A lot of people suffer from worry. But in a few cases, this worry starts meddling with one’s day-to-day activities. This condition is called anxiety. Anxiety disorders have become extremely rampant with one in four people suffering from it.
Knowing more about anxiety is an effective way of dealing with this traumatic disorder. Here, we will have a look at the top 10 facts about anxiety that can help you in better understanding and managing the condition.
Level of worry
On average, general worriers tend to spend approximately 55 minutes a day worrying. However, people with grave anxiety disorders spend as much as 300 minutes in a day worrying.
Several types
Anxiety can be classified into several types such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and different phobias.
Exercise is an effective way of battling anxiety
When a person is suffering from anxiety, the stress hormones build up, causing the physical symptoms of anxiety. Indulging into some physical activity is the best way to bring down those surged hormones. Also, exercise helps to counterbalance the neurochemicals that contribute to anxiety.
Physical symptoms
Anxiety can trigger physical symptoms in a lot of people. The most common symptoms seen during a panic attack are nausea, shaking, dizziness, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat and headache.
Genetics
Genetics can play a huge role. If either one or both of your parents are suffering from anxiety, you are most likely to inherit it.
Anxiety can confuse the sense of smell
People suffering from anxiety are more likely to take neutral smells as foul ones. Generally, as a person processes smells, only the body’s olfactory system gets activated. However, in the case of a person with anxiety, the emotional system gets entwined as well.
Certain foods can help in treating anxiety
A study revealed that people who eat a traditional and well-balanced diet, comprising of fruits, vegetables, meat, and whole grains are seen to be less anxious as compared to people who consume a western diet, which includes a lot of processed foods and sugary products.
An early start
One-third of the adults suffering from OCD experience the first symptoms in childhood.
Risks to kids
Anxiety disorders affect one in every eight children. Kids who are suffering from anxiety are more likely to perform poorly at school and miss out on significant social gatherings or even indulge in substance abuse.
Help needed
Despite being a very treatable condition, two third of the adults suffering from anxiety do not receive proper treatment. In the case of teenagers, the number drops down even more.
Whatever happens, you should always take things in your stride. If you are suffering from anxiety, remember for all the bad it has caused you, it has also helped to shape the person you have become in many positive ways. So try and deal with it with patience.
