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Anxiety

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety can be defined as the natural response of a human body to danger. Under any kind of pressure, stress and even threat, an alarm is likely to ring in an individual. Anxiety is not harmful when in moderation. But when it overwhelms, it tends to put a serious restraint on the activities of an individual and the relationships that he or she nurtures.

There can be different kinds of anxiety, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and specific phobias.

Most
Common
Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitation
  • Excessive perspiration in hands and feet
  • Sleeplessness
  • Feeling of fear and uneasiness

How Can I Help Fight Anxiety

Anxiety disorder is a single disorder and varies from one person to another. But one thing that remains constant among all the different people undergoing anxiety disorder is the element of fear. Each and every individual suffering from anxiety gets extremely worried and afraid. Thus, following certain simple steps for fighting anxiety could be of great help.

  • Taking some time out

    When brimming with fear or anxiety, it would be literally impossible to think with clarity. Hence, when undergoing anxiety, you should try hard and take some time out so that you could take yourself out of the situation and be able to think clearly. You should calm down both physically and mentally. Sipping some warm or cold beverage, taking a shower or a stroll could help you take time out.

  • Don't shy away from fear

    When you try and avoid fears, they would only get scarier. Instead you should try and face the fears. This way you would find the fears gradually fading away. If a fear factor is associated in boarding a particular bus or visiting a particular place, instead of avoiding it you should repeat your action the very next time. You would be pleasantly surprised to see how your fear would actually fade out.

  • Try an effective breathing technique

    When you go through anxiety disorder and feel panicked and get either a faster heartbeats or rigorously sweating palms, you should try and breathe slowly and deeply. Deep breathing helps your mind to cope with panic and eventually takes away the fear element.

  • Try to visualise the worse and feel thankful that you are better off

    When you feel panicked because of an anxiety disorder, although a feeling of fear would encompass you, but you could try and imagine a worse situation where panic could result in having a heart attack; Escaping such a danger could make you feel relaxed and you could actually end up thanking your stars;

  • Talk about your anxiety disorder

    When you share your feeling of fear, it is sure to reduce considerably. You could try and talk to a family member, a friend or your partner. However, if you are not comfortable doing that, you should consult a GP who could get you connected to a professional counsellor. Keeping quiet and nurturing fear could only worsen the situation.