Anxiety
Written by: Femi Rotimi (Femi writes about his personal experience and understanding of Anxiety)
Femi is from Lagos, Nigeria and sent me this journal to share. In his own words, he wants this to encourage someone.
Anxiety
In the world today, anxiety is a significant issue. It has left several people in a state of disarray. Anxiety is the most common mental disorder which affects any age group, gender, and race. It is not subjected to any group of people. Anxiety is a general mental disorder.
Anxiety might not be life-threatening. However, it is always advisable to seek help, as there are answers and the support you would need in coping. I once remember how poor I was handling anxiety which is sometimes overlooked.
Understanding the effect of anxiety on you would help you have total control over it. In this article, we look at what anxiety is, its forms, and its effect.
What is Anxiety?
I remember once I had a financial debt, and I needed to meet up to the repayment date. I was too worried because this considerable sum could affect my credit and others. I received calls from every corner, which got me off balance, and I was unsure what to do.
This was a typical example of what anxiety could do. It could lead one into a state of worry. Anxiety, although it is a normal phenomenon. It is dangerous when it becomes a persistent thing. Anxiety is constant worries or fear over something. It is anxiety when it is ongoing or has become a day-to-day situation.
It is estimated that over 15 million adults worldwide suffer from anxiety, while the higher percentage are adult males. Many men suffer tension, which they do not share while it develops. On the other hand, women are very good at taking stock of their lives. Once they start having strange feelings or seeing signs, they are eager to seek help, which is why I believe women are very good at dealing with anxiety.
Anxiety needs to be controlled as it could be dangerous to our health.
Types Of Anxiety
Anxiety can come in different forms, and it is essential to identify what type of anxiety you might suffer. I remember when I was having a difficult time with the loan company. Sometimes I would not eat or wish to get to work, which was terrible.
Anxiety is a stress response, and our stress responses may differ. Some people may have difficulties sleeping and eating; others may feel anxious and have unexplained pains.
Anxiety is a normal phenomenon. However, it shouldn’t be persistence, as it might lead to PTSD. It is necessary to receive support through talking therapy or from family, friends, or a support group.
Then, what are the types of anxiety?
Panic Disorder:
Panic Disorder is a hugely common form of anxiety disorder. Some people respond to a situation by panicking and might be uncontrollable. An individual with a panic attack may show difficulties in breathing, confusion, dizziness, nausea and shaking.
It could be for hours and may get back to normal. However, if it is recurring multiple times a month, this could be called a panic disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
We all have this feeling of being misjudged by others. Social anxiety has to do with the fear experienced in a public space. These could be stage fright, the fear of being humiliated or intimidated and others.
I used to avoid any gatherings by friends, and it was because I often felt intimidated and sometimes miss judged. My experiences over time have made me avoid any form of gathering. However, I must work on it by going out more.
Social anxiety can affect our everyday life, and one must identify and maybe seek help in dealing with it.
Specific Phobias:
One might have a particular phobia and show anxiety. Specific phobia has to do with the fear of an object or situation.
I get scared of going too close to a large expanse of water like the pool, lakes, and others, and I often feel like I would drown. These phobias can have a lasting effect on us. We need help to function appropriately whenever these objects or situations are around.
Generalised Anxiety Disorder:
One of the most common anxiety disorders. You can wake up and have anxiety over nothing specific. You probably might not find an answer when trying to figure out why.
I could be thinking of my everyday life or nothing specifically. When this last for months or continues for a very long time, it could lead to anxiety disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD:
Several people are exposed to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Some may not be aware. PTSD is an anxiety disorder one exhibits after exposure to a traumatic situation.
This could result from disasters, abuse, accidents, war, or bullying. It might necessarily be the individual taking part in the event. PTSD is a difficult situation that one needs help and support to control.
While other types of anxiety disorder include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Selective Mutism, Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder, and Separation Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety Disorder takes a lot from an individual. When I was in debt from a loan company, I was stressed, affecting me negatively.
It negatively impacted my health. I was unable to eat, sleep and even do daily tasks. There were times I would feel like not going to work. It accumulated, and my mental well-being was deteriorating. I would not concentrate.
Treatment
However, it improved when I learnt to relax and control the situation. Managing anxiety includes Self-Treatment; I will suggest exercising, observing relaxing techniques like Yoga and involving oneself in a group or talking to family and friends.
One of the effective ways to control anxiety is going for Talking Therapy. The therapy process helps to reach out to the cognitive of the affected individual. Therapists carry out Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and other modalities.
Talking Therapy is an effective way to control anxiety order.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a normal phenomenon and how our body responds to stress. It is okay to have anxiety over an object or something because it makes you want to do better or respond positively another time. However, it becomes dangerous when it is persistent.
Anxiety, when it is persistent, should be attended to. It may lead to a mental health issue or even a more significant problem which may be life-threatening. There are several types of anxiety, as I have mentioned in this text.
Anxiety disorder is treatable. It is essential to identify your anxiety disorder and seek help if you have any or are experiencing any form of anxiety.