How do anxiety disorders differ from ordinary worries and fears? How can a person deal with anxiety attacks?
According to WebMD, "Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences at times." Any person can feel nervous or uneasy whenever exam day comes, during job interview, or when having difficulty in coming up with a decision. However, feeling anxious is different from having anxiety conditions. The latter can restrict one's ability to live a normal life. These are serious mental illnesses as "worry and fear are constant and overwhelming, and can be crippling".
Anxiety disorders have six types: Generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobia, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety attack or panic disorder.
Anxiety or panic attack "is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause". It can be very frightening. When it occurs, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying." It becomes a disorder when "you've had recurrent, unexpected panic attacks and spent long periods in constant fear of another attack".
Soon as you feel you are about to have one, try to breathe and relax. Drink a cold glass of water. If you are inside your room, go out and watch television in the living area. You may also consider getting yourself busy by preparing food, cleaning your home, doing some gardening, and others.
You can also make an AWARE card for yourself. Make sure that you have it with you everywhere you go. In case of attack, read it and follow what's written:
A: Accept the anxiety. Don't try to fight it.
W: Watch the anxiety. Imagine it is outside of you and you are just observing it.
A: 'Act normal'. Carry on as if nothing is happening. Panic will soon 'get bored'.
R: Repeat the above steps until you start to relax again.
E: Expect the best - it will pass quicker and quicker the more times you do this.
Do you often think that your fears are preventing you from living a happy, quality life? Do you suspect that you may have anxiety disorder? Take this Anxiety Potential Self-Evaluation Quiz from Anxiety Centre. More important, seek professional help.
