ANXIETY DISORDERS

We live in a busy world so it’s expected that we get anxious now and then. Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress.
It’s a feeling of fear or worry that could be caused by a combination of factors that researchers believe range from genetics,
environmental factors or brain chemistry.
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Humans are bound to worry about health, money, or family problems.
Temporary anxiety makes you aware of danger, motivates you to stay organized and prepared, and helps you calculate risks. However,
when anxiety becomes a daily recurrence, it becomes a cause of medical concern often termed ANXIETY DISORDERS.

Anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. They do not go away quickly and can worsen if medical help is not sought.
They affect a person’s physical, emotional and mental state thus making it difficult to perform well at work, school, and even relationships.

There are various types of anxiety disorders. Some of these are;

1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic, persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about activities or events,
even when there is little or nothing to provoke it. The worry is usually out of proportion to the actual circumstance.
It is difficult to control and affects how you feel physically. It is a common symptom in depressed patients.

2. Obssessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by repeated unwanted thoughts (obsessions) or the urge to do something
over and over again (compulsions). OCD often centres on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner.

3. Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms
that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event in which grave physical
harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents,
or military combat.

Causes of Anxiety disorders

• Stress buildup
• Trauma
• Alcohol and drug use
• Side effects of medications
• Stress following an illness
• Inherited genetic trait
• Some mental health disorders
• Heart diseases, diabetes etc

Symptoms of Anxiety disorders

• Increased heart rate
• Breathing more frequently than usual
• Restlessness
• Concentration difficulties
• Profuse sweating
• Fatigue
• Trouble sleeping

Treatment of Anxiety disorders

Professional diagnosis is very key to treating Anxiety disorders. Anxiety can be treated in a variety of ways which is often dependent on diagnosis.

Some lifestyle adjustments to habits like exercise, sleep, and diet would go a long way to helping you feel better.

Natural remedies such as a walk in nature, sitting at the beach, aromatherapy and meditation have also proven to go a long well to help you de-stress.

Prevention of Anxiety disorders

• Routine checkup
• Stay Active
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Avoid smoking
• Eat healthy
• Limit caffeine intake
• Practice a healthy sleep routine
• Try journaling, and writing down your thoughts to clear your head.

Remember these tips may help ease anxiety, but they don’t replace professional help.

Talk to us at Crestcare about your concerns, we are here to help you feel safe and healthy.