Anxiety

Women frozen with anxiety in public

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when a person frequently experiences disproportionate levels of anxiety, it may become a mental health disorder. Anxiety disorders form a category of mental health diagnoses associated with excessive nervousness, fear, apprehension, and worry, which can also present as physical symptoms. These disorders alter how a person processes their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Mild anxiety might be vague and unsettling, while severe anxiety may significantly affect day-to-day functioning.

Options Available for Treating Anxiety

Psychotherapy Treatments may include:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This is one of the most effective treatment approaches for anxiety, focusing on identifying, understanding, and changing thinking and behaviour patterns. Benefits are usually seen in a relatively short amount of time, and CBT involves learning skills that help manage anxiety and improve daily functioning.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This therapy approach uses strategies including acceptance and mindfulness, combined with commitment and behaviour-change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility.

Medication: While psychotherapy and behavioural strategies are the cornerstones of anxiety treatment, medication can also play a crucial role, especially in severe cases. Medications like antidepressants and anxiolytics, under careful monitoring by a family physician or psychiatrist, are used to manage symptoms.

Stress Management Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices can help reduce anxiety symptoms by enhancing emotional regulation and relaxation.

Lifestyle Modifications: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and reducing caffeine and sugar intake can significantly decrease anxiety symptoms.

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