When you start understanding anxiety you will be able to assist your family members or anyone else you know who suffers with it. Everyone suffers from some level of anxiety and panic at one point or another in their lives and that is perfectly normal. The level of reaction to that initial feeling of panic is where we all differ.
Generally when we become stressed, a person knows quickly and effectively what they need to counter act whatever is causing the stress. However for those who suffer from anxiety they will find that they suffer from excessive amounts of feelings relating to fear, uncertainty or apprehension. In some cases, they may suffer an anxiety attack and yet they may not actually be under attack from anything or anyone. In many cases their anxiety will continue even once the threat has passed or been removed.
Anxiety is a wide reaching term that covers many levels of the illness and different triggers. Some people will find a specific item or situation will trigger a anxiety attack some people will find that they go into a downard spiral of anxiety where they withdraw further away from people and become more and more anxious as time goes on.
The most common type of anxiety is known as GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and affects around 5% of the US population. People who suffer from this particular disorder will be under a constant state of worry or anxiety, which takes a toll on their social life as well as their physical wellbeing.
Going to a medical professional is vital, but it can also be difficult for anxiety to be recognized as it may well be just one of many medical conditions that a person is suffering from. Getting treated for any physical medical conditions first is a good idea , as you may find that your anxiety improves as your physical health does. It certainly can’t become any worse.
Some of the symptoms that a anxiety sufferer will display can greatly affect not just them but everyone in their social circle as well as family members. Restless, edgy and irritable – These symptoms can lead to confrontations with family members. Sleeplessness – Days or weeks with little sleep will compound the physical problems that anxiety sufferers often experience.
Day to day life can be tough for all of us, but if you are suffering from anxiety then it becomes even more difficult to manage with the problems that are thrown at most of us every day. These small problems mount up and the negative affects compound until the anxiety sufferer can’t cope anymore and gives up his job and just stays home.
Luckily,as long as they seek medical attention you will find that not just GAD but other anxiety disorders such as Panic Attacks, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can actually be controlled. Your doctor will often prescribe a course of medication to take. By understanding anxiety and how it can affect you and your family, you will be in a better position to deal with it should it arise.
Anxiety like any mental health issue is more complicated than it seems, it can be affected by something as simple as a diet or lifestyle change. You must be totally honest with your Dr when you go to see him tell him what you eat and drink as well as whether you are on any other medication (prescribed or not).
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