Anxiety - Vibrant Life

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal emotion that causes feelings of unease, worry, and fear. It is the body's natural response to stress or perceived threats. Mild anxiety can be motivating and help us prepare for challenges. However, for some people, anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, and disruptive to daily life. This may indicate an anxiety disorder.

There are several different types of anxiety disorders:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves chronic, exaggerated worrying about everyday issues. People with GAD often expect disaster and feel tense or unable to relax.
• Social anxiety disorder causes intense fear of social situations and interactions. Someone with this disorder may avoid groups or gatherings and feel self-conscious around others.
• Panic disorder leads to sudden, repeated panic attacks for no clear reason. These involve shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dizziness, and feelings of loss of control.
• Phobias are intense fears of specific objects or situations such as heights or animals. Someone with a phobia will try to avoid what causes the anxiety reaction.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes upsetting, uncontrollable thoughts or behaviors that seem impossible to stop. Examples are repetitive washing of hands or repeatedly checking if a door is locked.

Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions. While the exact causes are unclear, these disorders likely result from a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and social factors. Stressful or traumatic life events may trigger or worsen anxiety in some people.

The good news? Anxiety disorders are treatable through counseling, medication, or self-help strategies. A combination approach often works best. Treatment focuses on developing skills to challenge worrying thoughts, manage anxiety symptoms, and make lifestyle changes to reduce stress.

With proper support from Vibrant Life, many people with anxiety disorders can function well, enjoy life again, and prevent symptoms from returning. Reach out to a doctor or mental health professional if anxiety seems unrelenting. Getting help early leads to the best chance of success.

In summary, anxiety is a common reaction to challenges in life. But when ongoing, hard-to-control anxiety interferes with normal functioning, you may have or develop an anxiety disorder. Seeking treatment and learning coping strategies can help people overcome anxiety and regain confidence and calm.