxiety disorders are different in the sense that it effects a person tremendously to the point where they are unable to lead an everyday normal life. An anxiety disorder is classified as a serious mental illness and the worry and fear that is developed from this can be very overwhelming in one's life.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This is a very common disorder and consist of excessive worry or tension even if there is nothing to worry about.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): This type of disorder you will notice in a person who performs rituals on a constant basis. These people suffer from constant thoughts and fears which lead to the rituals. The thoughts are called obsessions and the rituals that are developed are called compulsions.
Panic Disorder: These people have feelings of terror that occur suddenly and unknowingly. One will usually feel sweaty, feel like they can't breathe or like they are going crazy.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This usually occurs after a traumatic event has occurred in ones life. Individuals with this illness have either been abused physically or there has been a natural disaster or sudden death of a loved one. This usually causes the person to shut down emotionally as they are always tortured with thoughts of the past.
Social Anxiety Disorder: People with this disorder will have a fear of any social situations as they are afraid they will be judged by others or cause themselves embarrassment.
Specific Phobias: This is usually a specific fear of something like insects, flying, cars, etc. This may cause the individual to try to avoid common everyday situations.
Symptoms:
- An inability to be still and calm
- Cold or Sweaty Hands and/or Feet
- Dry Mouth
- Dizziness
- Feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness
- Muscle Tension
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Numbness and tingling in the hands or feet
- Problems Sleeping
- Palpitations
- Repeated thoughts or flashbacks or traumatic experiences
- Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated cleaning
- Shortness of Breath
- Uncontrollable Obsessive Thoughts
Ways to Control or Lessen Anxiety Symptoms:
-Research all or any over the counter medicines or herbal remedies that you may consume as there may be chemicals in these items that can increase anxiety symptoms.
-Seek counseling after a traumatic experience.
-Stop or reduce the consumption of items that may contain caffeine like coffee, tea, soda and chocolate.
If you feel that you may suffer from any of the above symptoms make sure to conduct research and seek out help when necessary. For mild cases find out what triggers your anxiety and take it from there. For those with a more severe case of anxiety speak to your doctor about the necessary steps you should take.
Always remember that many of the medicines offered for anxiety disorders may be just a temporary fix so if it's possible you will want to try some of your own methods first. There are many books and huge amonts of information online that will assist you with this.
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