Exploring the Multifaceted Causes of Anxiety

Anxiety is an expressive feeling due to stress, anticipated danger, or worry about the future. It refers to heightened worry, discomfort, and unease. We all feel anxious once in a while, which is normal. It’s a feeling that keeps us safe – the natural fight-or-flight response activated when we perceive danger, forcing the body to react immediately to face or get rid of it. Summarily, anxiety alerts us to decide quickly. However, when this feeling lasts longer than it should or gets more intense than the situation deserves, it signifies a more complex issue. That’s an anxiety disorder.

The American Psychological Association estimated that 30% of adults develop this disorder in their lifetime. Anxiety disorder isn’t a mild condition, as many believe. It is a severe challenge that can interfere with your day-to-day life. The WHO ranks it the 8th most common cause of disability. Anxiety is treatable, but first, let’s explore the causes of anxiety and its signs.

What is Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorder is a multifaceted mental health condition characterized by excessive and continuous worry and uneasiness that lasts abnormally longer. The intense feeling can leave one restless, sad, and unable to concentrate on a task. This disorder has several types, like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, etc. We’ve explained the various classes in detail below:

• GAD is the most commonly experienced type. It involves persistent worry that may impact work, school performance, or family responsibilities. This worry is usually followed by restlessness, fatigue, poor focus, insomnia, and cramps.
• Panic disorder is recognized by unexpected, severe panicking, which can be recurrent episodes. These episodes are typically intense and extreme. In worse cases, the person can become unconscious.
• Social anxiety disorder is the worry of social situations. The individual is afraid that they will be embarrassed in public or judged by others. They are perceived as judged or odd in social gatherings because they lack self-esteem.
• Specific phobias are the irrational fear of a particular situation, object, animal, or activity. For example, the person might detest spiders, snakes, heights, needles, etc. When exposed to these triggers, the individual will develop tender to severe panic.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is having obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors to lessen a feared outcome. For example, a person with OCD may frequently wash their hands to reduce the fear of contracting a disease or infection.
• PTSD develops after witnessing a traumatic or sad event. These events can make the individual uncomfortable and even scared of staying alone. PTSD is tough to deal with, and the person never recovers without medical help. It affects a person’s quality of life, including work relationships and family.

Anxiety disorders are often in a web with other mental health conditions, such as depression, with anxiety symptoms contributing to hopelessness and compulsive behaviors. As such, one can be suffering from more than one mental illness. Understanding the complex relationship is fundamental for comprehensive treatment. Seeking medical help can explain further and guide you into developing a tailored treatment plan.

Atlas Healthcare Group offers mental health treatment in California for those in need. Contact us today to learn more.

Causes of Anxiety Disorder

One of the questions people ask is, “what causes anxiety?” It always seems like it pops out of the blue moon. Anxiety doesn’t just pop out; there are various anxiety causes. Genetics, environmental, and psychological factors are some of the causes.

Anxiety disorder runs in some families. The genetic arrangement of certain families may predispose them to anxiety disorders. This puts you at risk of having it. Environmental factors, such as stress, and specific behaviors, like perfectionism, can make one prone to anxiety disorder. Anxiety sets in when an event or presentation you’ve meticulously planned to perfection falls below your expectations.

Signs of Anxiety Disorder

The following signs may indicate that you have a disorder;

• Shortness of breath
• Extreme fear of speaking in public
• Reluctant to sleep without a person or refusing to go out without an individual
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Chills
• Light-headedness
• Fear of dying
• Fear of animals and objects
• Restlessness
• Problems sleeping
• Rapid breathing
• Muscle tension
• Irritability
• Nausea

Recognizing these signs is vital. Seek help if your anxiety starts interfering with your daily performance. 

Treating Anxiety Disorders

Treating this disorder differs from one individual to the other. For some, medications can help them manage or alleviate the illness. While therapy, coping mechanisms, and lifestyle changes can relieve the symptoms for others. In many cases, doctors combine therapy and medication for more effectiveness. Medications don’t cure, but can significantly reduce the symptoms. The individual has to be assessed by a medical professional to determine the treatment plan. Understanding the causes of anxiety and the signs is crucial to gaining insight into its triggers. If you notice any of the abovementioned signs, contact Atlas Healthcare immediately. We can help you alleviate the symptoms to continue living your life. Reach out to us today to learn more about finding California behavioral health treatment!