Anxiety disorders can be some of the most isolating experiences for a person, but you’re far from alone. Anxiety disorders affect 18.1% of the U.S. population every year.
They come in many different forms with many different symptoms, but although each can feel debilitating, they needn’t be this way forever.
Coming forward can be difficult, since these disorders are often stigmatized, but you should never feel like you can’t ask for help. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and it’s important to know that your life can improve.
A professional will be able to help you understand which anxiety disorder you’re suffering from, but these are the most common.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder is the least specific. Anything can trigger anxiety from school, to work, to social life.
The anxiety experienced with GAD goes beyond worries that everyone can experience. It can become such chronic anxiety that it can cause headaches, lack of sleep, and other issues that could begin to affect your life.
Home remedies can often help with GAD, like more exercise and relaxation techniques. Psychotherapy and medication can also be used if no lifestyle changes are making a difference.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Of all the types of anxiety disorders, one of the most common is social anxiety disorder.
This comes from dreading social situations, and people who suffer from this disorder might have low self-esteem and find it hard to make conversation. They may even feel panic upon knowing a social event is in their future.
Therapy is the most effective treatment for social anxiety, but self-help courses have also been extremely useful for some people.
Panic Disorder
Of all high anxiety disorders, panic disorder can be one of the most stressful. It’s often hard to predict and is characterized by sudden waves of anxiety and fear that come before a panic attack.
Panic attacks can make it hard to breathe or think straight and can often feel like serious physical trauma (such as a heart attack).
Panic disorder is most commonly treated by therapy, and some people have reported that deep breathing exercises can be helpful.
Once-Anxiety Disorders, Such as PTSD and OCD
PTSD and OCD are no longer classed as anxiety disorders, but they were once in the same group. Experts are now aware that the treatment required for these is often completely different.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder caused by trauma and can involve flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms that coincide with anxiety disorders.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves repetitive thoughts and behaviors that are out of a person’s control.
Therapy is useful for both, and medication when symptoms are more severe. The techniques required to help with these conditions are now understood by most to be different than what’s required for other anxiety disorders.
All Anxiety Disorders Are Treatable
The list of anxiety disorders is long. They come in a variety of forms and are often unique to the person suffering from one.
If you believe you might be suffering from them, it’s important to talk to someone who will be able to set you on the right path for help.
They may feel like the end of the world, but you aren’t alone, and you can overcome them.
If you’re ready to take a step towards changing your life for the better, contact us now.