Anxiety, often used interchangeably with the word Fear, is an emotion marked by accelerated heart speed, sweating, restlessness, and anxious thoughts. It can have a huge impact on one’s mental and physical health, affecting body parts like the urinary, digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
Aside from the symptoms mentioned above, an individual suffering from anxiety can experience feeling a “knot” in the stomach, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, and chest pains. It can aggravate the need to urinate and can spike the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
A person suffering from Anxiety also experiences changes in their heart rate and blood circulation — their blood vessels become narrow called vasoconstriction, making them undergo hot flashes. When this happens, the body responds by sweating to cool down. Some studies suggest long-term Anxiety heightens the risk of heart problems.
One advantage of having Anxiety is that it can help boost one’s immune system responses, thus giving that extra thud of energy. However, persistent anxiety attacks compromise the body’s natural immune response, making one susceptible to colds, flu, and other types of infections. Stomach ulcers and diabetes may also arise from constant anxiety bouts.
How does Anxiety start?
Anxiety is a reaction to stress, fear, or worry, developing progressively and can be classified as mild, moderate or severe.
What are the causes of Anxiety?
Some of the causes of Anxiety may include:
· Financial pressure
· Lessened physical mobility/function
· School and work pressure
· Traumatic experiences
· Persistent health problems
· Moving to another house, place or country
· Challenges in relationships
· Family issues like divorce, separation
· Loss of a loved one
The following also contributes to anxiety attacks:
· Unhealthy caffeine consumption
· Drug or alcohol abuse
· Phobia
· Sensitivity to stress
· Genetic factors
What happens when Anxiety is left untreated? What are the possible permanent effects on the individual suffering from this?
When neglected and untreated, Anxiety can put a toll on one’s body. It may lead someone to suffer from any of the following disorders:
· Depression
· Chronic heart problems
· Loss of sleep
· Substance abuse
· Inability to focus/poor concentration
· Chronic stress
· Loss of interest in intimacy/sex
Neglecting to address Anxiety can have serious consequences, as the condition will gradually intensify and worsen over time, hence hurting the individual’s quality of life.
Timely recognition of Anxiety is crucial for effective treatment. By seeking help at the earliest signs, individuals can receive appropriate care and support to manage their symptoms. With proper treatment, Anxiety can be successfully managed, allowing individuals to improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
It can be a challenging condition to manage, but remember that there are many effective treatments available. CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, alongside appropriate medications, has been proven to be one of the most successful treatments for Anxiety. In addition, the support of loved ones and practicing calming techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises can make a significant difference in achieving a sense of peace and relaxation. Keep in mind that with patience and perseverance, you can conquer Anxiety and overcome the obstacles that may stand in your way toward a happier and healthier life.
