By: Ananya Anand

Anxiety: 

Anxiety is defined as a persistent feeling of worry or fear. It usually manifests physically as trembling hands, sweating, tense muscles, or a racing heart. This is something that many people go through in normal circumstances, like waiting for the results of a medical test, going on a first date, or trying out for a sports team. Anxiety can actually motivate someone to remain alert and prepared during those times. The problem is when that sensation continues. Anxiety disorders cause constant worry that can become so intense that it becomes too much to handle in day to day living.

Anxiety Disorders:

Phobias: Fears of things or circumstances that are typically not dangerous are known as phobias. For example,  people could feel anxious when crossing bridges, frightened of needles, avoid tight spaces, or uneasy around animals.

Panic disorder: When someone has panic attacks, sudden, intense outbursts of fear, they have panic disorder. These attacks can last for several minutes or more and often happen without warning, even in instances when there is no real threat.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): When daily worries about things like money, friendships, school, or health become persistent, it’s known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These thoughts occur almost daily, and are hard to control, and usually last for six months or longer.

Reasons for Anxiety: 

The causes of anxiety cannot be fully clarified by one idea. It can be triggered by a person’s environment, challenging life events, changes in bodily chemicals, inherited traits, or the way the brain functions.

Symptoms

Although the effects of anxiety disorders differ from person to person, they typically share a few similarities. A person can find it hard to control their uncontrollable worried thoughts or ongoing concern, which can make daily life difficult and leave them feeling restless. These thoughts don’t simply go away; they frequently become more persistent over time. Additionally, anxiety can appear in the form of shortness of breath, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, or even random aches and pains. Also, someone may begin to avoid routine activities that they once did without any issues.

Dealing with Anxiety:

Daily routine: Keeping a regular schedule for school, meals, and rest can make the day feel more balanced and reduce anxious thoughts.

Limit phone time: Stepping away from screens for a while gives your mind a break and lowers stress.

Journal: Writing down your worries or feelings can help you process them and feel less overwhelmed.

Calming techniques: Simple things like breathing exercises, stretching, or listening to quiet music can ease anxiety in the moment.

Therapy: Understanding and altering the emotions, ideas, and actions that lead to problems can be achieved with the support of therapy. The sessions should be focused on the individual’s specific worries in order for it to be effective. 

Types of Therapy:

Cognitive behavioral treatment is one of the most popular (CBT). This approach provides new viewpoints and responses. It can help people in reacting to uncomfortable situations in different ways. Exposure therapy is an important part of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which involves exposing a person to their fears gradually so they can stop fearing them.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an another strategy. type of therapy utilizes techniques like goal setting and mindfulness to reduce stress and help with the management of anxiety.