Some Facts About Anxiety That You May Be Unaware Of

Anxiety has become a common occurrence that one faces at least once in one lifetime. But it may become a constant disruption in one’s life and then it is termed as an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders can be categorized into social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and even pregnancy anxiety. Anxiety disorders can begin after one experiences a traumatic event. This can be treated with anxiety counselling. Let’s discuss some unknown facts about anxiety.

1. Anxiety disorder often begins in childhood

Anxiety disorder often begins in childhood and the symptoms often start to show up when a child reaches the age of 6 years. As a child may not be able to understand or speak out what is going in his mind but they have already got into the trap of it. The children who have anxiety issues may complain of stomach aches or headaches, sometimes throw tantrums, restlessness, inattention, avoidance, and frequent meltdowns.

2. Excessive anxiety in children is not normal.

Anxiety in children is not normal and may lead to serious consequences so adults should not dismiss children’s complaints. An anxious child may be too shy, too timid, or an attention-seeker. But it can take a huge form and can cripple children, have frequent stomach aches, headaches, defiance or restlessness if not diagnosed and treated on time. If your child shows symptoms of getting constantly worried then it is a must to see a doctor.

3. Anxiety can be hereditary

The cause of anxiety disorders is not the same in all cases but in many cases, it can be hereditary that means the problem exists in the genes. If a family has members who have suffered anxiety disorders then there may be a lot of possibility that you or other family members may be at higher risk for having anxiety disorder due to genetic link.

4. Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand.

Many people who experience anxiety disorders also experience depression as they might go hand in hand. In some cases, anxiety itself becomes a trigger for depression. Depression may take place due to a specific event, or trauma. It can be a lifelong condition as well. Though it is not mandatory that everyone who has an anxiety disorder also has depression, it can be better answered by your health provider. Both the conditions are treated in a similar manner with medications or cognitive behavioural therapy. Self-care is also important as it can be an effective way to treat both anxiety and depression. If your anxiety is treated properly it is more likely to improve your depression and the same is applicable to depression. In both the cases online mental counselling can prove to be very effective.

5. Women are more prone to develop an anxiety disorder than men

Women are more prone to develop an anxiety disorder than men; it is due to the fact that women are more sensitive than men due to a hormone that affects the stress response. Most women are homemakers in India and it is another factor that can trigger the disorder in women. Being confined to the same place also makes them develop the symptoms of the disorder. The female brain also takes a longer time to process the ‘feel-good’ chemical that is released by the brain.

6. Pregnancy anxiety can occur before or after childbirth

Many pregnant women feel anxious about their unborn baby. But if this anxiety crosses the excessive limit then it may meddle with your ability to care for yourself and that can affect the child as well. Pregnancy anxiety is very common as postpartum depression among women. The symptoms of pregnancy anxiety include extreme mood swings or feeling too low. You can seek professional medical care if these conditions persist.

7. Anxiety disorders increase health problems

Anxiety disorders increase the risk of heart ailments, diabetes, alcoholism, substance abuse, respiratory diseases, or gastrointestinal conditions. Exposure to stress increases cortisol levels, which is a kind of hormone that regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body that affects the functions of the heart and lungs and also leads to decreased immunity.

In addition to it, many people experience low concentration, restlessness and irritability. Weakness, shortness of breath, feeling of nausea, hot flashes, and dizziness can go for medical attention or seek immediate help.

8. Cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety can be very effective

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can prove to be very effective in treating anxiety. It works wonders in changing your thought pattern in different ways. Cognitive behavioural therapy informs you of different ways and exercises that guide you in responding to a situation in a healthy manner. It also helps you to change your behaviours associated with the anxiety response.

9. Stressful events can trigger an anxiety disorder

Stressful events can cause as well as triggers anxiety that becomes a disorder if not treated for a long time. If anybody has been a victim of violence, has experienced abuse, the death of a near or dear one, chronic illness or inferiority complex can cause an anxiety disorder in everyone. The symptoms may include panic attacks, nervousness, or stomach ache that seek professional care.

10. Exercise and meditation may relieve anxiety

Regular exercise and meditation can relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Workout has the power to improve mood. It can include a simple exercise like a walk to aerobics. It can have a strong impact on mental illness. Apart from that, meditation can also prove to be very effective as it soothes your senses, makes you calm and relaxes your mind. Meditation can help you a lot in the long run to treat anxiety disorders.