Understanding anxiety: Causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for mental well-being

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” - Dalai Lama.
What if this happiness is slowly diminishing from our lives? The modern world has certainly made our lives easy, but this modernity came with its perils. Anxiety is one of them and has crept into our lives. The fast pace, stress, constant connectivity etc., are some of the causes of anxiety now-a-days. Surveys reveal that 74% of Indian population suffers from stress and 88% from anxiety after the onset of Covid-19.

Anxiety is thoughts of possible future that cannot be controlled, following with stress, fear, increased blood pressure and feeling overwhelming. Feeling anxious in an uncomfortable situation is normal but if it starts impacting your well-being, it can turn into a serious disorder.

Types of Anxiety:Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)- Excessive uncontrolled worry about certain aspects of life that includes work, health, social interactions, family etc., on a daily basis is termed as GAD.

Panic Disorders- It is a sudden overwhelming feeling of intense fear that attacks you for several minutes and leaves you with physical uneasiness.

Phobias – Characterized by intense fear of certain things or objects which seems unavoidable? Claustrophobia is one of the most common phobias found.

Causes of Anxiety:Medical Conditions: Certain medical treatments like cancer, HIV etc., can develop anxiety symptoms in patients.

Genetics: If you have a family history of mental health or anxiety, the risk of getting affected increases.

Brain Chemistry: Sudden imbalances in neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Life events: Human beings experiencing traumatic or life-changing events, social pressures etc.

Stress: Being under stress for a long time can affect the mood and result in anxiety.

Other than the general causes, the modern lifestyle has impacted the minds of human beings. Excessive digital engagement, sleeping less hours, unhealthy food habits, lack of exercise, and taking less leisure time have contributed to serious concern for mental health as well as anxiety. It can be so intense that the whole body feels the pain and the palpitation shoots up which almost seems like a heart attack. So, it is very important to understand the signs and take actions before anxiety can destroy the sanity.

Signs of Anxiety:
Restlessness.

Feeling of an intense danger in the absence of a dangerous situation. Fear that causes nausea, lightheadedness.

Palpitation with sweating, trembling, headache.

Sleeplessness.

Unable to control the weird thoughts.

If these signs are constant, the time might have come to visit a physiatrist or a psychologist. Anxiety can be managed and treated in several ways. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT is one of the most common ways to treat anxiety. The therapy works in the way one thinks and processes it. There are many organizations, work places and colleges that are focusing on mental health.

Support systems are very important for human beings to survive, and social isolation destroys it. Surrounded with healthy relationships like family, friends etc., will cater to your emotional side and block the weird thoughts. Also, regularity in certain aspects of life can form a discipline. Exercising regularly, eating healthy food on time, going to bed early and having adequate sleep adds value to your mental as well as physical health.

Take some time to sit back and meditate to calm your nerves. Meditation increases the levels of serotonin and endorphins which helps in relaxation. Play some calm music, choose a silent corner of your house, and practice meditation.

Living a healthy life is the ultimate happiness and it is the mind that controls the body. Take care of your mind, relax, and lead the next generation for a better tomorrow.
(Author: Govind Narayan Singh Secretary Gopal Narayan Singh University)