Anxiety is a natural human response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people to feel fearful and nervous. But if your feelings of anxiety are extreme, last for longer than six months, and are interfering with your life, you might have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety can be defined as an emotional state characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. It is important to understand that feeling anxious occasionally is part of everyday life. However, individuals who experience anxiety constantly or excessively may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
The American Psychological Association (APA) describes a person with anxiety disorder as “having recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns.” Once the anxiety reaches the stage of a disorder, it can interfere with daily function and cause emotional distress.
There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and various phobia-related disorders. Each type has its own set of symptoms but they all revolve around excessive worrying or fear.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is characterized by chronic worrying, nervousness, and tension. This disorder involves anticipating disaster, often worrying excessively about health, money, family or work. Sometimes though the source of the worry is hard to pinpoint.
Panic Disorder on the other hand involves repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense fear that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks). These episodes can occur at any time even during sleep. Symptoms include heart palpitations, sweating, trembling or shaking sensation among others.
Phobia-related disorders are those characterized by major fear or anxiety about specific objects or situations such as flying (aviophobia), heights (acrophobia), spiders (arachnophobia), etc., which often lead to avoidance behaviors.
It’s important to note that experiencing occasional anxiety is normal but when it’s persistent and uncontrollable, it can become debilitating. Anxiety disorders are generally treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly useful in treating anxiety disorders. CBT teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to anxiety-producing and fearful situations.
In conclusion, anxiety is a common part of life that can occasionally turn into a disorder causing significant distress and impairment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. With the right treatment, people with anxiety disorders can lead normal, fulfilling lives.