Anxiety is a very common mental health issue. There seems to be an underlying notion that it’s not that serious. This attitude may be because mental health problems such as anxiety are hard to see. It’s hard to understand and sympathise with an illness is you can’t see any of the signs. Read on to learn more about anxiety.
What Is Anxiety
Anxiety disorders affect different people in varying levels of severity. Under the term anxiety, you can include many types of anxiety disorders such as social anxiety and panic disorders. Some sufferers will experience dizziness, panic attacks, sleep issues and more. Some may find their anxiety triggered by stresses of work life or a significant life event. Anxiety is more than feeling just a little nervous. If your anxiety is so severe that it’s affecting your life, then you may want to seek medical advice.
How Is Anxiety Treated
Depending on the seriousness of your anxiety, it can be treated in different ways. A common way to treat anxiety is through a course of medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often given to patients experiencing anxiety or depression. Those dealing with anxiety may find that they are prescribed a low dose of SSRIs to help with their general mood. Medication is not always the right route for everyone. Some people may turn down medication or need something else to support their treatment. Anxiety therapy takes on many different forms depending on your needs. You may find talking to a professional helps massively, or you may need to work on a more intensive program.
How Do You Know If You Have Anxiety
Anxiety can be tricky to diagnose because it’s a mental illness, but all doctors will be able to spot the signs. If you feel any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to speak to someone. These are signs such as panic attacks or overwhelming nervousness. It can be nerve-wracking to seek advice if you are suffering from anxiety, but the fast your ask for help, the quicker you can improve. If you are struggling, you may want to speak to a friend or family member and ask for their support.
What To Do If Someone You Know Has Anxiety
If a friend or family member has anxiety, remember that they are still a person. You don’t want to overwhelm or patronise them. If someone with anxiety needs your help, let them come to you. However, if you are concerned, take them aside and speak to them in private. If you ambush someone with anxiety, you may find that it triggers a panic attack or other symptom. One of the greatest things you can do for someone with anxiety is to be as supportive as possible. Those with anxiety may be scared to talk at first, so be patient with them. Once you get past that barrier, let the person know that you are available to talk.
If you are concerned that you have an anxiety disorder, speak to your regular doctor today. Don’t leave it to worsen, no matter how insignificant you think the problem is.