What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness. It is a natural stress response but can become problematic when it persists and starts interfering with daily activities. Anxiety disorders are a group of conditions that involve excessive and persistent anxiety beyond what may be expected in a situation.
What are examples of anxiety disorder?
1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): persistent and excessive worrying about multiple areas of life, such as work, relationships, health, etc.
2. Panic Disorder: recurrent panic attacks, which are sudden intense episodes of fear, accompanied by physical symptoms of rapid heartbeat, sweating, and shortness of breath.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): extreme fear and anxiety in social situations, fearing embarrassment or scrutiny from others.
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): recurring intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) performed to alleviate anxiety.
5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
6. Specific Phobias: intense, irrational fear of specific objects, situations, or activities, such as heights, spiders, flying, etc.
7. Separation Anxiety Disorder: excessive anxiety when separated from home, loved ones, or attachment figures.
8. Selective Mutism: inability to speak in certain social situations despite speaking in other settings.
9. Illness Anxiety (hypochondria): an excessive preoccupation with having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance.
10. Agrophobia: fear of being in situations of places where escape might be difficult or embarrassing if panic-like symptoms occur.
Who is affected by anxiety?
Anxiety can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic status. However, some people are more prone to developing anxiety due to certain factors which include: family history (e.g., having a close family member with anxiety increases one’s likelihood of developing anxiety), trauma (e.g., physical or sexual abuse), chronic medical conditions (e.g., individuals with a medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease are at an increased risk of developing anxiety), or substance abuse (e.g., alcohol or drug use can contribute to the development of anxiety).
What are some case examples of someone who suffers from anxiety?
Case Study 1: Mild Anxiety
Sarah is a 28-year-old working professional who experiences occasional worry and unease before work presentations. She finds it a bit challenging to focus and gets physically restless. Although Sarah’s anxiety is not persistent or intent it affects her performance and causes mild distress.
Case Study 2: Moderate Anxiety
Mark is a 43-year-old man who frequently worries about his financial future and the well-being of his family. His anxiety often led to difficulties in concentration, appetite changes, and occasional panic attacks. His anxiety has started to impact his relations and work productivity.
Case Study 3: Severe Anxiety
Anna is a 35-year-old woman who experiences constant and intense anxiety that lasts for most of the day. She has difficulty controlling her worry, which encompasses various aspects of her life. Anna frequently experiences physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness, even when there is no apparent danger present. Her anxiety has severely affected her ability to maintain a job and engage in daily activities. She avoids social situations and isolates herself from friends and family. Anna’s severe anxiety significantly impairs her quality of life.
Please note that names have been changed to protect anonymity.
To learn more about how we treat anxiety
At IH Psychotherapy, our compassionate and holistic approach to treating anxiety is rooted in empathy, understanding, and non-judgmental support. We strive to help our clients manage their symptoms, develop healthier coping strategies, and cultivate a sense of calm, resilience and inner peace.