What is this about? These are a group of mental health disorders that are marked by increased levels of worrying, anxiousness, constant rumination and nervousness. Anxiety disorders are so overwhelming that they intervene with day to day activities, however the conditions may be seen as normal in day-to-day life. In some cases, the emotions are […]
These are a group of mental health disorders that are marked by increased levels of worrying, anxiousness, constant rumination and nervousness. Anxiety disorders are so overwhelming that they intervene with day to day activities, however the conditions may be seen as normal in day-to-day life. In some cases, the emotions are so overwhelming that the person develops other complications that may be detrimental to their health.
This condition is real and serious. People with anxiety disorders are not attention seekers. It is not a choice. It is paramount to understand that when a person goes into an anxiety attack, the condition is not momentary – unlike normal circumstances; it is continuous, that only keeps building. Thus, even the slightest of things may seem problematic.
Therefore, it is important to realise that if you have an anxiety disorder, this is not a debilitating disability, it is perfectly normal. Discrimination or abuse of people with this condition is unacceptable. It affects about 4 percent of the global population, and that’s a great deal. However, this doesn’t call for despair as there are a variety of treatment plans that help overcome the disorder and lead a normal life.
There are different types of anxiety disorders; here we will be discussing three most common disorders in specific. This includes Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Agoraphobia and Social anxiety. Despite their complex nature, all of these disorders are easily treatable with professional help. This involves talk therapy and behaviour therapy like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBD).
This is the condition wherein the person has a constant worry about things, while anticipating some sort of disaster. The symptoms include restlessness, unnecessary fear, hardship in concentration, etc. Though this may seem like a common anxiety symptom, in the case of a disorder the condition will be chronic; such that it will start affecting the one’s daily lifestyle.
This is not just a fear of open spaces. This disorder is characterised by a constant fear of going to places or being in one where they feel that they may have put themselves in embarrassing situations. The condition usually kicks in after they have one or two panic attacks, making them think that they may have another one and have no way of getting help in these situations. Thus, they avoid going out or socialising altogether and stay in their rooms.
This condition is characterised by the constant fear of social interactions. Here, the person thinks that they will be judged by others, especially in a social gathering. Thus, every day social interactions are cumbersome for the person. This is characterised by the constant fear of offending or getting embarrassed by someone.
Though Social anxiety and Agoraphobia may seem similar, they are two different mental disorders. While Agoraphobia is about having to be in crowded places or going to them, Social Anxiety Disorder is about having to interact with the people.
“Don’t let your struggle become your identity.”
–Unknown
Writer: Manojj Dhinakaran
