Uncovering the Truth about Anxiety – How to Know if You have Anxiety & How to Treat It

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generalized anxiety disorder(GAD), panic disorder, phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. For them, it seems that anxiety disorder is just another name for craziness or madness.

What makes it much more difficult for them is most of the people around them do not understand them which makes them feel humiliated and embarrassed. This situation can lead many anxiety patients avoid going to public places and interacting or socializing with other people. Anxiety is very tiring, frustrating and debilitating mental disorder that can greatly affect the mental, emotional and physical being of its patients. In short, the whole being of the anxiety patients is at stake when anxiety is not prevented and treated.

There are several factors that cause anxiety. Studies show that genetics may play a role in the development of any anxiety disorder which means any member of the family is at risk when one member is suffering from an anxiety disorder. Another one is the brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that transmits signals between brain cells.

When there is an imbalance or abnormality in the levels of certain neurotransmitters, incorrect signals can be transmitted that results to the improper brain reaction of the person at inappropriate times. Having not enough rest, a very unhealthy diet and intake of the stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, nicotine and refined sugars can badly affect the neurotransmitters. This situation can lead to the development of anxiety disorder as well. Some medical conditions can also trigger anxiety development such as asthma, infections, heart conditions and anemia.

Anxiety also can be a side effect of a certain drug or a symptom of a certain illness as well. And the factor that has a very great contribution to anxiety is the life experiences of the patient. Stress at work, at school, at home and difficult relationships, depression over unpaid debts, sudden death of a loved one, loss of a job, poverty and trauma from a natural disaster or from violence and abuse are few of the external factors that result to anxiety disorder.

Many anxiety sufferers are not able to treat their disorders because of lack of knowledge about it and the treatments for any disorder. Many people do not know that they can actually start treating and preventing their anxiety at home. However, it would definitely require a change in lifestyle. Accepting the disorder is the first step in treating anxiety disorder. Talking to someone whom you trust like families and friends about life’s fears and struggles can lessen the burden it brought.

Nutritious and healthy food should be included on the patient’s diet. Foods or vitamins supplements that are rich in magnesium, calcium, vitamin C and B vitamins are also advised. Regular physical and mind exercise such as swimming, playing tennis, yoga or meditation can also help in relieving anxiety. Breathing exercises can give a calming effect as the patient would know how to breathe from the abdomen slowly and deeply. Also, avoiding stress can reduce anxiety as being stressed can trigger anxiety attack. Foods, drinks and habits such as caffeine, alcohol, smoking (nicotine), refined sugars and processed foods can produce negative feelings so better avoid or stop these.

Any anxiety disorder may take longer time to be treated however, with patience, determination and perseverance, expect a positive outcome of the treatment in a much short period of time.