Tackling Anxiety and Digging its Roots

Every day, people face many fears but the constant fear of things going wrong daily can result in a disorder. It can result in a daily basis of panic attacks and a tense mood. Anxiety is the most common mental health problem in the world. It’s normal to have some anxiety. You may feel anxious or nervous if you have to tackle a problem at work, go to an interview, take a test, or make an important decision. Anxiety can be beneficial as well. For example, anxiety helps us notice dangerous situations and focuses our attention, so we stay safe.

But an anxiety disorder goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. An anxiety disorder happens when anxiety interferes with your ability to function. Anxiety disorders can make it difficult to get through the day. Fortunately, anxiety disorders can be professionally treated. There are several effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

What can be the root causes of anxiety? Many reasons can be pointed out. One reason could be genetics, anxiety disorders run in families sometimes. Faulty brain chemistry, stressful and traumatic moments of life like childhood abuse and neglect or death of a loved one, and substance abuse can contribute to anxiety as well. Apart from this, a few physiological conditions related to heart, lungs, and thyroid conditions are shown to cause symptoms similar to anxiety disorders or make anxiety symptoms worse.

There are a wide range of anxiety disorders. They are broadly categorized into four disorders- Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Phobia, and Separation Anxiety. Anxiety can manifest itself in a multitude of ways ranging from physical symptoms to behavioral and mental symptoms. Often, symptoms vary from person to person. If you ever feel like anxiety is interfering with your daily tasks, you can always seek help.

The most common treatments for overcoming anxiety disorders are psychotherapy and medicines. As such, no medicine can heal the root problem but it can reduce the symptoms. Also, medicines tend to make a person very lethargic. Moreover, medicines should only be taken on a licensed physician’s consultation.

A few remedies can help lower your anxiety. While caffeine use might improve alertness, attentiveness, and cognitive performance, it can also raise anxiety, especially in persons with panic disorder or social anxiety disorder. A few too many cups of coffee can make you feel anxious and agitated and keep you up at night, just like the symptoms of anxiety. Hence avoiding caffeine, tea and high sugars can help reduce anxiety. Also, maintaining a routine such as regular exercise, meditation, and a proper sleep schedule can help with anxiety. Indulging in hobbies like reading or listening to music can also break the cycle of negative thoughts. Counting slowly and taking deep breaths can also help in relaxing. These remedies can help lower the symptoms of anxiety but if the symptoms are beyond your control, it’s best to seek professional help.

There are many hindrances in life but this mental illness can become one. So, we have to put the effort into fighting it.

~ Vatsal Saklani