Have you ever asked yourself if you are aware of your mental health condition? Do you think you are emotionally and mentally stable just because you find yourself happy and always interacting socially? For sure, you are uncertain as to what your psychological health is dealing with right now. With all the stressors in your life that you can’t seem to bear, anxiety and depression are all you can blame. But are those entirely the reason for your despair?
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Honestly, mental health issues are not all the same. There are instances that you think you are okay, but you are not. That despite convincing yourself that you are emotionally and mentally strong, there is something inside that screams out for help. Understandably, your feelings are valid. Mental health battles are not easy, and sometimes, you just got to lie to yourself for you to be able to find the right focus in keeping your overall well-being in place.
In case you find it hard to understand what you are going through, allow these answered frequently asked questions to guide you.
What are the symptoms of severe anxiety?
Warning signs of anxiety vary from one person to another. However, despite the different levels, the general symptoms still include feelings of nervousness and restlessness. There is also an increased heart rate, feeling weak or tired, sweating, trembling, breathing rapidly, and having a sense of impending danger. There is often panic and troubled concentration due to overthinking about anything other than the current unnecessary worry.
But be mindful that these anxiety symptoms are not exclusive to anxiety only. Some of these warning signs can be associated with other mental health conditions. Thus, you need to take note of the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety. If you are still confused, seek professional help right away.
Can anxiety cause physical symptoms?
Yes. Even if anxiety is a mental health issue, it can still cause some physical symptoms, including stomachaches, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, tingling in the hands and feet, jitteriness, chest pressure, choking sensation, and the list goes on. It is vital to note all of the warning signs and not ignore the physical symptoms to seek medical assistance immediately.
Can anxiety affect your mind?
Yes, of course. Anxiety is a mental condition that targets the brain. Therefore, its main damages start with it. Long-term cases of anxiety and panic attacks cause the brain to release an abundant amount of stress hormones regularly. This particular process increases the frequency of negative symptoms, such as dizziness and headaches. Symptoms also include fatigue, fear, dreadfulness, nausea, trembling, and poor concentration.
If ever you are anxious, do not feel afraid. Fortunately, there are mild anxiety levels that you can easily get rid of by taking extra care of yourself. Some of the coping methods you can use are deep breathing exercises and meditation. But of course, these are not permanent solutions. You still need a piece of professional advice if your anxiety becomes too much to handle.
Is anxiety or depression a disability?
Yes. Severe depression and anxiety disorders are considered psychiatric disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA. That is because some of the symptoms of these mental health conditions are severely debilitating. In some unfortunate cases, some psychological distress is linked to an increased risk of self-harm and death, even at relatively low levels. Depression and anxiety can make an individual avoid school, work, family get-togethers, and other social situations that somehow trigger or worsen mental health symptoms.
How long can the physical symptoms of anxiety last?
Anxiety often relates to a specific situation that an individual had to deal with. Usually, it tends to build up and continue for quite some time. With anxiety, a person gets preoccupied with bodily functions such as rapid breathing, fast heartbeat, headaches, stomach aches, minor physical abnormalities in the skin, etc. Usually, these symptoms peak after 10 minutes and usually lessen after 30 minutes to an hour. However, some individuals suffer from effects quite longer.
How can you reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety?
To reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, you need to start considering self-care as your top priority. You have to be physically active and move your body if you can. You do not need to undergo extreme exercises, for that matter. Simple house chores, a minute walk outside the park, and a couple of lifting will do. Also, avoid sleeping late and get enough sleep all night. It helps the mind and body regenerate much-needed strength. Try relaxation techniques too. Practice deep breathing and mindfulness meditation.
What having anxiety feels like?
Anxiety disorder can cause a lot of different feelings. Various symptoms characterize it, and the most common one is excessive and intrusive worrying. This particular worry disrupts an individual’s daily functioning as he engages in negative feelings of restlessness, agitation, fatigue, irritability, tense muscles, difficulty concentrating, and trouble sleeping.
However, as common as these symptoms may sound, some people deal with anxiety differently. You need to pay attention to your triggers to avoid making assumptions about your mental health condition.
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How do I overcome anxiety attacks?
There are many ways to overcome anxiety attacks. However, it is important to realize that not because some methods work perfect for others, it does not mean it guarantees the same result for you. But still, you can try some of it, including deep breathing, meditation, hydration, and well-enough sleep. It would be best if you recognized your anxiety attack symptoms so you can shift your focus. Always stay positive so you can picture yourself away from the condition.
But if your anxiety symptoms persist, call your healthcare provider right away. Do not wait for your anxiety symptoms to take over your life. Make sure you are fully aware of the possibility of losing control over your emotional and mental health. Engage in social intervention, therapy, or medication if you have to.
What are the three stages of the stress response?
Mental health problems promote a rollercoaster of reactions, triggers, coping mechanisms, and recovery. These things rely on the three stages of the stress response. Hans Selye, the founder of stress theory, identified these stages as an alarm or the reaction phase that refers to the initial physical symptoms one experiences when under stress. Next is the resistance or the preliminary shock of a stressful event, which subjects to have a fight-or-flight response. Last is the exhaustion or the long periods of struggle with the stress that drains the emotional, physical, and mental aspects.
What are the common emotional signs of stress?
The common signs of stress include apathy, lack of feeling, emotion, energy, or interest in something. It also includes the feeling of always on edge, being emotional, and always full of doubts. Usually, it promotes difficulty in making decisions, difficulty keeping things on track, always agitated and angry. Stress can make someone feel like they are in a constant emotional and mental struggle to find time to think through and even sleep. Often, there is too much going on with the person’s head, and his eating habits change suddenly.
What drug calms you down?
The most common drug that helps calm you down is Benzodiazepines. These are also called sedatives, minor tranquilizers, or hypnotics. Experts widely prescribed these psychoactive drugs due to their calming effects. Among these are Librium, Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan
Again, please do not take these medications without a doctor’s prescription. Be mindful that anything you take without proper assistance can be harmful to your health.
What vitamins help with anxiety?
The best evidence-based vitamins that help with anxiety include valerian root, omega-3, L-Theanine, multivitamins, vitamin B complex, vitamin D, and magnesium. But note that it would be better to consult your doctor for safety purposes before taking any of these vitamins.
Can you beat anxiety without medication?
Yes. There are so many ways that you can beat anxiety without medication. Usually, overcoming nervousness and worry is simply a matter of changing your thoughts, behavior, and lifestyle. But if you must, you need to consider speaking with a doctor or health professional if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen.
What helps anxiety naturally?
The perfect ways to reduce anxiety naturally should start with getting physically active. Regular exercise is beneficial for overall health, so it should be taken seriously. It is vital to take some time to rest and sleep at least 8 hours a day to help with rejuvenation. Incorporate a healthy diet and hydrate the body with enough water. Consider also deep breathing and mindfulness meditation.
Can a lack of vitamin D cause anxiety?
In some studies, vitamin D causes anxiety. Vitamin D insufficiency may relate to higher mental health problems as Vitamin D is crucial not only for bone health for suitable brain functioning and development.
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Insight
Work and do your best to achieve a full emotional and mental recovery. Do not mind the slipups. As long as you can refocus and get back on track, you can assure that your well-being can achieve the better health you deserve.
