Types of Anxiety and How to Cope With Them

Anxiety to a certain extent is normal and impacts all of us, it is our body’s defense mechanism and is a reaction to something our body deems unnatural. The problem arises when an individual’s anxiety becomes persistent and excessive and starts interfering with their daily life. 

Depending on what symptoms one shows their anxiety can be categorized into distinct types such as panic disorders, phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorders, etc.

Types of anxiety

It is best for an individual to be aware of the different types of anxiety, not just to identify the symptoms when they see one but also to converse about such topics with a certain level of sensitivity that awareness brings with it. 

Generalized anxiety disorder

GAD or generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive and unrealistic worry that is beyond control. This occurs regularly even when there is nothing significant to worry about. On usual days people are left obsessing fruitlessly over various topics such as health, school, work, and relationships, how things are going to unfold, and how they will deal with them. 

People experiencing GAD will show symptoms including restlessness, agitation, irritability, racing thoughts, and sleep issues among others.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

One might find themselves often double-checking things, for example going back to check their door locks. These habits make them feel secure and ease their tension. But when this becomes an extremely frequent necessity then it is safe to consider it a serious medical condition. An individual diagnosed with OCD cannot help but act out certain rituals repeatedly even if that interferes with their daily routine and makes life complicated. 

People find themselves obsessing over small details and compelled to perform their repetitive tasks that help by temporarily relieving stress. The frustrating factor for most people is that they are very well aware of the fact that their worry and behaviors don’t make any logical sense but they possess no control over it.

Panic Disorder

Recurring and unexpected panic attacks are the main signs of a panic disorder. These panic attacks are repeated episodes of intense fear, usually occur without warning, and result in physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, chest pain, and shaking. 

People who experience such panic attacks often live in fear of their next attack. In cases where a certain place or feeling triggers their attack, individuals tend to avoid any situation that might involve them having to face the trigger. 

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is the magnified fear of being humiliated and embarrassed in public situations. People feel excessively self-consciousness and an overwhelming sense of anxiety that prevents them from engaging normally with other people. 

People with such anxiety deliberately try to avoid social situations be it formal or informal or even if it is just eating and drinking in front of others, due to the fear of being ridiculed and judged.

How to cope with anxiety

The first step to easing your worries is to get yourself checked by a medical professional. They use various acknowledged criteria based on the guidance of DSM-5 to provide an accurate diagnosis and suggest a suitable treatment plan.

Try psychotherapy

Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is the form of therapy where the medical practitioner, who could be a therapist, counselor, psychologist, or social worker engages closely with the client and works towards reducing or eliminating symptoms of extreme anxiety. They use methods such as exposure therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and psychodynamic therapy to combat whatever issue the patient is dealing with.

Identifying and managing the triggers

Various anxiety-related medical issues are somehow associated with a trigger. Individuals tend to avoid these triggers and thus are never able to overcome them. Some triggers can be eliminated, such as caffeine, smoking, or alcohol. Whereas other triggers such as a stressful work environment or public speaking are unavoidable, therefore one can opt for other techniques to deal with them.

Using CBD products

A recent study of 2020 evaluated that after 3 weeks of using CBD, participants experienced great improvement in their anxiety, depression, and ability to perform normal tasks. Various other studies have shown evidence to support the fact that using CBD is an effective approach against GAD, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. 2021’s best CBD oils for anxiety are flawlessly compiled by www.bellevuereporter.com/marketplace/10-best-cbd-oil-for-anxiety/ . 

It has been noticed that on the base level modifying your lifestyle towards a more healthy one decreases anxiety. Small steps, such as practicing meditation or yoga are also observed helpful in training the brain to dismiss anxious thoughts when they arise. Research has also shown that including more nutrients in your diet can be used as a long-term strategy. Of course, as mentioned earlier, the best option, for those who notice that their anxiety is getting worse with time, would be to consider seeing a professional for help. They will find the best treatment option for you which is, in most cases, enjoyable and less intimidating.