Anxiety in St. Louis Park & Serving Minneapolis, MN
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue, affecting over 25 million Americans. Everyone gets nervous or anxious from time to time, but anxiety disorders are different. These disorders are accompanied by chronic anxiety brought on by certain situations that cannot be controlled. It can result in panic attacks which are characterized by shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, sweating, trembling, nausea, and even the feeling of dying. Many people who experience panic attacks believe that they are having a heart attack because of the intense and sudden symptoms.
Causes of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be caused by many things including traumatic experiences, neglect or abuse during childhood, or other events that have had a lasting effect on your psyche and mental state. Anxiety disorders can interfere with peoples' everyday lives including work, school, and social relationships. Someone suffering from anxiety disorder will avoid situations and places that trigger their anxiety which can have a huge impact on their livelihood.
Risk Factors for Developing an Anxiety Disorder
You are at increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder if you’ve experienced a traumatic event, are dealing with significant stress, or have another mental health disorder such as depression. Some personality traits increase susceptibility to an anxiety disorder, or if you have a family history of anxiety disorders.
Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
There are several signs and symptoms common to anxiety disorders. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Feelings of nervousness, tension, or restlessness
- A sense of impending danger or doom
- Increasing heart rate and respiration
- Sweating and trembling
- Weakness and fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Experiencing gastrointestinal upset
- Uncontrolled worrisome thoughts and fears
Types of Anxiety Disorders
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including:
- Agoraphobia, which is a fear of being trapped and unable to escape
- Anxiety due to a medical condition
- Generalized anxiety disorder, which is fear related to routine events
- Panic disorder, which is experiencing intense anxiety, fear, or terror
- Separation anxiety disorder, which is fear of being separated from parents or others close to a child
- Social anxiety disorder, which is fear and avoidance of social situations due to self-consciousness
- Phobias, which are fears related to specific things, events, or situations
- Substance-induced anxiety disorder, which is anxiety due to abuse, misuse, or withdrawal from a substance
Prevention and Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
It’s important to engage in activities you enjoy, to promote feelings of self-worth. Enjoy time spent with friends and family, to establish a sense of belonging. Seek out professional help if you experience frequent feelings of anxiety and avoid the use of drugs and alcohol.
Anxiety disorder does not have to be permanent. Therapy can help to lessen or even eliminate anxiety from your life. The root cause of the anxiety, no matter how troublesome it is, needs to be dealt with. Discussing the problem or event and gaining a better understanding of it can help to limit the anxiety associated with it. Many times these issues need to be faced head on, and it can be difficult, but it is necessary to help conquer the anxiety.