Social anxiety disorder

 

Anxiety is a natural and common human emotion characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, or fear about a perceived threat or uncertain outcome. It is a normal reaction to stress and can serve as a protective mechanism, prompting us to take action in challenging situations. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent, or overwhelming, it can interfere with daily functioning and significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
Anxiety can manifest in various forms, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), panic disorder, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), among others. Each type of anxiety disorder may have its own unique symptoms and triggers, but they all share a common thread of excessive worry and fear.

I never understood mental health until I experienced the decline of my own. I had recently given birth to my son and was feeling lots of emotions. Long story short - after a few weeks of realizing we had been home for almost 2 weeks without leaving the house, I decided to get me and the baby ready to go for a walk. I physically couldn't. I couldn't open the front door, I was scared. I didn't know why I was scared or what I was scared of, I just knew I had a fear of going outside. I got unready and sat crying on and off for the rest of the afternoon, I didn't know what was happening to me. I couldn't make sense of these fears and emotions and I was so confused.

Physical symptoms of anxiety may include:

1. - Increased heart rate or palpitations
2. - Sweating
3. - Trembling or shaking
4. - Shortness of breath
5. - Dizziness or lightheadedness
6. - Muscle tension or stiffness
7. - Upset stomach or gastrointestinal discomfort
8. - Fatigue or restlessness

In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety can also manifest in emotional and cognitive ways, such as:

1. - Persistent worry or anticipation of negative outcomes
2. - Difficulty concentrating or focusing
3. - Irritability or agitation
4. - Feelings of apprehension or dread
5. - Racing thoughts or overthinking
6. - Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
7. - Avoidance of triggering situations or activities
8. - Feelings of detachment or dissociation

It's important to recognize that experiencing occasional anxiety is normal, and everyone may experience it differently. However, when anxiety becomes chronic or significantly interferes with daily life, it may be indicative of an anxiety disorder that could benefit from professional evaluation and treatment. Personally talking therapy worked for me and helped me to determine the reasoning behind my anxiety which was a huge relief as prior to that I was just feeling scared and experiencing the physical symptoms without knowing why.

Treatment options for anxiety disorders may include therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or exposure therapy), medication (such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications), lifestyle changes (such as stress management techniques or regular exercise), and support from friends, family, or support groups. Understanding anxiety and its various manifestations is crucial for promoting mental health awareness and providing support and resources to individuals who may be struggling with anxiety-related challenges. With proper understanding, education, and support, individuals experiencing anxiety can learn to manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Have you had any instances or experiences where you struggled with anxiety and how did you manage to overcome them? Comment down below and share your story.