Introduction
Anxiety is a feeling that all of us encounter in our lives. When you undergo Anxiety, you get into the flight, fight, freeze and flock mode.
Most of us aren't aware that we have anxiety issues. According to a research study, Anxiety is the most commonly encountered psychological disorder. It is as common as cold and cough.
Whenever your tendency is to avoid a situation or escape a situation you are an anxious person.
What exactly is Anxiety?
Situational anxiety is normal anxiety and is what all of us face. For eg:
1. When a mad dog chases you
2. When a child comes home late from school
3. When you have to attend an interview
Apart from this, if you feel anxious in the day to day activities like, travelling, social gatherings, staying at home etc., then you have an anxiety-related disorder.
The symptoms of anxiety-related disorders are palpitations, over thinking, palms becoming cold, dry mouth, frequent urination, breathlessness etc.
People who have anxiety do not complete their tasks.
The anxiety experienced by an individual can be categorised into the following:
1. Natural Anxiety
2. Pathological Anxiety
3. Panic Anxiety
4. Social Anxiety
5. Separation Anxiety
6. Performance Anxiety
Why do we feel Anxious?
Anxiety has several causes, including but not limited to, Genetic, Environmental, Situational, Over-protectiveness and Carelessness.
We feel anxious because we do not know how to deal with the situation; our mind goes into a hyperdrive of fear and worry, preventing us from thinking normally.
Techniques and Treatment
There are several techniques and therapies that help us deal with Anxiety.
1. The Rubber Band trick: Tie a rubber band around your wrist and every time you feel anxious, snap the rubber band slightly to cause a mild sense of pain. This is a subconscious way of conditioning the mind to not feel anxious.
2. Psychotherapies: There are tons and tons of therapies like Graphotherapy, CBT, Adlerian Therapy, Existential Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy to name a few.
3. Anxiety Worksheets: Anxiety worksheets are tools used in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
4. Mindful walking: Mindful walking, also known as Meditation walking, is a practice that requires an individual to be fully aware of his movements while walking. This helps one come close to nature and their body, increases concentration and reduces anxiety.
5. Counselling: The most useful and time-proven way against anxiety is to talk about the issue. Talking can really help reduce anxiety levels. A counsellor and a psychologist can play a great role in helping people with anxiety issues.