5 Things You Need to Know About Anxiety

Ever feel like you are overly anxious? Or perhaps you are concerned someone close to you is facing a form of anxiety. Either way, it's best to know all the facts if you want to ensure you support them or find the right support for yourself.In this mental health-conscious world, make sure you are aware of the ins and outs of one of the most common mental health disorders. Generalised Anxiety Disorder is estimated to affect up to 5% of the UK population. It may seem like a small percentage, but when you realise there are 66 million people in the UK, the number is much larger than it first appears.Please keep reading for the top five facts you need to know about anxiety, including the best ways to overcome symptoms and stamp out the anxiety for good.

There Are Different Types of Anxiety

The first thing you need to know about anxiety is that it isn't a one-size-fits-all mental health disorder. Not only does anxiety cause different behaviours and emotions in each person it effects, but there are also specific types too.Generalised Anxiety Disorder is the most common form of anxiety and is when a person can feel overly anxious about various situations, people or triggers which cause them to panic or feel uncomfortable. However, there are other types which can be linked to specific triggers which cause a person to feel anxious.For example, social anxiety disorder causes people to be self-conscious in social situations and isolate themselves from others or events which cause them to be unconformable. Furthermore, the disabling fear of scrutiny, humiliation or embarrassment causes them to miss out on potentially fun and memories events and activities by making them hide away from the world.Another form of anxiety is separation anxiety which can be caused by past trauma leading a person to attach themselves to another person and feel anxious when they are without them. Symptoms include constant thoughts, intense fears about the safety of the person as well as physical complaints like stomach aches when they are apart.

Not Enough People Seek Treatment

Another shocking fact about anxiety is that not enough people who suffer from this disorder receive the treatment they need. Sometimes, this can be down to the person not having the confidence to seek out therapy as anxious thoughts make them isolate themselves. However, it can also be down to long waiting times and rejection from NHS specialist mental health services.Only 36.9% of those who suffer from anxiety receive treatment meaning there are nearly 2/3rds of people facing it alone. Even more concerning is that only 1 in 5 teens facing anxiety receive treatment as well, making this transitional period of their childhood even more difficult for them. More people need to seek out help, and there need to be more services available now for those who need support and guidance.

There Are Many Different Types of Symptoms

Often people associate anxiety with panic attacks; the erratic heartbeats, shortness of breath and dizziness brought on by being in an uncomfortable situation. However, there are different symptoms you need to be aware of if you feel like you suffer from anxiety or know someone who does.Sufferers can be tormented by obsessive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks and even physical symptoms whenever their anxiety is heightened. These symptoms can be scary, especially when they start to happen out of the blue. Knowing what to expect can make it easier for you to feel an anxiety attack oncoming and also control them in the future.

People Who Suffer From Anxiety Are More Likely to Face Depression

It is estimated that almost half of all people with depression can face anxiety too. It can often feel like a double punch to mental health, facing both of these severe disorders at once. Anxiety brings on worry, panic attacks and nightmares, whereas depression can send you into a deep spiral of sadness, self-loathing and confusion.It doesn't just have to be Generalised Anxiety Disorder which can impact the development of depression. One study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that people who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a form of anxiety, are particularly likely to suffer from depression too.

How to Overcome Anxiety

Now that you understand therapy a little more, our last top fact covers the major ways you can control and overcome your anxiety, no matter the form. One of the lesser-known ways to ground yourself is through exercise. Not only are there amazing physical benefits, but exercise can reduce anxiety too. Next time you are feeling your anxiety increasing, take yourself out for a walk or a job, or even pick up some weights at home and let the endorphins (happy hormones) be released into your system.A second, extremely important, tactic for overcoming your anxiety is to seek outside support. Therapy is the best way to understand your mental health and anxiety more so that you can see which triggers your anxious feelings and panic attacks. An expert therapist, like myself, can provide you with tips on how to reduce and control symptoms and overcome your anxiety in the long run.Check out my website to learn more about my services as a therapist and how I can benefit you in your journey to overcoming anxiety. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world, and many people suffer from some form of it at a point in their lives. With my expert guidance and caring support, you can look forward to a future where anxiety no longer plagues your thoughts, feelings and behaviour.