Post by ffyn on Nov 6, 2024 17:16:33 GMT -5
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is when your anxiety gets out of control and starts to affect your life.
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem (…). Around 1 in 3 of us will have an anxiety disorder at some point in our lives.
Having an anxiety disorder can be distressing and make it difficult for you to live your life the way you want. However, there are effective treatments available and effective ways to prevent anxiety.
About anxiety
It's normal and healthy to feel anxious sometimes. Anxiety actually helps us. It makes us alert and helps us do things well. For example, if we are a bit anxious before playing sport or doing an exam, it can make us perform better. If we are in danger, feeling anxious can help us escape from the situation. However, if we become too anxious, it can stop us thinking clearly.
When anxiety becomes so overwhelming that it affects your day-to-day life, it becomes a disorder.
Healthy anxiety v Problem anxiety
Lasts only a short time v Lasts for months or years
Happens in a stressful situation v Not always linked to a stressful situation
Feel anxious occasionally v Feel anxious often
Doesn't affect daily life v Stops you doing things
Worried about things that could cause problems v Worried about things that aren't likely to cause problems
Signs and symptoms of anxiety disorders
People with an anxiety disorder have very strong feelings of worry, unease or fear. They are more anxious than most people would be in the same situation.
They may go out of their way to avoid things, people, events or places that make them anxious. They can also:
• feel panicked
• have trouble breathing
• have a racing heart or chest pain
• feel dizzy, shaky or sick
• blush or sweat
• find it difficult to think clearly and concentrate.
People with anxiety often also have symptoms of depression. If you notice some of these symptoms, and you're concerned you might have an anxiety disorder, you should seek help.
It's a terrible feeling. You feel really frightened but you don't know why. But it's comforting just to know that what you're feeling has a name – anxiety.
Brian
Brian
Types of anxiety disorders
There are several different anxiety disorders. They differ in terms of what you worry about, how you feel, and how you react. Some people are worried about all sorts of everyday events – to do with work, finances, health and family for example. Others get anxious around other people. Some have repeated panic attacks, and some are fearful of a certain thing, situation or place – for example dogs or heights. People often have more than one anxiety disorder.
Source: Except from - The Royal College of Australian and NZ Psychiatrists, Your Health in Mind. www.yourhealthinmind.org/mental-illnesses-disorders/anxiety-disorders/self-help-and-helping-someone-with-anxiety