At some point in our lives, most of us will experience anxiety. It’s actually a natural reaction to many stressors such as starting a new job, taking final exams, becoming a new parent or the uncertainties surround our future or the economy.
Now for many people, the anxiety will subside once the stressor goes away. But for others, anxiety becomes persistent and even excessive, even without obvious stressors, interfering with daily life. In these cases, the person is diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, roughly 31% of adults in this country will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their life. In fact, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States.
Anxiety disorders include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobias
- Separation anxiety disorder
- Agoraphobia
- OR Adjustment Disorder with Symptoms of Anxiety (when the full criteria for an Anxiety disorder is not mean an yet individuals can seek help for the symptoms)
Anxiety can trigger symptoms such as:
- Excessive fear and worrying
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Panic
- Irritability
- Irrational fear of danger
- Racing thoughts
- Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
- Sleep issues
- Headache and stomachache
- Pounding heart
- Insomnia
- Trembling
- Muscle tension
How are Anxiety Orders Treated?
If you are suffering with an anxiety disorder, life may feel overwhelming most of the time. But know that there is help out there for you. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help you cope with the thoughts the physical symptoms and help to reduce your overwhelm. Your therapist can also refer you to a psychiatrist if you are considering medication as an additional option to help treat these conditions.
Of course, I have found there are additional alternative options, such as deep breathing, acupuncture, and other relaxation techniques, that have helped my clients find calm and peace- even when they don’t have all of the answers.
If you’d like to explore therapy options, please reach out to me. Life can get better.
SOURCES:
https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/types-of-anxiety
https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-cube/202204/4-types-anxiety
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