Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person regularly feels disproportionate levels of anxiety or worries excessively about normal daily activities, it might become a medical disorder. Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by feelings of anxiety and fear. These feelings can interfere with daily activities and may be difficult to control.
Do you think you may suffer from anxiety? Take this quick assessment to learn more about the symptoms of anxiety and help you determine whether or not you might suffer from anxiety attacks. These questions are based on the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition or DSM-IV.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder?
Here are the most common symptoms of Anxiety Disorder.
- Feelings of nervousness, restlessness, or tension
- A sense of impending danger, panic, or doom
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Weakness or fatigue
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
- Trouble sleeping
- Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
- Avoiding situations that cause anxiety
How To Control Anxiety?
Controlling anxiety can be very tough and time-consuming, but it doesn’t need to be that way. With these techniques, you can control your anxiety.
- Deep breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your mind and body. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Progressive muscle relaxation: This technique involves tensing and then relaxing each muscle group in your body, one at a time, to reduce overall tension.
- Mindfulness and meditation: These practices can help you stay present and reduce the tendency to dwell on anxious thoughts.
- Exercise: Physical activity can help reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins and improving your mood.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both can increase anxiety levels, so it may help to reduce or avoid them.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to anxiety, so aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night.
- Healthy diet: Eating well-balanced meals can support your overall well-being and may help manage anxiety.
- Set realistic goals: Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones to reduce feelings of overwhelm.
- Seek support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional about your feelings and concerns.
- Consider therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can be effective in treating anxiety disorders.
FAQs
Question: What Is The Best Treatment For Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders should typically be dealt with through psychological therapy, or pharmacotherapy. You can also try combining both of these therapies.
Question: What Foods Relieve Anxiety?
Whole foods, vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and lean meat relieve anxiety.
Question: Is Milk Good For Anxiety?
Higher dairy consumption leads to a relaxed mood and lower levels of anxiety.