Anxiety is an unavoidable part of life. We can’t help but be nervous for some big life events, like job interviews, public speaking, and asking someone out. However, for some people, they experience that kind of anxiety much more regularly, sometimes even daily. They may have panic attacks or freak themselves out with their depressive, uncontrollable thoughts. These people may have an anxiety disorder.
What Is Anxiety Disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a catch-all term that refers to a variety of disorders we’ll explain below. Generally, the symptoms include intrusive worrying about daily life events, exhaustion, inability to sleep, muscle tightness, moodiness, concentration problems, and a sense of restlessness.
What Are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?
There are a few types of anxiety disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder, which includes the symptoms mentioned above, is a common type. Those with social anxiety disorder stress obsessively about how others perceive them and may try to limit their time out in public. Those with panic disorders may have panic attacks, where they feel like they can’t breathe, they sweat, and their heart pounds.
When Should You Visit an Anxiety Clinic?
The symptoms of any anxiety disorder can be disruptive and negatively impact quality of life. If you feel like your anxiety has taken over your life, you should consider reaching out to an anxiety clinic for help.
How Can Anxiety Management and Therapy Help?
When you get there, you’ll start an anxiety management regimen. This may include stress reduction and even medication in some cases. Beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants can help those with severe anxiety.
Anxiety therapy, sometimes combined with the above treatments and sometimes used alone, is also beneficial. Exposure therapy (which deals with individual anxious fears), cognitive behavioral therapy (which instills tools and coping skills), and psychotherapy are often used to work through anxiety. Support groups and self-help groups may also be recommended.
