Some people fear and worry much more than others – What’s normal for others can be trigger-some for a lot many. Situations/circumstances that might be ‘controllable’ ‘manageable’ and easy-to-handle can cause panic, tremor, nervousness, and stress to several – hurting them emotionally as well as physically. This is what leads to anxiety. Here, let’s check out certain facts about anxiety and anxiety disorders that many of us probably wouldn’t be knowing –
Anxiety Runs in Families – It is Partially Genetic
If your parents are having anxiety issues, you are more prone to anxiety disorders. However, there isn’t any anxiety gene out there and it isn’t the full story either because a lot depends on the environmental factors such as traumatic incidents, stressful life events, complicated family relationships, losing a loved one forever, abandonment – separation issues, etc.
So, if you want your kids not to suffer from anxiety as you do, you need to change your patterns of behavior and reactions so as to maintain the mental chill pill. Good thing is, unlike other mental health problems, anxiety is only 30% genetic.
That Overreaction and Overthinking is not Pointless, It’s a Sign of Anxiety
Many a time people cannot control their responses to certain situations and might even overreact when something triggers their emotions. While, you might think the person is dramatizing, overstretching, or exaggerating the situation, in reality, they might be having anxiety issues. Overthinking and continuously worrying about ‘things and situations’ is another huge sign of anxiety and it happens mostly to –
- those who are in quest of perfectionism
- those who worry too much about things that are actually not in their hands
Anticipatory Anxiety i.e., Fear of the Future Is a Real Thing
Fear of something that has not happened can trigger anxiety. A constant pressure of ‘what if’ can literally drag a mind towards all the worst-case scenarios of the future.
For instance, if you are in a relationship and you constantly worry about ‘what if it ends?’ along with other apprehensions such as –
- What if they are going to break up?
- What if they are cheating on me?
- What if the relationship is going to lose its charm and end soon?
- What if this uncomfortable situation will never end?
- What if my partner leaves me and I’m left alone forever?
All this anticipatory anxiety of the future – the distress of something that has not even happened is a real thing where the mind, as well as body, are stuck in the fear of the unknown.
Facts About Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety Can Trigger Anger
We may not directly deal with anxiety and so anxiety can morph into anger especially when they feel they are losing control of the situation and don’t know what to do next. Both anger and irritability are the symptoms of anxiety. When a person is suffering from anxiety, they will tend to become more irritable than usual which can then transpire into anger. This can also make them guilty, ashamed, and embarrassed later on.
Yes, they both are closely related as they are responses to potential threats – bringing similar hormonal surges and sharing psychological triggers.
Anxiety Can Cause Physical Illness
From cardiovascular issues like chest pain, rapid heart rate and palpitations to problems in digestive and excretory systems such as stomachaches, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – anxiety and anxiety disorders can even damage your physical health.
Anxiety disorders can also cause immunity-related physical health issues – leaving you vulnerable to viral infections and frequent illnesses along with headaches, nerve pain, back pain, muscle tension, insomnia, and depression. This is the reason why most people after anxiety attacks and emotional trauma suffer physical issues.
These are some of the five facts about anxiety and anxiety disorders. However, one can manage anxiety through regular exercises, meditation, and even trying to live in the present moment.
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