Anxiety or anxiety disorder: how to distinguish and prevent

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The feeling of anxiety in itself does not make a person anxious and is not a basis for establishing the diagnosis of “anxiety disorder”. In the Ministry of Health explainedhow to distinguish between these states.

“The feeling of anxiety arises when a person begins to worry and worry about some circumstances in life. This is a completely justified feeling, because with its help, a person can hide from danger and rally to protect himself in case of need. Especially now, in the conditions of war, it is natural for Ukrainians to worry and worry excessively.” – the Ministry of Health says.

However, there are signs that indicate that a person is not just worried about anxiety, but a generalized anxiety disorder. It:

• uncontrollable anxiety and feelings of fear in general, without a specific reason;
• the number of days spent in anxiety exaggerates the time without it;
• frequent feeling of extreme restlessness, being at the limit of strength;
• easy fatigue or emptiness in the head;
• irritability;
• muscle tension;
• poor sleep or excessive sleepiness.

If these symptoms are also accompanied by headache, panic attacks, dizziness and nausea, the Ministry of Health recommends contacting specialists.

“Anxiety disorders are the result of a combination of heredity, environmental influences, and upbringing. They are mostly treatable. And here we need a comprehensive approach: medication, psychotherapy and self-discipline.” – the ministry claims.

To reduce symptoms will help:

• abstinence from alcohol (intoxication reduces anxiety, but a hangover greatly increases it);
• physical activity (it acts as a medicine for anxious people – regular sports reduce the symptoms of the disorder);
• being in nature, watching birds (will improve frequent heartbeat and lower cortisol levels);
• referral to a family doctor (anxiety disorder can often be accompanied by chronic diseases, such as coronary heart disease, diabetes).

“Effective treatment begins with recognition of the presence of a problem, competently selected specialist. After all, another phrase that we hear from friends: “Everything will be fine” can turn out to be powerless when it comes to psychological health. – summarized in the Ministry of Health.

Previously at the Ministry of Health explainedwhich mental health problems should be referred to a family doctor.