What Does it Mean to Live with Anxiety? | Mid-Cities Direct Primary Care
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Unlike some may believe, mental health disorders are common and can affect anyone , regardless of their age. They can be caused by significant sources of stress, such as the loss of a loved one, being fired, and a sudden life change. However, they could also occur due to genetics, chemical imbalance, or a mix of all these reasons. Anxiety is one of these disorders. It is easy to disregard it as mere nervousness, but anxiety disorders are more complex than the usual anxiety one might feel before a test or making an important decision. This blog will explain what anxiety is and why people suffering from it should receive proper mental health care to manage it. You will also learn where to find an excellent Mid Cities family medicine practice.
What Is Anxiety?
The general perception of anxiety does not quite capture the reality of it. From a medical standpoint, anxiety has been categorized as a feeling of fear, dread, and uneasiness . Feeling an occasional and manageable amount of anxiety due to stress is normal. It can even be beneficial in certain circumstances, as it could give you a sudden burst of energy to help you focus on whatever task is causing you stress.
However, this feeling of dread is not temporary for people with anxiety disorders. It becomes a constant in your everyday life that does not go away, and it might even worsen over time. It interferes with activities, relationships, work, and social settings.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are various types of anxiety disorders. Three of the most common include:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
People with GAD show excessive worry and anxiety over routine and mundane matters, like personal health, work, or family affairs. It gets to a level where it can get in the way of the person's daily life and create significant problems for them. This feeling of overwhelming anxiety should manifest most days for at least six months to be considered a disorder.
Phobias
Phobias are an intense fear and aversion to a specific situation or object. This fear is out of proportion with the actual danger they may cause. People with phobias experience immediate and intense anxiety when they encounter the feared situation or thing and take active steps to try and avoid it.
Panic Disorder
People with panic disorder suffer from repeated and recurrent panic attacks . These happen unexpectedly or due to a trigger and bring intense fear even when there is no danger. During a panic attack, one might experience shortness of breath, a severe feeling of doom, trembling or shaking, an accelerated heart rate, among others. People with this disorder will actively try to avoid places or situations that trigger their attacks, causing problems in different areas of their lives.
Treatment of Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders
Because they have unique causes, there are several ways to treat anxiety disorders. Anyone suspecting they might have one should talk with their doctor to get a proper diagnosis and choose the best treatment for them. The two main treatments are :
Medication
Medications are focused on relieving the disorder's symptoms, though they cannot cure them. They should be prescribed by doctors like a primary care provider or a psychiatrist. Some of the most common medications include anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. As with most other medicines, there might be side effects, so it is important to work closely with your health care provider to get the best results.
Psychotherapy
Also known as "talk therapy," psychotherapy can help those with anxiety disorders, as it is tailored to their specific needs. An example of this form of treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Its goal is to teach people alternative ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to the stressors that cause their anxiety. First, it tries to identify the stressor. Then, it challenges and neutralizes any distorted thoughts that promote that anxiety.
Get Back Control Over Your Life | Mid Cities Direct Primary Care
Mental disorders can be a significant problem that prevents us from living our life to the fullest. Anxiety is a serious matter that needs proper mental health treatment. Our team at Mid Cities Direct Primary Care knows which symptoms to look for in children, teens, and adults alike to determine when mental illness may be having an effect. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality primary care in a compassionate environment. Contact us to schedule an appointment, or call (817) 904-4822 today.