Everyone must have felt anxious, and this is normal, especially if you are plagued by problems. But be careful if anxiety arises excessively or frequently. It could be that it is a sign of anxiety disorders.
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or anxiety. Usually people will experience it when dealing with certain situations, for example before a job interview, before an exam, when having to make important decisions, or when waiting for the results of a doctor's examination.
Anxiety is the body's natural reaction to stress, which is actually useful for making us more careful and alert. However, anxiety can become unhealthy if it appears excessive, difficult to control, or to interfere with daily activities. This condition is called anxiety disorder.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a serious mental disorder. This condition can be caused by problems with brain function that regulate fear and emotions.
There are several factors that can make a person more at risk of developing anxiety disorders, namely:
- Negative experiences that cause stress or psychological trauma.
- Heredity
- Personality Disorders.
- Side effects of certain drugs or substances, including caffeine and drugs.
- Certain diseases, such as heart rhythm disorders and thyroid disease.
Recognize the Symptoms and How to Overcome It
There are several types of anxiety disorders, namely panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and general or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Symptoms and treatment of anxiety disorders also vary, depending on the type.
1. Panic disorder
People with panic disorder will experience panic attacks suddenly and repeatedly, for no apparent reason. The frequency and severity also varies. The following are some of the symptoms that can occur when panic disorders occur:
- Sweating
- Palpitations (palpitations)
- Feel like choking or tightness in the chest
- Chest pain
- Feel like having a heart attack
- Fright
- Shaky
- Feel like helpless
Someone with this condition feels like they will be attacked anytime and anywhere. Panic disorder usually lasts less than 10 minutes, but some can last up to an hour or more.
If you experience symptoms of palpitations or chest pain when a panic attack occurs, you are advised to sit and close your eyes. Then inhale deeply through the nose, and exhale through the mouth. Repeat several times until you feel calmer.
If this method does not work, immediately see a doctor or psychologist. Treatment given by doctors to deal with panic disorders can be in the form of anxiety medication and psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.
2. Social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder or social phobia is an extreme anxiety or fear of social situations or interactions with other people, both before, after, and while in the situation.
People with social anxiety disorder will feel afraid to say or do something in front of other people or in public places, because they think it will embarrass them.
Some symptoms of social anxiety disorder are:
- Fear or be reluctant to interact and greet others, especially strangers.
- Have a low level of confidence.
- Avoid eye contact with others.
- Fear of being criticized or judged by others.
- Embarrassed or afraid to travel outside the house or be in a public place.
Social anxiety disorder is different from ordinary feelings of shame. Shy people generally can still do social interaction or communicate and carry out daily activities, although they may feel embarrassed if they have to greet or be invited to meet others.
If shyness or fear of interacting with others is felt to be so extreme that it causes difficulties in carrying out daily activities and socializing, then this condition needs to get medical help from a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Treatment of social anxiety disorder can be in the form of consumption of anxiety medications and antidepressants, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy as part of psychotherapy.
3. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
This type of anxiety disorder makes sufferers feel excessive anxiety that persists for a long time, usually up to more than 6 months. GAD sufferers will be very worried about many things, such as finance, health, or work.
Someone who suffers from generalized anxiety disorder usually cannot focus on something, has difficulty concentrating, and cannot feel relaxed. In some cases, anxiety can be so severe that it can cause depression.
The following are some of the symptoms that can be felt by people with generalized anxiety disorder:
- Trembling and cold sweat
- Tense muscles
- Dizziness and headache
- Easy to get angry
- Insomnia
- Chest pounding
- Often feel tired
- Hard to breathe
- Feel often want to urinate
- No appetite
Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder can be taken in two ways, namely through psychotherapy and the administration of psychotropic drugs or sedatives.
If left without proper treatment, anxiety disorders can adversely affect the quality of life of sufferers. Therefore, if you experience excessive anxiety that disrupts daily activities, you should immediately consult a doctor.
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