We Are Living in Dangerous Times, Part 7

By now you are almost an expert in understanding why some people suffer from anxiety and anxiety disorder. Always remember that from time to time, all of us suffer from some form of fear and anxiety in response to circumstantial occurrences. It is thus important to recognize anxiety at the very onset in order to address and control it.

Signs and symptoms related to anxiety and anxiety disorder

1. Fixation upon the outcome of events. People who worry excessively about the outcome of events are suffering from anxiety disorder. They worry about “what might happen”. What is troubling is that they worry about the most usual, everyday or routine things, such as waking up in the morning, traveling to the office, and so on.

2. Restlessness and difficulty in concentrating. They lose focus in what they do or in what they are doing. They sit and move around with half-done work and mull or think about useless and inconsequential possibilities. They are rigid and glued at “what ifs”.

3. Problem with decision-making. People who suffer from anxiety disorder cannot even make daily decisions. They are indecisive even on daily tasks. They exhibit nervousness when confronted with choices and they find it very difficult to arrive at satisfying decision.

4. Worrying about anxiety. They are usually aware of their anxious nature and they worry about their mental state in the future. The idea about stress makes them anxious.

5. Physical manifestations mental stress. They feel tired, irritable, and fatigued because of the mental stress.

6. Sweating. Individuals who are suffering from anxiety and anxiety disorder complain about profuse sweating. They suffer from profuse sweating even without any activity.

7. Shortness of breath. People with anxiety disorder have symptoms related to breathing difficulty, palpitations, light-headedness, and sometimes, even passing out.

8. Insomnia. A person with anxiety disorder suffers from difficulty in falling asleep because of an emotional turmoil. This may go on for days and even if he gains sleep, the quality of sleep is not good. He does not feel rested at all.

9. Irrational fears. Individuals who are suffering from disorders related to anxiety have fears that go out of proportion. Their phobias and fears are thus considered unreasonable.

10. Chronic indigestion. In some severe cases of anxiety disorder, the gut is affected. Irritable bowel syndrome sets in form of unexplained abdominal pains and bloating, and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation.

(To be continued)