Brief Introduction to Anxiety
This article gives a brief overview of Anxiety, find out more about Personality Disorders at our Public Health Information Session 'Anxiety & OCD' - 7:00pm 28th July 2015.
What is Anxiety?
Feelings of worry and uneasiness about a situation with uncertain outcomes is known as anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most common problems in today’s world, with many people suffering in one way or another from anxiety (at some point in their life). People suffering from anxiety can sometimes become easily concerned, worried and fearful; and this can have a significant impact on their life and their productivity.
Brief History of Anxiety
Man has always been anxious before encountering tense situations. It was not until 1869 that anxiety was given the status of an illness by a young doctor named George Miller Beard. He for the first time coined the term neurasthenia, which is the modern equivalent of anxiety disorder. He called this condition ‘nervous exhaustion’ and concluded that it affected the ambitious middle and urban class members [1].
How it Works
Overthinking about future is the first and foremost symptom of anxiety disorder. Brain plays tricks with the person as he overthinks and over calculates certain situations. In such a scenario patient needs to be with a person who could comfort and console him. These anxiety attacks don’t last long and a person needs to be in a good company in order to see through these attacks.
Current Anxiety Treatment Options
Apart from medication and therapy there are many other techniques that can be used to overcome anxiety. Meditation is a quick remedy for anxiety and is advised by many doctors and psychiatrists. Regular exercise sessions also prove helpful in overcoming anxiety. Good company is recommended to all patients of anxiety. Patients can recover more quickly form episodes with the support and company of close friends and family members. Building a good working relationship with a qualified counselor or psychologist can be quite helpful in the treatment of anxiety.
7 Tips to Help Deal with Anxiety
Dealing with anxiety can be quite difficult at times, however the following are some tips to help you effectively manage aspects of your condition.
- When a person is suffering from anxiety his brain starts coming up with ideas that are absolutely bizarre and have no roots. In this situation person needs to relax and should start questioning his ideas and thoughts. The moment patient starts questioning their thoughts, anxiety attack washes out.
- Visualizing good times is one of the handiest techniques that psychotherapists recommend. In case of an anxiety attack, the sufferer should close their eyes and think about positive thoughts (consider reflecting on a pleasant memory or event in your life). It could be anything a family get-together or sight of a loved one; this will help them manage the attack.
- Meditation is another useful technique that can be adopted in order to manage anxiety.
- Warm baths are recommended, as they have a soothing effect on the body and aid in relaxation.
- Find ways that will help manage stress. Keeping track of deadline will prevent sufferers from becoming overwhelmed by looming priorities; thus decreasing the onset of anxiety attacks.
- Picturing oneself successfully facing and overcoming all the fears is another technique that is highly recommended by psychiatrists.
- Regular sessions with people who care helps overcome moments of great anxiety.
Anxiety is a common condition in Australia, affecting men and women alike. Concern & worry that comes with Anxiety, often leaves lasting impacts on the sufferers and their close friends & family. Knowing more about this condition is the best way for you to help aid the treatment of Anxiety and end the stigma of mental illness. If you're interested in learning more about Anxiety & OCD, then you should attend our Mid-Year Public Health Seminar on Anxiety & OCD.
Lead by Clinical Director Anneke Bull, this session will provide you with a thorough understanding of Anxiety & OCD. Tickets can be bought at the door, booked via email, txt or purchase using the below link.
TICKETS ARE LIMITED. Book now to avoid missing out.
References
- Scott Stossel, A Brief History Of Anxiety, [Available at]: www.psychotherapynetworker.org/magazine/recentissues/2014-novdec/item/2573-a-brief-history-of-anxiety.