Anxiety Disorders: A Closer Look at a Common Mental Health Challenge

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions in the world, affecting 301 million people in 2019. These disorders involve feelings of fear and worry that are much more intense and lasting than what people normally experience. Anxiety can make everyday tasks like going to school, working, or socializing difficult. Although there are effective treatments, only about 1 in 4 people with anxiety disorders receive help.

What is an Anxiety Disorder?

Everyone feels anxious sometimes, like before a test or when meeting new people. But for those with anxiety disorders, these feelings are much stronger and happen more often. The worry can be so overwhelming that it interferes with daily life and can last for a long time if not treated.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

There are different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own specific symptoms:

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This involves constant worry about everyday things like school, work, or health.

2. Panic Disorder: People with this disorder have sudden panic attacks, which are intense bursts of fear with symptoms like a racing heart and shortness of breath.

3. Social Anxiety Disorder: This is an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, like speaking in front of a class.

4. Phobias: These are strong, irrational fears of specific things or situations, like spiders or heights.

5. Separation Anxiety Disorder: This involves extreme fear of being away from someone you’re close to, like a parent.

Symptoms of Anxiety

People with anxiety disorders might:

• Have trouble concentrating or making decisions

• Feeling restless, irritable, or tense

• Nausea or stomachaches

• Heart palpitations (heart racing ) or trouble breathing

• Difficulty falling asleep or maintaining the sleep or decreased quality of sleep

• Feeling a constant sense of danger or panic

• Muscular tension , sweating and/or dizziness

  
  

Anxiety disorders can also increase the risk of depression and substance abuse.

Why Do Anxiety Disorders Happen?

Anxiety disorders can be caused by a mix of different factors, including genetics, past experiences, and physical health. People who have gone through trauma, loss, or major stress are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. Physical health issues like heart diseases can also make anxiety worse.

How Can Anxiety Disorders Be Treated?

There are effective treatments for anxiety disorders, including:

• Therapy: This helps people change how they think about and cope with their anxiety. Certain approaches like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) , Behavioural Therapy (BT) , Mindfulness etc. are effective in dealing with anxiety .

• Medication: Some people take antidepressants to help manage their anxiety symptoms. However, certain medications like benzodiazepines are generally not recommended due to the risk of dependence.

• Self-Care: Simple habits like regular exercise, healthy eating, good sleep, and mindfulness meditation can make a big difference in managing anxiety.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to seek help. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and with the right support, people can lead happy, fulfilling lives.

Source:

Anxiety Disorders by WHO dated 27 September 2023 (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders#:~:text=generalized%20anxiety%20disorder%20(persistent%20and,humiliated%2C%20embarrassed%20or%20rejected)%3B)