Author: Jerry Henry

Anxiety can be distressing and draining. This condition can make the person lose opportunities in their education or work. In some situations, their relationships can also be affected by anxiety disorders. Managing this type of mental health condition or helping creative talents, lawyers, or other workers with this disorder is dependent on its type or one’s preferences. Often, there must be involvement of a combination of various forms of exposure therapy, medications, and counseling for creative talents, lawyers, etc. Often the combination of these two can provide a benefit.

Anxiety disorder is prevalent among adults and children alike. People with anxiety aren’t uncommon. Almost 20% of adults and 25% of young adults in America aged between 13 and 18 are experiencing this condition, and it can affect their health too. The National Institute of Mental Health reported this. Additionally, more than 5% of teens experiencing this form of mental health disorder are categorized as severe.

Causes Of Anxiety

According to the American psychiatric association, anxiety can be caused by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Here are some of the common causes of anxiety:

1. Biological Factors

Genetics can play a role in the development of anxiety. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of people with anxiety disorders may be more susceptible to developing themselves. Neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, can also play a role in anxiety.

2. Environmental Factors

Traumatic events, such as abuse or a natural disaster, can be triggering factors. Chronic stress, such as work-related stress or financial stress, can also contribute to anxiety. Substance abuse or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol are also factors to consider.

3. Psychological Factors

Negative thinking patterns, such as catastrophizing or overgeneralizing, can contribute to anxiety. Personality traits, such as perfectionism or low self-esteem, can also play a role. Additionally, a history of other mental disorders or mental illnesses, such as depression, can also be a risk factor.

Anxiety is a complex condition. The causes may vary from person to person. It is also common for multiple factors to contribute to the development of anxiety. Understanding the causes can help individuals to identify potential triggers and develop effective coping strategies. If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek professional help from mental health professionals.

Major Types Of Anxiety Disorders

Panic Disorder

This is characterized by constant panic attacks with the likes of symptoms of anxiety such as trembling, sweating, choking sensation, shortness of breath, racing heart rate, and feelings of dismay and terror. These attacks occur abruptly or without warning. Individuals who have panic episodes are always afraid of anticipating the next episode and its physical symptoms, which causes them to limit themselves or modify their usual activities.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

This is marked by constant apprehension or anxiety. Individuals diagnosed with this condition are concerned about several things, like finances or health issues. They may experience an overall sense that something unpleasant is about to happen. Indications include irritability, restlessness, trouble focusing, a feeling of always being on edge, and finally, sleep problems, among others.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is described by obsessions or uncontrollable thoughts and feelings, along with rituals and routines are known as compulsions. Some typical examples are compulsive washing of the hands due to fear of dirt or germs or continuous checking for errors.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can occur following extreme emotional or physical symptoms of trauma like a grave accident, a natural disaster, or a devastating crime. Indications include terrifying thoughts that disrupt a person’s daily routine for days, months, or even years after the tragic incident. Nightmares and traumatic flashbacks are also common symptoms of PTSD.

Phobias

Phobias are exaggerated fears about particular things (snakes or bugs, for instance) or circumstances (like flying or riding bikes) that are upsetting or invasive.

Social Anxiety

This is social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia. Individuals who experience this type of disorder are scared of social events in which they may feel criticized or humiliated. They are usually nervous when they are in social settings. Also, they are very self-conscious when facing a lot of people. They often worry that people around them will judge or offend them. Other typical symptoms include sweating, avoiding social events, excessive anxiety for days before a coming speech or event, and feeling jittery or dizzy in the middle of a social situation.

Self-Help Strategies For Managing Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, mental health conditions can be debilitating condition. Hence, it is important to seek professional help and treatment if you are struggling with anxiety and depression disorders. However, there are also self-help strategies that you can use to manage your anxiety. Here are some effective self-help strategies for managing the symptoms of anxiety:

1. Exercise or physical activity: Regular exercise can be an effective way to reduce anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the brain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
2. Relaxation techniques: Practicing relaxation techniques can help to calm the body and mind. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization can help relieve symptoms or reduce anxiety symptoms and curb the disorder.
3. Mindfulness practices: Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. Mindfulness meditation can help to reduce anxiety, support stress management, and improve overall well-being.
4. Healthy lifestyle choices: Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can all help to reduce anxiety symptoms. It is also important to avoid caffeine, as it can increase anxiety symptoms.
5. Keep a worry journal: Writing down your worries can help you to identify patterns in your thinking and develop coping strategies. Set aside a few minutes each day to write down your worries and brainstorm ways to address them.
6. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. Practice self-compassion. Recognize that anxiety is a common condition and that it is okay to struggle with it. Give yourself credit for taking steps to manage your anxiety.
7. Practice gratitude: When you feel anxious, it can be helpful to shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life. Practicing gratitude involves intentionally focusing on the things that you are thankful for. This can help to shift your mindset away from negative thinking patterns and reduce anxiety.

Remember that self-help strategies are not a substitute for professional help. If your anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The 6 Variations Of Anxiety Disorders?

The six variations of an anxiety disorder include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

What Can You Do For Severe Anxiety?

The usual management for anxiety entails talk therapy and psychological counseling or psychological therapies. This may involve psychotherapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy or a combination of CBT and counseling.

What Is The Best Medicine For Anxiety And Panic Attacks?

Anti-anxiety medications such as Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and Valium effectively alleviate anxiety and panic attacks within 30 minutes to one hour. People who are experiencing a panic episode or a bout of severe anxiety often take these medications. Other solutions might include therapy CBT, or other methods.

How Can I Get Rid Of Anxiety?

Here are some healthy and safe tips to help you get rid of your anxiety:

• Avoid drinking too much caffeine and alcohol.
• Eat healthy and well-balanced food.
• Get sufficient sleep
• Spend quality time with family and friends
• Practice deep breathing and counting
• Be physically active
• Do the best you can

What Is Bad Anxiety?

Bad anxiety is officially a generalized form of anxiety disorder characterized by exaggerated tension and nervousness, even when there is no trigger.

What Activities Helps In Reducing The Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder Naturally?

Some tips that may help reduce your anxiety naturally include:

• Staying active. Exercising is great for emotional and physical health problems.
• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding too much caffeine and alcohol
• Getting enough sleep
• Practicing meditation, mindfulness, and deep breathing
• Eating healthily

What Vitamins Help With Reducing The Symptoms Of Anxiety Disorder?

The most recommended vitamins and supplements for anxiety and panic disorder may include Ashwagandha, L-theanine, vitamin D, valerian root, and magnesium.

What To Tell Someone Who Has Anxiety?

Here are some things that you can tell a person who has anxiety:

• Ask him what’s wrong or what’s worrying him.
• Encourage him after he has confided about what’s wrong.
• Provide support willingly and gently.
• Share some personal stories that are related to the person’s anxiety.
• Don’t forget to ask the person what he needs.

What Is The Strongest Anti-Anxiety Pill?

The most effective anti-anxiety medications that can produce immediate relief are drugs called benzodiazepines. Among the popular benzodiazepines available today include Xanax, Librium, Klonopin, Ativan, and Valium.

How Do You Calm A Person With A Panic Attack?

To help you ground yourself when you have a panic attack, you can start drinking a glass of water. Breathing deeply and calmly can also help. You can take a short walk so you can forget the tension for a while. Save the taste of food or the smell of flowers. Finally, try to do something and keep moving to keep your mind off the negativity.

How Do You Describe An Anxiety Attack?

An anxiety attack is a strong feeling of losing yourself or going crazy. You develop chest pains and heart palpitations. You may have difficulty breathing and sense a fear of imminent danger nearby.

What Happens To A Person During An Anxiety Attack?

The adrenaline rushes through your bloodstream, forcing your body to be on red alert. Your vitals, including your pulse and heart rate, increase, sending more blood throughout the muscular system. Additionally, your breathing becomes quick and shallow. Remember: anxiety disorder is part of several real health conditions with physical and mental symptoms.

Does Your Anxiety Worsen With Age?

Anxiety doesn’t essentially worsen with age, but the number of individuals that go through anxiety changes over time. Anxiety incidence increases with old age and is actually most prevalent in middle-aged individuals. However, certain types of anxiety affect different people. For example, separation anxiety happens very often in children.

What Are The Most Effective Coping Mechanisms To Help Manage This Mental Health Disorder?

What Are The Negative Emotions That Usually Arise When One Has Anxiety?

Who Is Most Likely To Experience Anxiety?

How Does Anxiety Impact One’s Mental Health?

Why Does Having An Anxiety Disorder Result In So Many Problems?

Bottom Line

Managing an anxiety disorder is centered on prescription medication, lifestyle modifications, and psychological therapy. Talking about anxiety and its treatments, a treatment plan will vary for each individual and is dependent on the type of anxiety disorder that he has and the existence of other conditions.

Self-management is the initial step for dealing with anxious feelings and frequently entails having an active lifestyle, proper time management, and practicing relaxation strategies. If these actions do not help relieve anxious symptoms, consulting a doctor or mental health provider and seeking other treatment forms are equally wise options.

Also, if symptoms are already severe from the start, for instance, in the form of panic attacks, this is an indication that you need to be professionally treated. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other types of therapies can help individuals adjust their responses to stressful life situations and triggers. Therapies can also help control misleading thoughts and replace negative ideations.

Finally, medications that can be used in conjunction with other treatments for anxiety disorders, including beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, can definitely help control anxiety symptoms. They are recommended and controlled by your mental health provider doctor.

Ever since the covid pandemic started, many people experienced all sorts of problems.

The common one is the financial strain because of limited resources. They complain about losing their jobs and struggling with their health symptoms during the Covid pandemic. The situation hinders them from providing for their needs as well as their families. Then there is the boredom and inactivity. Since the health protocol requires a lockdown to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 virus, everyone automatically stayed at home due to mandatory health concerns.

Those are the usual things about the COVID-19 pandemic that everybody knows. And despite those unfortunate circumstances, a lot of people are still thankful for their lives. Many of them even choose to stay optimistic about the COVID-19 situation because they still have their family alive and healthy. But have you tried to wonder what happened to those people who contracted the COVID-19 virus? Have you ever thought about what their lives are like? Have you asked them how they felt once they found out they tested positive for COVID-19 or the disease? Let me walk you through the things about it that perhaps you didn’t know.

The End Isolation

You are way too familiar with COVID-19 social distancing and all that. It is a necessary action that helps in slowing down the number of infected people. You know for sure that once an individual gets positive for the COVID-19 virus, immediate isolation is needed. It is required to stay home all the time. There is nothing that a person can do. But have you imagined how emotionally and mentally painful it is for a person to accept isolation only to save hundreds of different lives through COVID-19 issues? You probably admire that individual’s courage because there is indeed a weighing sacrifice that the person has to make. That includes living far away from his family, staying in a four-cornered room without another individual in sight, and sleeping in bed alone at night. But frankly, that person does not care about other people’s lives. He thinks of the misery and sorrow of his COVID-19 situation, being unable to be with the people he needed the most.

With that in mind, perhaps now you understand why some other people who are COVID-19 positive choose not to tell everyone about their current condition. That is because they do not want to be isolated despite the positive test result. They are afraid to be alone because they know even a limited amount of time can make them feel empty, lonely, and devastated. There is nothing there in an enclosed facility. And even if they get tested and get to stay quarantined in their own homes, their family and friends would not still be there with them. It is entirely a painful battle that no one will understand, not until they are in the same spot, enduring the same physical, mental, and emotional struggle. Everything is farther than what anyone says they can handle.

Meanwhile, there are those people who are always showing support despite the high risk of antigen tests and positive test results from being exposed to covid. Those are individuals who somehow understand the situation. But would it trouble you to know that their supposed concerns are useless? Whatever good and encouraging words they may tell a person with Covid-19 will not work. Apparently, everything is different for the person with the disease. There are too many things going on in his head that are often unbearable. The agony of wanting to go outside and waiting for better results is too overwhelming. There are restrictions and rules that will demand you to wear a mask all the time. There is only the thought of wanting to be with his family again. Unfortunately, that is not an option and surely, you wouldn’t want to wear a mask constantly.

The mental torture of isolation plus the information about COVID-19 is terrifying and can lead to severe illness and complications such as trouble breathing or difficulty breathing. In some instances, COVID-19 can cause an individual to break down and cry for no reason due to being tested positive. Having no one around and not seeing a single soul can entirely make a massive alteration in looking at things about life. At some point, it can pull all sorts of negative thoughts and feelings. These thoughts and feelings can lead to an extreme level of emptiness, which turns into hopelessness, which will eventually encourage self-harm and suicide. You may think that it is an overreaction. But tell that to those people locked in a space and only have themselves for comfort.

Insight

Perhaps you believe there are some things that you or other people can do to save a COVID-19 infected person’s mental health, especially if they test positive. But honestly, to tell you frankly, there is nothing you can do. Your words, no matter how encouraging and amazing they are to hear, it is not going to make a difference one a person finds out that he’s positive for covid. The only person that can help that individual is himself. That person needs to understand that for him to get through the mental and emotional stage of isolation, he must acknowledge life as it is. There should be an understanding that unfairness exists. That no matter how thoughtful and well-informed a person is, there is still no assurance of everything. Things happen for a reason. His emotions and thoughts should come together to enable him to get the optimism he needs, even if there is no guarantee of getting better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Are You Contagious After You Test Positive For COVID-19?

What Medicine Is Good For Covid Cough?

What Should I Do If I Test Positive For Covid?

Is It Good To Have A Shower When You Have Covid?

Can You Sleep In The Same Bed With Someone Who Has Corona Virus?

Is It Bad To Lay In Bed All Day When Sick?

What to do if you test positive for COVID-19 Philippines?

What happens after COVID positive?

How long do COVID symptoms last?

How long does COVID stay?

What to eat when you have COVID?

How long is COVID quarantine?

How to sleep with COVID?

Is the COVID cough wet or dry?

How do I feel better with Covid?

 

 

One of the reasons why most family members do not try and open up their feelings is due to the fear of getting an unwanted response. It is where they build a negative idea of people’s unexpected reactions. Yes, family members understand the frustration of having a mental illness. But unfortunately, there is nothing much they can do about it. And on our part, it is also devastating to see our loved one suffer in pain. We do not want them to feel they are alone in the battle. Thus, we need to acknowledge the importance of assisting them with their mental and emotional needs. Here are some tips we can do to ensure that our loved ones can feel comfortable enough to open up to us.

Source: pexels.com

Tip #1: We Have To Show Them That We Care

This one is pretty much obvious. Often, our loved ones with mental health issues break down and feel devastated when they think we are not there for them. Their thoughts are a bit exaggerated that they somehow misinterpret our actions as those that do not show any concern for them. Sometimes, though we know it is their mental state that causes that mentality, we feel hurt. To avoid that misunderstanding, we should tell ourselves that our loved ones need us more than ever. It is vital that we care about them significantly, even without the assurance of getting it back. Because at their most devastating moments in life, we need to show them that they matter more than anyone else.

Source: pexels.com

Tip #2: Do Not Show Visible Signs Of Negative Emotions

Dealing with family members who have mental illness can be frustrating than anyone can think of. That is because sometimes, even if how much we show and explain to them that all we want is to help, they will continuously shut us off. At that point, we might feel a little angry or annoyed. Understandably, our intentions are pure but some family members will have a hard time dealing with other people because things are too overwhelming for them. That is why, when trying to help, we must not show negative emotions. We must never sigh, frown, smirk, or show any gestures and facial expressions that might represent a negative meaning. We should never make them feel that we are not interested in listening to their emotional crisis. We should never talk to them as if they are stupid.

Source: pexels.com

Tip #3: Never Remind Them That Their Situation Could Get Worse

It is incredibly unhelpful if we constantly tell or remind our loved ones that their mental health issues could worsen. No, it is not true that pushing people to their emotional and mental limits can help them adjust. In fact, it only leads to worsening their cases. All they can think about is how sad, hopeless, and exhausted they are. It is all about their negative emotions. So when we continuously bring up new matters that can trigger their mental and emotional response, they tend to collapse. It will not give them positive thinking and will eventually feel guilty about their situation. Reminding them that they are in a bad health condition will only make them not want to talk about the illness.

Source: pexels.com

Tip #4: Never Relate Their Emotions To Our Experience

Sometimes, when trying to help family members with their emotional problems, we tend to share our experiences. Perhaps that is because we believe their feelings are relatable. We think that whatever it is they are going through, we already managed to experience something like it. But telling our loved ones that they should not feel the way they are supposed to feel just because we already experienced it is bullshit. We have no right to compare their struggles to ours – unless we share the same mental health issues. Mental illness can manifest extreme symptoms compared to other behavioral problems. Aside from that, we need to realize that the whole situation is about our loved ones’ inability to handle their mental and emotional issues. We must never use the situation to validate the relatable experience to turn the attention to us. It is our loved ones who need support so we don’t have to include any of our issues into the matter.

Insight

All this time that we are trying to help our loved ones with their mental and emotional struggle, most of us are doing it wrong. From start to the end of this article, we know we are guilty of doing the opposite of these helpful tips. Understandably, the reason for that is because we are not used to looking at mental health from a more in-depth perspective, so we believe less of it. But realizing that our method is reversible can give us a chance to correct the mistakes we usually do in terms of helping the people we love.

 

During these difficult times, people with physical and intellectual disabilities are among the most heavily affected groups. Even before the pandemic, they already experience several forms of barriers that disallow them to participate in society fully.

As citizens, how can we make sure that we don’t further exclude them in a post-COVID19 world?

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), persons with disabilities make up an estimated 1 billion (15%) of the world’s population, of which about 80 percent are working.

Experts say that work is good for our mental health, but a negative working environment can exacerbate situations and lead to other physical and mental health problems.

“Today, many persons with even the most serious mental illnesses are capable of working in mainstream, competitive jobs,” says, Marjorie L. Baldwin Ph.D., who is a health economist and an economics professor at Arizona State University.

A psychiatric illness like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder has debilitating effects on the person and those around them.

Still, multiple employment support programs have started to address the gaps.  Psychiatrists argue that sustained employment is a crucial factor for recovery.

Creating Flexible And Accessible Working Conditions 

Inclusion in the workplace starts with a good management strategy supported by office policies. Organization leaders must know the benefits of having a diverse workforce and adopt equal opportunity practices that don’t subscribe to the stigma against people with mental illnesses.

Projects that remove physical barriers, improve the delivery of information, and offer specialist counseling and support should be part of the priority.

 

• Focus On Health And Well-Being

Reduce work-related risk factors on staff such as inflexible working hours and high, unrelenting workload. A good program that focuses on staff well-being introduces wholesome games, physical activities, and other recreational options. Of course, suitable healthcare policies are ideal and help enhance employee retention.

 

• Invest In Raising Awareness And Training

Even though a company creates an accessible workplace, the culture and interpersonal relationships between staff play a massive role in ensuring a safe working environment. Sensitivity workshops and communication training will help non-disabled employees to gain more insight into physical and mental disabilities.

 

• Demonstrate Accountability

Leadership commitment is essential before expecting the employees to follow. Increasing transparency and clarifying reporting roles can significantly impact the way mental health is discussed, especially in addressing other types of developmental disabilities like ADHD and ADD. Conversely, disabled persons should also understand and be familiar with workplace policies.

 

• Remove Attitudinal Barriers

A 2017 study commissioned by the UK Prime Minister revealed that from those surveyed, only 11% of staff discussed a recent mental health problem with their manager, while half of the employees say they would opt not to discuss their mental health at all.

Promoting mental health should involve removing the stigma towards persons with disabilities and should rather be seen as capable people that can actively contribute to the company and society.

Why don’t people talk about mental health? Even though there is an increase in awareness about mental health, many people who experience distress try to keep their feelings hidden. Lack of knowledge about protective laws also hinders communities from discussing it.

Workplace cultures designed in a way that people can be themselves will make it easier for employees to speak about health concerns without fear.

Skills Matching And Job Coaching 

Growing up with a mental illness can be very challenging. Coping with a society that isn’t for inclusive access takes time and government intervention to thrive.

Persons with mild conditions or high-functioning disabilities may need minimal support when it comes to job hunting, while others will require a more extended period of guidance. As individuals, how can we help support them?

• Look for a qualified job coach.
• Read about the law against discrimination.
• Find an industry or skills-based job to match.
• Build an attractive resume.
• Create a list of disabled-friendly workplaces.
• Practice the one-on-one interview if possible.

The COVID-19 crisis poses an added threat to people suffering from psychiatric illnesses. The risk in the way most governments respond to the pandemic is that persons with disabilities are getting left behind further, not just medically but also socio-economically.

It’s worth noting that decent and accessible work can make a difference in building resilience among those affected in any crisis.