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What is Anxiety?

What is Anxiety?

November 6th

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders. Mood and anxiety disorders are primarily caused by a disturbance in the limbic system of the brain, and the limbic system is where most emotional processing takes place. Generalized anxiety, social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are a few of the most common forms of anxiety.

The cause of anxiety can stem from a multitude of factors: genetics, lifestyle, and chemicals in the brain can all be factors in one’s emotions. Genetic epidemiology studies have proven the genetic factors can impact a person’s chances of experiencing stress and anxiety.

A person’s lifestyle choices can also have a huge impact on how they react to a variety of situations. Diet and sleep patterns are some of the most common factors in a person’s reaction to stress. When a person has healthy diet and sleep habits, they may be more likely to have a positive reaction to situations that can negatively affect their mental health.

Though everyone can show their anxiety symptoms differently, these are some of the more common signs that an individual may be experiencing some form of anxiety:  

  • Feeling restless or tense
  • Feeling impending danger or panic
  • Trouble concentrating or overwhelming thoughts
  • Inability to control worrying
  • Catastrophizing: experiencing worry that seems out of proportion to the triggering event.
  • High heartrate
  • Isolating oneself from others

There are many ways someone can feel their anxiety through physical symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, and feeling weak. The signs and symptoms that an individual shows will be different, but these are the most common ones to be on the lookout for when determining if you or a loved one is experiencing anxiety.

Extensive research has been gathered regarding stress and anxiety. There are many techniques that can be used to stabilize and control one’s anxious thoughts. Breathing exercises, meditation, and dietary adjustments, therapy and medication are commonly used to slow down the physical and mental symptoms.

Fortunately, with a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication and healthy lifestyle choices, many people can and do recover. SMA Healthcare has plenty of services to help an individual who may be experiencing anxiety. Call 800-539-4228 for more information and to receive help today.