Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and nervousness. Feeling anxious is normal and we all feel it at one time or another during our lives. However anxiety poses a serious problem when it becomes chronic and interferes with day to day life. There are many different kinds of anxiety that can cause numerous physical and psychological problems.

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety can cause numerous physical symptoms including chest pains, dizziness, nausea, panic attacks, tingling sensations, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth. It can also cause psychological problems such as constant worry, insomnia, irritability and depersonalization.

What are the different kinds of anxiety?

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an uncontrollable and constant worry about everyday things that are disproportionate to the actual problems. It can be mild and simply cause mild anxiety, or it can chronic and interfere with daily functioning.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) causes sufferers to experience repetitive, intrusive and unwelcome thoughts that usually (but not always) cause the person to perform repetitive compulsions in an attempt neutralize the fear. Some sufferers may have obsessions but no physical outward compulsions, this is called ‘Pure O’.

Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurring severe panic attacks. It may also include significant behavioral changes lasting at least a month, and an ongoing worry about the implications or concern about having other attacks. The latter is called Anticipatory Attacks.

There are many other types of anxiety disorders such as: Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety Disorder, Agoraphobia and many others.

What kind of treatments are available?

Self-help: you may be able to learn relaxation techniques or find support groups in your local area.
Counseling: Sometimes talking through a problem with a counselor may help you figure out what is causing your feelings of anxiety.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) allows you to talk through your problems with your therapist and help figure out the causes behind your thinking. The aim of the therapy is to change the thinking behind the behavior by challenging the beliefs.
Medication: Anti-depressants are commonly used to help individuals relieve anxiety.
Benzodiazepines (tranquillizers) beta-blockers can also be used to help in severe cases. Please seek medical advice for further information.

How to get help?

The best way to normally get help is to see your doctor. They will be able to refer you for therapy or prescribe medication if they feel it is necessary.
You may also be able to find a counselor through university, school or work.
Helpful websites:
Dealing with anxiety can be both difficult and debilitating. If you are having any of these issues please contact you doctor for medical advice.