Categories: Lifestyle

The 5 Types Of Anxiety Disorders And Ways To Help You Overcome

Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life. Most people feel anxious daily and may not be aware of how it affects their behavior. But when do these moments of anxiety become a concern, and what makes them a disorder? When you become so anxious that you feel as if you’re unable to complete daily tasks, you should seek treatment.

About 19 percent of Americans struggle with some form of anxiety disorder. A disorder means something is disrupting the order of normal functions. In this case, a severe state of worry may interrupt or interfere with your daily routine. Anxiety disorders include both emotional and physical symptoms that lead to overwhelm and affect you psychologically.

Most of the worry people feel is not caused by any real threat. Emotional symptoms may include feeling irritated, overwhelmed, and overstimulated. Physical symptoms include sweating, nail biting, increased heart rate, and stomach issues. Anxiety disorders may develop genetically. A traumatic event can also lead to or trigger an anxiety disorder. There are several types of anxiety disorders. But here are five main types and some ways to help cope with the symptoms.

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Social Anxiety Disorder

Good communication and engagement in activities are necessary for a healthy social life. Some people are more introverted and may avoid socializing in large groups. Others may thrive in social settings involving lots of people. If you’re not a person who enjoys entertaining in a crowded room, you’ve probably experienced anxiety at some point in these situations.

But a social anxiety disorder may cause feelings of extreme fear or worry. Those who suffer from this disorder can be socially awkward at best, or they may completely avoid social gatherings. In very severe cases, some people may even feel anxious when around one or two people they don’t know.

One way to help overcome social anxiety is to ease into social situations slowly. You can also practice socializing when you’re alone. It may feel silly at first, but the best way to overcome your anxiety is to face your fear.

Panic Anxiety Disorder

Panic anxiety can lead to a panic attack which can be very scary. Panic attacks can mimic the symptoms of a heart attack. They can also increase your blood pressure and increase cortisol levels in the body. When you panic, your body reacts with the fight-or-flight response which means it’s under stress. People who experience panic anxiety disorder may panic multiple times a day.

The best way to deal with the disorder is to determine what triggers the panic episodes. Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can work to avoid them or learn to cope with them. Some triggers may be unavoidable. In these cases, you may need anti-anxiety medication. If it’s legal in your area, you can also try cannabis. You can try the fruit loops strain to help you relax so you can live a normal life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Traumatic events can cause a person an extreme amount of stress. This disorder usually develops after the traumatic event has occurred. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is very common in active duty military personnel and veterans. PTSD can also occur in civilians who experience a threat to their life, such as an automobile accident, armed robbery, or violent attack.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The anxiety disorder that involves repetitive thoughts and behaviors is known as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Most people who have OCD are aware of their behavior but unable to stop the compulsions without experiencing a great deal of anxiety.

Some examples of obsessive-compulsive behavior include repeating phrases, touching surfaces, or obsessive cleaning. Overthinking is one of the things that lead to compulsions. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help combat these thoughts and improve obsessive behavior.

General Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety, in general, can occur for no particular reason and affect an individual’s quality of life. General anxiety does not fall into any specific category and can be triggered by anything. When you experience anxiety, you should try to focus on something tangible. Focus on feeling your feet on the ground or take deep breaths while counting out loud.

You should also try to avoid alcohol and caffeine when dealing with anxiety, as these drinks can make it worse. Another good way to help deal with general anxiety is exercise. Your body releases endorphins when you exercise, which can improve your mood, decrease pain, and help you relax. The way you feel after exercising is comparable to how you would feel after a dose of morphine!

Final Thoughts

Anxiety is one of the most common types of mental disorders, and many people struggle with finding ways to cope. There are emotional and physical symptoms associated with anxiety that can affect your quality of life. There are five main types of anxiety disorders. The most common disorder types include post-traumatic stress disorder, panic anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and general anxiety disorder.

You can decrease your anxiety level using medicinal treatment or exercise. You should also avoid substances that can exacerbate anxiety, like alcohol and caffeine. You can improve your quality of life by addressing your fears and treating anxiety in a way that works best for you.