Anxiety

There are a few different types of anxiety disorders. One can have a Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Performance Anxiety, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder, is a common anxiety disorder and it is defined as having excessive worry persistent for at least 6 months.  

Phobias are also a type of anxiety disorder which has to do with persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. For example, agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder that causes people to avoid places or situations where they may feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed.  

Sometimes having high levels of anxiety can lead to feelings of depression. Many people who have anxiety disorders also suffer from depressive symptoms as well.  

Once you have been established to have an anxiety disorder by a qualified medical professional, a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) will often be offered as the first line anxiety treatment. SSRIs can actually treat both anxiety and depression. SSRIs, are therefore, also considered to be antidepressant medication. SSRIs can take a period of time, sometimes up to 6 weeks to fully kick in. SSRIs have been around for a while and have been known to be effective in treating anxiety. They do have some potential side effects that can occur at the beginning of treatment, these usually go away within 7-10 days. These common side effects can include headache, drowsiness, upset stomach, and sleep disturbances. However, there are other side effects that can become intolerable over time, such as sexual dysfunction and weight gain. There are also many other classes of medications used to treat anxiety, such as Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), Benzodiazepines, Non-Benzodiazepine Anxiolytics, Antihistamines, Tranquilizers, and Tricyclic Antidepressants. These medications help to reduce the level of anxiety and prevent panic attacks.  

Besides being treated with prescription medication, counseling or therapy is also often recommended. You can find both local or online therapy services. The combination of both medication and therapy have been proven to be effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Stress management techniques are also strategies that you can use minimize the intensity of your anxiety. Eating a healthy diet, avoiding the use of alcohol and recreational drugs as well as engaging in physical exercise can also help you manage your anxiety well.