Almost everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life. It is a normal stress response. It can be that nervousness you feel before a job interview, the fear before a big presentation, or a significant life event. This anxiety is normal and can be dealt with by some coping strategies. However, there are some signs that mean you should seek help for anxiety.
In this blog we are going to learn about anxiety, its common causes, types, along with how and when to seek help for anxiety.
What is anxiety?
It is a natural human response to stress, fear and uncertainty. It is a persistent feeling of worry, fear and excessive thoughts about potential future problems. It is due to excessive release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. In small doses anxiety can be helpful to keep us motivated and alert. However, if it is constant and excessive, it can have a poor effect on our emotional, mental and physical well-being.
Learn more about anxiety.
What Are Its Causes?
These can be different for every individual because of their own specific genetic, emotional, environmental and general life factors. Here are some common causes:
- Being raised in an unstable and aggressive environment.
- Underconfidence from your childhood days and lack of support from parents.
- Having any close family member or relative who suffers from anxiety related issues.
- Suffering from chronic health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or birth defects.
- Any major distressing event in your life, such as loss of a loved one, or any injury that has left you debilitated.
What Are Its Types?
According to the WHO, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders, affecting millions of people worldwide. They can occur in various forms, including:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
When To Seek Help For Anxiety?
Here are some signs that help us know when it is time to seek help for anxiety:
1. It Starts Affecting Your Daily Routine:
Your anxiety is making you worry too much and cancel your plans. It has become difficult to carry out simple daily tasks. Your daily routine starts feeling like a burden and your tasks start piling up. Your normal concentration span is reduced because of persistent worrying and all of this is affecting your daily routine.
2. You Are Having Physical Symptoms:
Anxiety is not only what you think. It can also affect your physical well being. You might experience physical symptoms like;
- Frequent headaches
- Sweaty palms
- Digestive issues eg nausea, stomachaches.
- Muscle tension
- Fatigue
- Trouble falling asleep
3. Activities You Once Enjoyed Are Becoming Boring:
Spending quality time with friends and family becomes a burden. You start avoiding social meetings which makes you feel isolated. Fear of what other people might think of you can make you anxious. This is a major sign that should ring bells that you need help.
4. Your Coping Mechanisms Are Not Enough:
There are many coping strategies like exercise, deep breathing, and mindfulness used to relieve anxiety. However, if you feel that even after trying these strategies your condition is not getting any better, or is getting worse, it might be time to seek professional help.
5. Using Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms:
Using unhealthy coping mechanisms such as;
- Unhealthy eating habits like undereating or overeating
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Isolating Yourself From Friends And Family
- Development of compulsive behaviours such as excessive cleaning, shopping or checking on something repeatedly without the need.
6. Having Panic Attacks:
Panic attacks are intense and sudden attacks of overwhelming fear and anxiety. They typically peak within a few minutes and can be very distressing. These attacks can be extremely frightening, which can often make people think that they are having a heart attack or some other serious medical emergency. They come with physical symptoms like;
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightening
7. Feeling Depressed Or Hopeless:
Anxiety can sometimes go hand in hand with depression. If your anxiety is leading to feelings of hopelessness and sadness, seeking help is necessary. Here are a few signs to watch out;
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Thoughts of self harm or suicide
Tips For How To Seek Help:
Here are a few tips on how can you seek help for anxiety;
Talk To Someone Close To You:
Talking to any person close to you such as family and friends can be helpful. Sometimes only saying it aloud can provide the vent that you need. It can become the first step towards positivity and living a normal healthy life again.
Seek Help From A Professional:
This can be very helpful because a therapist, counselor or psychiatrist can help you better understand what anxiety is and how it can be managed according to your personal needs. A professional can help you by providing treatment options like therapy e.g. cognitive behaviour therapy, medications or a combination of both.
Connect With Support Groups:
Sometimes connecting with a support group can help you with your anxiety. These support groups help people with similar issues to communicate their problems comfortably and provide positive energy to help each other. You can learn from experiences of different people and cut the chase to recovery.
Organisations like Mind can help you find support groups near you.
Final Thoughts:
Anxiety doesn’t have to define your life. By recognising the signs and seeking help when you need it, you’re taking a powerful step towards healing.
Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone—there are people and resources ready to support you.
If you are suffering from anxiety, and need some time off work and school to focus on your recovery, you might need a sick note to officially communicate your absence. You can get a sick note online, from an EU licensed doctor within a few minutes, from the comfort of your home.