According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the term "anxiety disorder" refers to specific psychiatric disorders that involve extreme fear or worry, and includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder and panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, selective mutism, separation anxiety, and specific phobias.
Anxiety Disorder can be influenced by a series of factors including genetics, personality, brain chemistry and life events. In my case, my Mother started experiencing panic attacks in her 30's and I started having panic attacks after ending a traumatic relationship and losing my son to cancer.
These symptoms go away for a time but then can be triggered upon stress and fear. Having an Anxiety Disorder not only affects a person mentally but in the long run, if not treated, can also affect a person physically. So, what does a person go through when they have Anxiety? Everyone experiences Anxiety - so imagine being tensed for a job interview or over excited about something like talking in front of a large crowd, your heart rate increases and you get butterflies in your stomach. Now, if we are talking about GAD or General Anxiety Disorder then this person will most likely suffer from the same at a heightened level but at anytime, with no reason - Anxiety disorder is extreme worry but some can still do day-to-day activities.
There are several Anxiety Disorders and I have this disorder with Panic attacks plus phobias. So, I have extreme worry about the smallest things that sometimes triggers my panic attacks. Panic Attacks can make you physically feel the following, maybe one, but sometimes more:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Stomach pains
Emotionally and mentally, a person with Anxiety Disorder can experience these (this differs per person):
- Sense of doom
- Sadness
- Everybody hates you
- Loss of interest in activities or loved ones
- Feeling of guilt
- Irritability
All these again differ per person, but do know this can happen at any time of the day, when you least expect it and you cannot explain as to why it is happening. It's been more than 6 months since my panic attacks returned and my life has been affected greatly, I am no longer able to use public transport, a large crowd makes me feel nauseous, travelling long distances creates fear, anything not familiar to me will trigger my excessive worry, like a new place to go to or a long line to wait for. It's been a battle for me to keep up with my fast paced life that even attending blog events has been a challenge.
I do feel bad when I am asked to join an event or to travel somewhere when I am limited by my Anxiety Disorder. Imagine that I am a google map with a radius of 2 - 4KMS - that's how far my condition will allow me to travel.
I have had my check up with a Psychiatrist, I am working on journaling, yoga at home, purchased an ebike to travel around more with ease and will hopefully get to attend therapy in the future. I have also limited my intake of caffeine and sweets which could get me too excited, thank you to Kaycee (The Macho Mom aka kikaysikat.com) who advised me to do so and I acquired a PWD ID to help me cope with long lines at supermarkets and government offices.
What can you do if you think you have an Anxiety Disorder or know someone that may have it: acknowledge that it's happening - you need to accept that it's there and you need help. Seek professional advise and DO NOT SELF DIAGNOSE. There are several places in the Philippines where you can get consultation for free or for lower fees, you can see the list here: LIST OF HELP HERE and click this for Checks ups for under 500Php, Help Lines and Support Groups.
I hope this has helped you understand what Anxiety Disorder is like and maybe help someone who is suffering too. My main message for those that feel that they are suffering from Anxiety is to get help and for those who are reading this because they want to know what Anxiety Disorder is, I hope I have enlightened you - please feel free to message me for questions.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is not meant to diagnose any of the symptoms listed, this is just to help spread awareness. Please always consult a professional to determine the diagnosis of what you are suffering from.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is not meant to diagnose any of the symptoms listed, this is just to help spread awareness. Please always consult a professional to determine the diagnosis of what you are suffering from.
YOU ARE A STRONG WOMAN NEVER FORGET THAT
ReplyDeleteHi, I just want to thank you for this piece of knowledge. Also you are very brave to share your experience and support others experiencing similar issues. You are strength indeed!I wish you all the best and once again thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. You are truly inspirational x.
ReplyDelete