que es la ansiedad

Some doubts about anxiety disorders

Psychology

Anxiety is a natural and adaptive response of the human body to situations of danger, stress or uncertainty. It is a normal emotion that we all experience at certain times in life. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, persistent and interferes significantly with a person's daily life, it can become an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are mental conditions that are characterised by the chronic presence of anxiety and can include symptoms such as panic attacks, specific phobias, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, among others.

What are the symptoms of anxiety disorders?

Many people wonder how a person with anxiety disorder feels. Symptoms of anxiety disorder include excessive and difficult-to-control worry about a wide range of events or activities, accompanied by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, abdominal discomfort and muscle tension. People with anxiety disorder may also experience problems falling asleep, irritability, difficulty concentrating, constant fatigue and avoidance of situations that may trigger anxiety. These symptoms often persist for a prolonged period of time and may worsen over time if not treated appropriately. It is essential to seek professional help if you experience these symptoms in order to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How long can an anxiety attack last?

The duration of an anxiety attack can vary significantly from person to person and can also depend on several factors, such as the severity of the anxiety disorder, the triggering situation and the coping strategies used. In general, an anxiety attack can last from a few minutes to several hours. In some cases, symptoms may disappear quickly, while in other cases they may persist for a longer period of time.

It is important to note that anxiety attacks do not usually pose immediate physical danger to the person experiencing them, although they can be extremely distressing. However, if symptoms are severe or recurrent, it is essential to seek professional help to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment that can help manage symptoms and prevent future anxiety attacks.

What is good for calming anxiety?

There are a number of strategies and techniques that can help calm anxiety. Here are some suggestions:

  1. Deep breathing: Practising deep breathing techniques can help reduce anxiety. Exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing can be helpful in promoting relaxation.
  2. Physical exercise: Regular exercise can be beneficial in reducing anxiety levels. Activities such as walking, running, swimming or yoga can help release tension and promote emotional well-being.
  3. Meditation and mindfulness: Meditation and mindfulness practice can help calm the mind and reduce anxiety. These techniques involve paying full attention to the present moment and can be helpful in reducing worry and stress.
  4. Limit caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can increase anxiety in some people. Limiting consumption of these substances can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
  5. Establish routines and boundaries: Maintaining a structured daily routine and setting healthy boundaries around work, social networking and other activities can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and promote emotional balance.
  6. Seek social support: Talking to friends, family or a mental health professional can provide emotional support and help reduce feelings of isolation.
  7. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): Cognitive behavioural therapy is an effective therapeutic approach to treating anxiety. Working with a therapist can help identify and change patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to anxiety.

It is important to remember that what works for one person may not work for another, so it is useful to try different strategies and techniques to find the ones that are most effective in each particular case. If anxiety persists or significantly interferes with daily life, it is advisable to seek professional help.

 

At Body & Mind, we can help you if you suffer from any of these symptoms. Contact our psychology service and we talk.

More information on the WHO website: Anxiety disorders.