Anxiety: how can we act to stop this disorder?
We explain the symptoms and causes of this disorder, and what to do when it appears.
Anxiety is an increasingly common disorder in our societies, and it manifests itself in a multitude of ways that can vary from one person to another.
The reasons why anxiety appears in our lives are also very varied, since it can be caused by stress at work, by an exam, a complicated sentimental situation, etc. Although, in many cases, the cause is not clear and it is simply a distressing sensation that can seriously affect us. From the evolutionary point of view, anxiety is a mechanism that our body has to warn us of threatening situations..
- Recommended article: "The 7 types of anxiety (characteristics, causes and symptoms)".
What is anxiety and what are its causes?
As we have commented in the previous lines, anxiety is nothing more than a defense system that our organism uses to alert of a situation that can be threatening. It is a mechanism that prepares us to face moments or situations that may have a negative outcome. Therefore, it is a common response as long as the symptoms are mild and we respond in a way that helps us to face the challenges of everyday life..
However, in cases where the reactions and symptoms are very intense and frequent, anxiety can become a problem. Sometimes, this disorder can generate great discomfort, with physical and psychological symptoms that can even affect our routine and, in severe cases, it can be a disabling disease. In this case, it is not considered a normal response of the organism, but a disorder or pathological reaction.
The causes are varied, as it can be triggered by life experiences, which do not necessarily have to be negative but which generate major changes, such as a change of job or a break-up with a partner. It can also be due to very threatening situations and events in which we experience a great emotional impact, such as a car accident, a job layoff or a grieving process. It can even be influenced by genetic factors, stress over a long period of time or the use of drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine or LSD.
Main symptoms
As for its main symptoms we find the nervousness, the feeling of excessive worry, the inability to concentrate, the apprehension, the irritability, the frequent forgetfulness of things, the feeling overwhelmed, etc.feeling overwhelmed, etc.
However, they are not reduced only to psychological symptoms, but also manifest themselves in physical problems such as muscle tension, chest pain or shortness of breath, excessive sweating, palpitations, dizziness, Nausea and vomiting, or headache, among others.
How to overcome this disorder?
This problem can be treated thanks to psychology and psychotherapy, since it will help us to change behaviors and habits and habits that may have an impact on its appearance and promote a more positive personality. That is, one of the changes that must be carried out is to learn to identify those negative and intrusive thoughts that generate this discomfort and change them for realistic and positive thoughts.
Likewise, the psychologist can help us to better manage this problem and to control our fears, to change them for more rational ways of thinking that bring us greater well-being. Therefore, we must face what we are afraid of in order to overcome it, and one of the most effective ways is to go to a psychotherapist. We should also avoid those situations that generate a feeling of anxiety or anguish and lead a healthy life.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy for cases of anxiety has proven to be very effective.It provides us with tools and guidelines with which to manage the moments of greatest tension, and we will learn to incorporate good habits such as physical exercise, meditation, etc. into our routine. In addition, at a cognitive level, a psychologist will help us to evaluate our thoughts and discard all those that anchor us to a state of nervousness.
In short, there are many people who suffer from anxiety, so it is an increasingly common problem in our society and may be related to other diseases such as depression. Its diagnosis and treatment is essential to achieve a better quality of life and eliminate its problematic symptoms. If you need psychological attention, you can contact me through my professional profile.
(Updated at Apr 14 / 2024)