Anxiety is something that most people experience in their life at one point or another. It is a natural response to stress which can make you feel tense, restless or irritable. For some it is more than just a fleeting emotion, it can become overwhelming, pervasive and interfere with daily life.
Exploring Facts About Anxiety
In this blog we are going to explore 10 facts about anxiety which will help you understand it better.
1. It Is The Most Common Mental Health Condition:
If you are suffering from anxiety, you are not alone. According to WHO , anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders which affect millions of people globally.
2. It Differs From Stress:
Anxiety differs from stress as stress is a short term reaction to a trigger while anxiety is a persistent feeling of worry or apprehension that can occur even when there is no obvious threat.
3. It Can Be Genetic:
There is evidence that anxiety runs in families. People who have family history for anxiety or other mental health conditions are more likely to suffer from anxiety. According to research, generalised anxiety disorder is a hereditary condition and has a moderate genetic risk.
4. It Can Be Triggered By Environmental Factors:
Environmental factors play an important role in the development of anxiety. For example major life events, traumatic experiences or significant loss, job pressures, relationship issues, exposure to abuse or neglect can trigger anxiety.
5. It Can Have Different Types:
When anxiety becomes persistent and interferes with work or daily life it is classified as an anxiety disorder. It has different types, each with its own specific symptoms and triggers. Here are some come types:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Panic Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
6. It Affects Your Brain Chemistry:
Anxiety is more than just emotional stress. It is linked to changes in brain chemistry, particularly in the regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Imbalance of these chemicals lead to heightened feelings of anxiety.
7. It Has Physical Symptoms:
Anxiety not only affects your mind but it also manifests itself in physical symptoms. The common physical symptoms for anxiety are:
- Sweating
- Palpitations
- Tremors
- Shortness of breath
- Restlessness
- Dryness of mouth
- Dizziness
- Stomach issues
8. It Can Affect Your Memory:
Anxiety can cause memory problems as it increases the stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. High levels of these hormones damage the hippocampus which is responsible for forming and retrieving memories. Moreover anxiety also causes overstimulation of the brain and impairs concentration which affects memory.
9. Women Are More Likely To Experience Anxiety Than Men:
Women are more likely to experience anxiety than men. It can be due to hormonal fluctuations, social pressures, biological brain differences or other factors.
10. It Is Treatable & Manageable:
While anxiety can be overwhelming, it is treatable and manageable according to its type.
Relaxation therapies like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing and meditation can help relieve anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you identify and change the thought patterns that contribute to your anxiety and control the fear of the unknown. Other than therapies, there are different anxiolytic drugs that can be used to treat anxiety.
Anxiety can be challenging but is also common and a natural part of being human. Understanding the facts about anxiety is the first step towards managing it and improving the quality of your life.
If you are struggling with anxiety and need some time off work or school to relax and focus on your well-being, you might need a sick note to take an official leave. You can get a sick note online, within a few minutes by an EU licensed doctor, from the comfort of your home.