Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health challenges today, yet they often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Thus, awareness of anxiety disorders and early symptoms is important to get timely treatment.

 Let’s step forward to break the stigma around mental health, encourage open conversations, and raise awareness with us:

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a very natural response by a person to stress or any harmful situation. Occasional anxiety is present in almost every person, but persistent anxiety is a serious mental health condition that needs attention. When feelings of anxiety surround you constantly and interfere with daily activities, they can develop into an anxiety disorder. However the technically anxiety and stress are both different things.

It covers the feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure. Those having anxiety disorders cannot perform well in their daily activities, schoolwork, and relationships.

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

The symptoms of anxiety disorder vary person to person, but common signs include:

• The emotional signs include feelings of apprehension or dread, restlessness, irritability, and expecting the worst.
• The physical symptoms include pounding or racing heart, shortness of breath, sweating, tremors, headaches, fatigue, and insomnia.
• There are also prominent signs in behaviour, such as avoiding feared situations, compulsive behaviours, and difficulty concentrating.

Causes and Risk Factors of Anxiety Disorders

The development of anxiety disorders is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, psychological, and developmental factors. Risk factors include:

• Genetics due to a family history of anxiety or other mental health challenges.
• Brain chemistry, such as imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.
• Certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders.
• Life events such as trauma, abuse, or significant life changes, such as mental disorder, being an immigrant also also increase the risk of developing anxiety disorder.
• Health conditions like chronic illnesses or other mental health disorders.

What are the Types of Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders comprise various conditions, each with unique features:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is characterized by chronic and exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it. Individuals with GAD may expect disaster and may be overly concerned about health, money, family, or work. Symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. 

Panic Disorder

This disorder provokes sudden and unexpected panic attacks in cases of intense fear that may include palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; sweating; trembling or shaking; sensations of shortness of breath; feelings of choking; and fear of impending doom. These attacks can occur unexpectedly or be triggered by a feared object or situation.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

It is an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social situations. People with this disorder often experience overwhelming anxiety in everyday interactions, such as meeting new people, speaking in public, or even eating in front of others. With this fear, people avoid going to social gatherings, and it impacts a person’s personal, academic, and professional life.

Specific Phobias

Specific phobias are intense, irrational fears caused by particular objects, animals, situations, or activities. Common specific phobias include fear of heights, spiders, flying, or needles. Individuals with specific phobias may go far to avoid encounters with the feared object or situation, which can significantly interfere with daily life.

Agoraphobia

This is a phobia that involves fear and avoidance of places or situations that might cause panic, entrapment, helplessness, or embarrassment. People may avoid public transportation, open spaces, enclosed places, crowds, or being outside alone. 

Separation Anxiety Disorder

This disorder is usually associated with children. It involves excessive fear or anxiety about separation from those to whom the individual is attached. Symptoms may include nightmares, physical complaints, and excessive worry about losing the person. 

Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, despite speaking in other settings. It can interfere with school, work, and social functioning.

 Diagnosis and Treatment Of Anxiety

Diagnosis involves a detailed evaluation, including a physical examination and psychological assessments. Treatment options include:

• Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective, helping people identify and manage anxiety-inducing thoughts and behaviors.
• Medications: Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta-blockers may be prescribed.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, stress management techniques, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet can alleviate symptoms.
• Support Groups: Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide comfort and coping strategies.

Contact Inner Voice Therapy in Mississauga, CA

If you are looking for compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health support, get inclusive therapy in Mississauga from Inner Voice Therapy. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship issues, our team of therapists offers a safe space for healing and growth.

The best part is that we offer therapy in multiple languages, including English, Punjabi, and Urdu, ensuring accessibility for diverse communities. Reach out to us to begin your journey of self-empowerment and mental wellness.