It’s normal to experience anxiety occasionally, feeling worried
or afraid before public speaking or a big date. But when you have an anxiety
disorder you worry non-stop for no obvious reason, according to the Anxiety
Disorders Association of Canada. Of all mental health problems, anxiety disorders,
such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder are the most common, affecting approximately
one in 10 people, particularly women.
Anxiety causes Experts believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination of
biological factors and personal circumstances. It’s common for people
to suffer from more than one anxiety disorder and for it to be accompanied by
depression or substance abuse.
Anxiety symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder include repeated, exaggerated worry
about everyday life events and activities. When you have this disorder, which
lasts at least six months, you experience extreme worry more days than not and
anticipate the worst even when there’s no reason to expect it. Other symptoms
include nausea, trembling, fatigue, muscle tension, or headache.
Anxiety diagnosis/tests If you suspect you have an anxiety disorder, see your doctor or mental health provider, who will likely conduct a physical examination to look for anxiety symptoms and see if they are related to a medical condition. Your health care providers will be checking to see if you meet the criteria outline in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders before making a diagnosis.
Anxiety treatment It varies depending on the type of anxiety disorder, however,
there are two main approaches to treating anxiety disorders which can be combined:
• Drug therapy, such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs, is generally prescribed
to deal with the biological causes of anxiety, such as chemical imbalances.
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) aims to transform anxious thoughts
into more rational ones. Specific CBT techniques can be used to help particular
anxiety disorders. Support groups may also be included in treatment.
Anxiety prevention If you’re feeling anxious, it may be possible
to minimize the impact of your symptoms. Get help early on to find out
if you would benefit from treatment. Try to remedy what is creating
anxiety in your life, such as your job or relationship and avoid
alcohol, drugs and nicotine which can make anxiety worse. Getting
regular exercise, meditating and doing relaxation or breathing
exercises, may also help you cope with anxiety and prevent a bigger
problem.
More info from Chatelaine
How to overcome anxiety
Outside resources
Anxiety Disorders Association of Canada
Canadian Mental Health Association