ANXIETY DISORDERS
Even though anxiety creeps up on most people at some point in their lives and is short lived, a disorder can have a crippling effect on both cognitive and emotional responses. Although unpleasant, anxiety is not the same as fear, and it is not considered a normal reaction to outside stress.
Symptoms of Anxiety
- A sense of feeling powerless
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Trembling
- Feeling tired and fatigued
- Feeling apprehensive
- Sleeping problems
- Excessive sweating and dizziness
- Stomach cramps
- Headaches
- Irritability and nervousness
- Intense feelings of panic
Anxiety Root Causes
- Childhood anxiety
- Life-changing events
- Menopause
- Illness
- Daily stressors
- Various medications
Type of Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – Individuals experiencing OCD live with the constant thought of fear, which leads to repetitive, compulsive, and ritualistic behavior.
- Panic disorder – Individuals with panic disorder are struck by intense fear suddenly, immediately, and with little or no warning. During an attack, individuals experience heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, choking sensations, abdominal distress, and the sense that they are going crazy.
- Phobias– When a person encounters a known phobia, which can be social or specific, they experience ultimate fear. With social phobia, the person finds themselves in an overwhelming state embarrassment, humiliation, and scrutiny, which results in the avoidance of people, places, and situations. Even though the situation, object, and involvement pose very little risk, the reaction is always extreme.
- Generalized anxiety disorder – People who have generalized anxiety disorder experience worrisome thoughts and unrealistic tension. Almost always considering the worst possible outcome, the disorder can manifest into physical setbacks, including trembling, fatigue, headache, and muscle tension.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder- This condition, which occurs from a traumatic personal experience, such as rape, unexpected death, war, natural disaster, assault, or abuse, may all result in constant nightmares, depression, flashbacks, bouts of anger, and emotional numbness.
Anxiety Disorder Treatment - Diet and Lifestyle Changes
- Eliminate sugars, starchy foods, and carbs. Insulin imbalances cause abnormal amounts of hormone levels to be released.
- Don’t skip meals.
- Focus on regular, balanced sleep.
- Deep breathing, guided meditation, and yoga are all helpful ways of relaxing.
- If to much caffeine consumption is an issue, try switching to green tea – which contains powerful, natural antioxidants.
- Exercise is an excellent anxiety remedy