Anxiety is a basic human emotion. In threatening situations, this state manifests itself with increased arousal negative feelings sensations.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety only becomes a problem when it assumes greater proportions and alarms the body when, objectively speaking, there is actually no danger at all, so that the quality of life of the person affected is restricted. Whether children, adults or senior citizens, everyone gets into situations that cause them anxiety from time to time. Even courageous and especially brave people cannot absolve themselves of it, and that is a good thing. Fear is important because it warns us of danger, puts our body on alert, and thus makes us ready to fight or flee in order to ensure survival in the worst case. Fear only becomes a problem when it assumes greater proportions and alerts the body when, objectively speaking, there is actually no danger at all, so that the quality of life of the person affected is restricted.
Causes
Most often, anxiety is triggered by a threat to physical integrity, self-image, or self-esteem. Thus, these differences refer to object-related fear (e.g., fear of a predator) or object-unspecific fear (e.g., fear of having a heart attack). The causes of anxiety are as varied as the anxiety itself. In most cases, several factors play a role. People who suddenly develop anxiety in situations in which they were previously perfectly calm are generally in a difficult phase of life. Stress, family problems or an unstable environment can promote anxiety. In addition, a closer look usually reveals triggers in the past. Bad or even traumatic experiences can lead to the development of fears that are sometimes only remotely related to what was actually experienced, but are associated with it in the subconscious. Many people fear going crazy or being considered abnormal in front of other people because of the fears, which are often perceived as irrational themselves. However, any form of fear is a normal reaction to certain experiences that one has had and only serves to protect the person concerned. Despite this negative image of fear, through evolution fear has become a useful tool for humans. The most important function is the sharpening of the senses as a protective mechanism in dangerous situations. Thus, the body can react faster in case of danger (e.g. escape) or act more consciously and quickly in various behavioral moments. Fear can function unconsciously or consciously. However, if isolated anxiety situations develop into a permanent condition and paralysis or loss of control occurs, we speak of an anxiety disorder.
Diseases with this symptom
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart attack
- Pulmonary embolism
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
- Left heart failure
- Angina pectoris
- Irritable bowel
- Insect venom allergy
- Anxiety disorder
- Fear of heights
- Claustrophobia
- Dental phobia
- Borderline Syndrome
- Affective disorders
- Fear of flying (aviophobia)
- Agoraphobia
- Arachnophobia
- Social phobia (social phobia)
Symptoms and signs
Although anxiety, in general, is itself considered a symptom, other physical symptoms are in turn typical signs of anxiety. Thus, physical symptoms are not pathological and are intended to ensure physical integrity (e.g., survival) in the face of danger. Simply put, fear is a preparation for flight or fight situations.
- Strong attention, pupilsgrößernsich, visual and auditory nerves become more sensitive.
- Strong muscle tension, faster reaction speed
- Faster heart rate, increased blood pressure
- Faster and shallower breathing
- More energy supply in muscles
- Physical reactions (e.g. sweating, trembling and dizziness).
- Bladder, bowel and stomach activity are inhibited during the state of anxiety.
- Nausea and shortness of breath sometimes occur
- Molecular release in sweat, which subconsciously cause alarm in other people.
However, fear is not only shown by physical characteristics.Facial expressions and speech toward others are also thought to influence social bonding (e.g., asking for protection in the face of danger).
Complications
Based on the assumption that anxiety is physiologically based and does not occur pathologically in a normally nonanxiety-provoking situation, complications associated with anxiety are rare. However, if anxiety occurs as a symptom of a condition, such as a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder, complications may well occur. Probably the most common complication that occurs with anxiety or in connection with anxiety is avoidance behavior. The anxiety-triggering situation is avoided because of the anxiety that occurs. This can lead to restrictions in everyday life and burden the affected person for this reason. This is especially the case when the fear occurs in everyday situations, e.g. when driving a car. If the affected person now develops avoidance behavior, he or she will no longer get into cars and is thus enormously restricted in everyday life. Furthermore, an occurring fear can also “develop” to such an extent that a phobic disorder develops. If such a disorder is developed, often the mere thought of the fear-triggering situation leads to anxiety. If this cycle is not broken, it can sometimes even lead to the development of a “fear of fear”. In general, however, it can be said that “anxiety” normally occurs naturally and is not pathological, and thus is very unlikely to lead to complications.
When should you go to the doctor?
To a small degree, anxiety is completely normal. However, if anxiety is a regular occurrence or leads to severe suffering, a visit to the doctor is advisable. This is especially true if there is no rational reason for the anxiety and it cannot be controlled. The feeling does not have to be severe: Constant discomfort that cannot be clearly attributed and lasts for long periods of time should also be taken seriously. At the latest when the anxiety leads to restrictions, help is advisable. Such limitations include, for example, the irrational avoidance of situations, places, objects, animals or people – but also the neglect of duties, recurring conflicts, social isolation or excessive withdrawal into one’s own home. The development of other psychological or physical symptoms is also an indication that help is appropriate. Warning signs include obsessive-compulsive behavior, depressed mood, changes in eating patterns and weight, cardiovascular symptoms, breathing difficulties, pain, and many others. Particularly in the case of panic attacks, it must be ruled out that symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat and tingling are not due to a physical cause. Otherwise, there is a risk of overlooking an organic disease. Even if panic attacks and anxiety are psychological, there are many advantages to seeking help early on. Affected individuals in Germany can also contact a psychological psychotherapist directly if they suspect that the anxiety does not have a physical cause.
Treatment and therapy
Normally, anxiety does not need to be treated because it is harmless to humans. The anxiety reactions, such as rapid pulse, subside shortly after a threatening situation. If the anxiety becomes overwhelming, the first path should naturally lead to the family doctor and then to a psychotherapist. The earlier the anxiety is treated, the better the first successes can be achieved. It is important not to try to suppress your fears with the help of medication, but to allow them and to deal with them and their causes. Various forms of therapy, such as behavioral therapy or depth psychology therapy, can help to make everyday life more bearable again. Once the causes have been clarified, care should also be taken to ensure that there are no factors in the affected person’s environment that exacerbate the anxiety. A healthier lifestyle, regular rest and sufficient exercise are also part of successful treatment. For example, relaxation techniques such as autogenic training and regular jogging or walking can help reduce anxiety. In the case of anxiety disorders caused by psychosomatic factors, such as panic attacks or cardiac psychosis, thereuptic treatment is advisable. Many patients with anxiety disorders also complain of pain, so self-treatment is not beneficial.Furthermore, autogenic training can be helpful. In addition, the causes of anxiety should be questioned and, if necessary, also examined in therapy.
Outlook and prognosis
Although anxiety disorders and phobias can have many different triggers, most patients are advised to undergo confrontation therapy. Especially in the case of phobias that relate to very specific stimulus triggers, this is also usually crowned with success. However, it is important to proceed cautiously and not to risk aggravation by overtaxing. A complete and lasting cure from anxiety cannot be guaranteed even with the best confrontation therapy. People who are prone to phobic disorders anyway sometimes struggle with anxiety throughout their lives despite therapy, and it is especially important then not to give in to fears and to nip newly developing phobias in the bud. Others never have another relapse after successful completion of therapy and lead a fear-free life – apart from concrete and rationally justifiable occasions. In the case of anxiety disorders that occur comorbidly as a result of other mental disorders or neurodiversity, such as autism or ADHD, treatment is far more complicated because the cause is different. Consequently, prognosis is also far more difficult. Some of these anxiety triggers can be treated themselves, which then also takes away the anxiety. Especially when autism, which is congenital and not “curable,” and the problems that go along with it are triggers for the anxiety, pure confrontation therapy, which is based on conditioning, should be discouraged in case of doubt, as it can very likely even worsen the symptomatology in autistic people in the long run.
Prevention
Of course, there is no sure protection against anxiety; in principle, it can affect anyone. Nevertheless, there are things you can do to reduce the risk. Those who take good care of themselves and regularly allow themselves rest breaks despite work and stress are usually much more relaxed. In addition, not only psychological but also physical symptoms should be taken seriously, since psychological problems often manifest themselves in physical illnesses if they are ignored. People who make up their problems with themselves and are rather secretive are more prone to psychological complaints than open and talkative people who confide in someone with their problems and with their anxiety.
Home remedies and herbs for anxiety
What you can do yourself
Affected people can do something about their fear themselves. The first essential step is to first increase their own sensations. This involves recognizing the extent to which the feelings of anxiety affect everyday life. In order to better control the anxiety, medical advice is necessary. Furthermore, various training programs can provide relief. Particularly in the case of fear of flying or of visits to the dentist, relaxation techniques help to successfully overcome anxiety. For those affected, it is advisable to participate in conflict counseling. Here, interpersonal problems are uncovered and solved. In this way it is possible to treat anxiety. Relaxation methods such as progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, as well as biofeedback can help against anxiety. The latter enables the perception of certain bodily functions. These are influenced voluntarily with the help of a device. This helps to ease muscle tension. Those affected should reduce stress. There are numerous methods for doing this. Stress management helps to organize everyday tasks and to cope with them safely. Anxious permanent tension is thereby lowered. Stress management is offered in numerous facilities such as health centers. In addition, individuals suffering from anxiety should maintain a healthy lifestyle. This basically promotes healing processes and improves energy potential. Likewise, sufferers should engage in regular physical activity and exercise within appropriate limits. This is good for blood circulation and strengthens the body’s functions. In the case of anxiety, as well as depression, drive means a positive engine that boosts the self-healing powers.
