Anxiety has become a common disorder, with almost 300 million people worldwide being affected by it. The most common symptom of anxiety is continuously feeling uneasy or worried. This disorder can be quite irritating to deal with, but it does have many treatments.
You can find yourself feeling anxious if you’ve had a stressful day at work or even if you are thinking about your future. There is no one specific thing that causes anxiety.
But are you dealing with an actual disorder, or are you just facing everyday anxiety? You may find yourself asking this question if you’re feeling anxious. This article will talk about anxiety, how to deal with it, and when to see a doctor.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, fear, or even uncertainty. It is a feeling that everyone has experienced at least once in their life. It can cause you to feel restless or even out of breath. Some people may even find their hands and feet getting sweaty when they get anxious.
But what exactly causes anxiety?
Several things can be generated, such as work-related stress, family issues, financial problems, etc. Most people can get pressure from either a stressful situation or even smaller worrying events in their lives.
A sudden buildup of stress can leave you feeling anxious about what’s to come. But how can you manage anxiety disorders?
Causes of Anxiety
Although there isn’t one specific thing that can trigger anxiety in a person, it is mostly because of an overload of stress. Here are some things that can cause anxiety disorder:
- Childhood trauma
- Financial problems
- Work stress
- Relationship issues
- Being stuck in stressful situations
- Personality type
Long-Term Effects of Anxiety
Studies show that continually stressing out can impact longevity. Living a life full of anxiety may also leave you with health problems. People with anxiety and depression are more likely to abuse drugs to get some relief from the disorder.
Stress can cause health problems such as strokes and heart attacks. People with stressful lifestyles may also find their hair graying faster, resulting from stress activating the sympathetic nervous system.
Anxiety disorders can also cause sleep-related problems. In some severe cases, anxiety may weaken your immune system as well.
If you feel like your anxiety is getting worse, you should not be afraid to seek help. Therapy can be a long-term treatment for anxiety. Do your research and find the therapist that is right for you.
How to Manage Anxiety Disorders
Luckily there are many ways to control anxiety. Here are some short-term ways to deal with stress:
Aromatherapy
Scents such as lavender can help ease your anxiety. Adding a few drops of lavender essential oil into your bath can be relaxing and help reduce your anxious nerves.
If you feel anxious at work, massaging your temples with some lavender essential oil can help calm you down.
Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises are a great way to get quick anxiety relief. Shortness of breath is a symptom of anxiety that some people may have. It is good to practice deep breathing when you are feeling anxious.
Breathing exercises can trick your body into thinking that you are calm. If you find yourself in a stress-inducing situation, take a moment to breathe and recollect your thoughts.
One good breathing exercise that you can try is breathing through your nose and out through your mouth.
Meditation
Meditation is a healthy habit that you should incorporate into your routine. It is one of the great ways to control anxiety, and it also helps you feel relaxed. If you feel anxious, you can take a few minutes to meditate and empty your mind.
Yoga is also an excellent way to deal with anxiety. It can help calm down your anxious nerves and also distract you from your thoughts for a while. Mindfulness-based meditation can help with anxiety disorders.
CBD Products
CBD products may help ease your anxiety. CBD is the relaxing compound found in cannabis, and it may relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety.
However, if you feel like your anxiety is affecting your way of life and causing you distress, you should consider seeking professional help.
A doctor may prescribe you anxiety medication to help with your disorder. Therapy is also an excellent tool for those that suffer from anxiety.
Is it Just Nerves, or is it Anxiety?
You might find yourself feeling anxious right before a big presentation or before a meeting. When facing such situations, you might wonder if this is just a case of nerves or something more serious. How exactly do you find out if you have an anxiety disorder?
If your anxiety is affecting your quality of life, then it might be a disorder. Feeling unproductive, finding it difficult to concentrate on work, and continually worrying are all symptoms of anxiety disorder. If left untreated, it can cause distress in your daily life.
It is never right to self-medicate, so make sure to see a doctor before taking any medication. Luckily anxiety is highly treatable, and there are both short and long-term treatments available.
If you only feel anxious before an important event, it might just be a case of nerves. Here are some ways you can ease tense nerves:
- Drink some calming tea (chamomile tea is excellent for stress)
- Take a warm bath
- Write down your thoughts
- Practice breathing
- Listen to calming music
- Eat dark chocolate
Final Words
Whether you are suffering from an anxiety disorder or are just feeling anxious, there are many ways to control it. Practicing mindfulness and meditation are also great for dealing with anxiety.
Anxiety is a completely normal emotion; however, you should seek professional help if it is interfering with your everyday life. Everyday anxiety is just your body’s way of dealing with stress and can quickly be taken care of.
We hope this article answered your questions about anxiety and how to deal with it.
