It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially during stressful times in life. However, ongoing anxiety and worry that are difficult to control and interfere with daily activities may signal a generalized anxiety disorder, writes WomanEL.
ContentSigns of an anxiety disorder How to reduce symptoms
The Ministry of Health (MoH) notes that anxiety occurs when a person begins to worry and worry about -for some circumstances in life. This is an absolutely justified feeling, because with its help a person can hide from danger and rally to protect himself if necessary.
Especially now, in times of war, Ukrainians tend to worry and worry excessively,
the Ministry of Health said.
Signs of an anxiety disorder
At the same time, when the feeling of anxiety is accompanied by headaches, panic attacks, dizziness and nausea, these may already be signs of an anxiety disorder. The Ministry of Health of Ukraine explained how to distinguish a feeling of anxiety from an anxiety disorder.
Signs of generalized anxiety disorder:
- anxiety and feelings of fear in general are beyond your control, without a specific reason;
- over the past six months there have been significantly more days in such anxiety than without it;
- during this time there was always at least several times a feeling of extreme anxiety, being on the verge of strength;
- easy fatigue or emptiness in the head; irritability; muscle tension; poor sleep or excessive sleepiness.
How to reduce symptoms
Anxiety disorders are the result of a combination of heredity, environmental influences and upbringing. They are mostly treatable. And here an integrated approach is required: medications, psychotherapy and self-discipline,
say the ministry.
The following will help reduce symptoms:
- refusing alcohol, so alcohol works insidiously – intoxication reduces anxiety, but a hangover greatly increases it;
- physical activity, which is needed not only for a healthy lifestyle, but also acts as a medicine for anxious people, because regular exercise reduces the symptoms of the disorder;
- being in nature, watching birds – this will improve rapid heartbeat or high cortisol levels.
The Ministry of Health also advises contacting a family doctor, since anxiety disorder is often accompanied by chronic diseases, in particular coronary heart disease and diabetes.
We previously told why PTSD is a problem not only for veterans, but for all Ukrainians.