Experiencing the occasional anxiety attack is normal, however, there are people with anxiety disorders. They may experience excessive and persistent worrying and fear about what others would consider everyday situations. Anxiety involves repeated spells of feelings of intense anxiety that come suddenly and fear that peaks within minutes (called panic attacks).

The feelings of panic and anxiety can affect people’s daily activities. These panic attacks and spells of anxiety are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last for long periods of time. People often avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood.

Examples of anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), specific phobias, and separation anxiety disorder. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.

The five major types of anxiety disorders and can affect people in different ways.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry, and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD, is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors such as hand washing, counting, checking, or cleaning are often performed with the hope of preventing obsessive thoughts or making them go away. Performing these so-called "rituals," however, provides only temporary relief, and not performing them markedly increases anxiety.

• Panic Disorder - Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include violent personal assaults, natural or human-caused disasters, accidents, or military combat.

• Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder - Social Phobia, or Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Social phobia can be limited to only one type of situation - such as a fear of speaking in formal or informal situations, or eating or drinking in front of others - or, in its most severe form, may be so broad that a person experiences symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

The causes of anxiety disorders aren't fully understood, some medical professionals link the causes to medical conditions, underlying medical conditions and Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to anxiety. Inherited traits also can be a factor.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

• worry and apprehension
• restlessness
• sleep problems
• difficulty concentrating
• irritability
• sadness
• feeling pressure and hurried

Physical symptoms include:

• changes in heart rate
• tension in the head or neck
• headache
• nausea or diarrhea
• sweating
• dry mouth
• tightness in the throat and difficulty breathing
• trembling or shaking
• feeling faint

Not every case of anxiety will include all these symptoms. Anxiety can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the trigger and how the person reacts to it.

Faced with an examination, for example, some people might feel mildly apprehensive, while others may experience all the above symptoms.

Usually, when the hazard or perceived danger passes, symptoms go away. Anxiety that continues for a long time or that is triggered by specific events may be a sign of another disorder, such as social anxiety disorder.

Other causes of anxiety often result: 

-work pressure

-financial pressure

-family or relationships problems

-divorce, separation, or bereavement

-concerns about parenthood or being a caregiver

-problems coping with administrative issues or technology

-changing life situations, such as moving house or changing jobs

-reduced mobility or physical function

-loss of mental function, for example, short-term memory

-having a diagnosis of a chronic health condition, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes, and others

It can also be linked to another factor or health condition, such as:

-social or another phobia

-obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

-post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

-genetic factors

-major stress or susceptibility to stress

-changes in the brain

-a history of drug or alcohol abuse

-excessive caffeine use

-the use of some medications

-a recent or past traumatic experience

Triggers of anxiety could include:

-public speaking

-exposure to a phobia trigger

-a fear of having a panic attack

Sometimes, anxiety can also stem from psychological disorders.

Prevention

There's no way to predict for certain what will cause someone to develop an anxiety disorder, but you can take steps to reduce the impact of symptoms if you're anxious:

-Get help early. Anxiety, like many other mental health conditions, can be harder to treat if you wait.

-Stay active. Participate in activities that you enjoy and that make you feel good about yourself. Enjoy social interaction and caring relationships, which can lessen your worries.

-Avoid alcohol or drug use. Alcohol and drug use can cause or worsen anxiety. If you're addicted to any of these substances, quitting can make you anxious. If you can't quit on your own, see your doctor or find a support group to help you.

Other coping strategies include:

-Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.

-Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthful, energy-boosting snacks on hand.

-Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks.

-Get enough sleep. When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.

-Exercise daily to help you feel good and maintain your health. Check out the fitness tips below.

-Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.

-Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.

-Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn't possible, be proud of however close you get.

-Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?

-Welcome humour. A good laugh goes a long way.

-Maintain a positive attitude. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

-Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, which creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.

-Learn what triggers your anxiety. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious and look for a pattern.

-Talk to someone. Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.

For more information Contact your Trained Medical Professions or contact us on info@brainhealthassist.co.bw or visit www.brainhealthassist.co.bw/