Friday, February 26, 2016

Anxiety

The first type of mental illness that I want to cover is anxiety. Everyone feels some type of anxiety at some point in their lives. Being a college student, stress is part of my every day life. I am stressed when I have a paper due the next day, and I feel anxious right before a test. An anxiety disorder involves a constant worry and feeling of fear, not just about school work. Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness diagnosed in the United States. Anxiety usually sets in at a young age and is commonly found more in women than men.

Some symptoms of Anxiety include:
  • Feeling tense
  • Irritability
  • Feeling of dread
  • Heart racing
  • Upset stomach
  • Insomnia
  • Sweating
There are a few different types of anxiety disorders. Some people experience panic attacks that can happen at any moment. This can increase their anxiety and cause them to self isolate so that they do not experience an attack like that in public. 

Another type of anxiety disorder are phobias. Phobias are irrational fears that can seriously impact that quality of life of a person depending on their certain type of phobia or phobias. 

Generalized anxiety disorder is another example. This is the constant worry about everyday things. It is impossible to complete even the most simple of tasks without worrying. 

There are other less common types of anxiety such as agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and separation anxiety disorder. 

Genetics and our environments play the biggest part in what causes anxiety. 

There are quite a few different types of treatments available for people who think that they may be experiencing some of these symptoms. There are multiple approaches to different therapies available. Other options would be to take medications, anti anxiety and antidepressants are available if prescribed by a doctor. Relaxation techniques can also be very helpful with improving the quality of everyday life.

Reference:

Anxiety Disorders. (2016). National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders


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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2016 at 9:01 PM

    I really like that you covered more than one mental illness. It is important that people have their mental health in a good place. I think genetics and environment is very important, especially as a child in upbringing! Good job!

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  2. Jenna RossiMarch 1, 2016 at 1:54 PM

    I like that you mentioned how everyone experiences anxiety at one time or another in their life because you are exactly right. Especially at the college age. I agree with Jessica when she said it is important that our mental health is in a good place. I am glad you listed treatments as well. This was a very helpful post.

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  3. UnknownMarch 3, 2016 at 5:02 PM

    Anxiety is so real and serious. I have met a lot of people our age in college get panic and having break downs from being overloaded with the amount of work they do. Knowing that.. I then wonder if stress can be the reason for mild anxiety.

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