Fear And Mental Health Concerns: Exploring Anxiety From A Psychological Perspective
It is important to understand how the mind reacts to the very physical sensations anxiety can produce. Anxiety is a complex area of study. There are many ways to describe anxiety but describing it from a psychological perspective is important for creating an individualized treatment plan. Anxiety presents with many symptoms, and a professional therapist or psychologist can make a big difference in the lives of those who live with anxiety disorders.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety itself is a trigger and reaction to the release of adrenaline from the adrenal glands. When we are faced with danger or stress, the body triggers a release of adrenaline. When there is a real threat to safety, this release of adrenaline and the physical response it creates will help us manage the threat. When there is no present threat to safety, this release of adrenaline triggers what is commonly called an "anxiety attack.”
Physical symptoms of anxiety
There are many physical symptoms of anxiety and understanding them helps to put the psychological symptoms into perspective.
This release of adrenaline increases the heart rate and blood circulation, and breathing increases as the body prepares our muscles for exertion. Increased heart rate and breath rate may result in feelings of lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and chest pain. These alarming physical symptoms can even be similar enough to those of other conditions, like asthma or even heart attacks. Some evidence even suggests that anxiety could potentially cause heart attacks. Studies have also shown a correlation between anxiety and heart problems. That said, a direct line of causation between anxiety attacks and heart attacks has not yet been confirmed.
Even our metabolism reacts to the release of adrenaline, as carbohydrates begin to fuel the muscles for fight or flight. This can lead to symptoms as varied as jitteriness and indigestion. Some studies have even linked - a condition in which stomach acid burns through a layer of mucous and damages the stomach wall. Ulcers can also be related to heartburn - a condition in which stomach acid rises into the throat, leading to chest pain that is often mistaken for more serious conditions.
Every body system (i.e., the nervous system, circulatory system, and digestive system) is affected by the release of adrenaline, including our brains. This can lead to jitteriness as well as confusion, which can exacerbate the sensations of an anxiety attack.
How to describe anxiety from a psychological perspective
Understanding the physical aspects of anxiety is important, but understanding the condition from a psychological perspective is also essential.
The DSM-V explains anxiety from a psychological perspective
To learn more about anxiety disorders, as well as other mental health conditions, health experts utilize the manual called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders.
What an anxiety diagnosis means
The diagnosis of emotional and mental disorders is anything but arbitrary. Health experts use a special manual called The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, currently in its fifth edition. You will often see it referred to under its common acronym, the DSM-V.
This manual explains anxiety from a psychological perspective with a list of mental symptoms. Professional therapists and psychologists use this manual to diagnose anxiety and other conditions.
There are many different types of anxiety disorder, and it is important to seek professional help if you believe you are experiencing related challenges.
Anxiety disorders and symptoms
Below is a list of some anxiety disorders that are common; this list is not a complete guide, only a professional can make a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.
- Generalized anxiety disorder: This condition is characterized by a constant but vague fear of virtually anything, even mundane or unlikely events.
- Social anxiety disorder: People with this condition do not always have feelings of anxiety like those with generalized anxiety disorder, but may more specifically experience feelings of anxiety in social situations. They may be worried that other people are talking about them, or that they are going to do something to embarrass themselves.
- Panic disorder: Panic disorder is a condition related to anxiety. It describes people who have particularly strong panic attacks and may even have a panic attack over the fear of one.
- Substance-induced anxiety disorder: This specific anxiety disorder is when people experience feelings of anxiety due to a drug that they are taking. Many illegal drugs can cause anxiety, but anxiety may also be a side-effect of prescription medications.
- Phobias: Phobias are intense fears of a specific thing, entity, or event, usually without basis. Most phobias do not cause anxiety because they are the fear of something that isn't usually a problem, like heights. Other phobias, like the fear of open or public spaces, are more pervasive and more impactful.
- Unspecified anxiety disorder: This non-specific anxiety disorder is usually used to describe someone who has symptoms of two or more specific anxiety disorders.
- Separation anxiety disorder: Separation anxiety disorder occurs when an individual is worried about their separation or the results of their separation from another person (or animal).
Mental health services for anxiety disorders
Treatment for anxiety disorders varies depending on the type of disorder. The proper treatment can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety and control the psychological symptoms of this disorder. This list of treatment options is not a comprehensive list, and it should not be used to self-treat any anxiety disorder.
- Exposure therapy: This therapy, often used for people with phobias, gradually exposes them to the thing that they are afraid of so that they can understand that their fear is unfounded.
- Medications: Some people with anxiety, specifically generalized anxiety disorder, may find that some medications help them to avoid the symptoms of anxiety.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This form of behavioral therapy helps people who experience profound anxiety to understand that the things that they are afraid of are natural and necessary elements of life. It also helps them to learn how to cope with their problems without panicking or experiencing attacks. This therapy is not often used for people with phobias because most phobias are irrational fears that it are difficult or impractical for them to embrace.
- Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT): These therapies help individuals to learn how they can change their thoughts of behavior in certain circumstances to reduce their feelings of anxiety.
- Mindfulness therapy: Mindfulness practices like meditation can often help people to reduce symptoms of anxiety before or during an attack. Through mindfulness therapy, people learn how and when to use these practices.
- Lifestyle changes: Sometimes, symptoms of anxiety are brought about by environmental or dietary factors that the individual can change in order to reduce symptoms of anxiety with little or no therapy.
How therapy can help you navigate anxiety
Outside of medication, all the therapy types discussed above can be successfully administered online, providing an appealing option for people with anxiety disorders who may struggle with the task of booking an in-person appointment, due to social anxiety or other reasons.
Exploring anxiety from a psychological perspective with online therapy
Through online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, you can schedule appointments at a time that works for your schedule, and from the convenience of a preferred location. All you need is a reliable internet connection. After taking an initial questionnaire, you will be matched with a caring, licensed therapist within 48 hours – a significantly shorter time than it often takes to find a counselor in your area who is qualified to support you with your specific challenges.
Efficacy of online therapy for generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, and other conditions
You should know that CBT, when administered online, is just as effective as in-person treatment. A 2020 study consisting of 204 adults diagnosed with anxiety took place over the course of 12 weeks. In that time span, online CBT was found to be just as impactful for participants of an in-person treatment cohort. In a separate literature review of 20 studies that examined the therapeutic impact of internet-based ACT on a broad range of anxiety-related conditions, researchers concluded that online ACT is an effective treatment for adults living with generalized anxiety disorder and symptoms of general anxiety.
Takeaway
How do you express anxiety in words?
Describing how anxiety feels can be challenging. Most people experience stress and anxiety at some point in their lives, but the frequency and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. At its core, anxiety is a feeling of fear, worry, and uneasiness. But there are a few ways you can describe anxiety to someone that may feel more specifically aligned to your experience, including:
- I have butterflies in my stomach
- I feel on edge
- My heart is in my throat
- I feel like a bundle of nerves
- I’m stressed/anxious/nervous
- I can’t shake this feeling
- I feel worked up
- I’m scared all the time
- I’m at my wits’ end
How do I explain my anxiety to my doctor?
Talking about mental illnesses can be hard, especially if you struggle to find the right words to describe how you’re feeling. If you need to explain anxiety to someone, like a loved one or doctor, you may feel overwhelmed trying to describe your symptoms. Below are a few tactics to help you explain anxiety to your doctor:
State your concerns clearly: Before running down the list of symptoms, it can be helpful to express what you think may be wrong. For example, you might say, “I think I have anxiety” or “I’m having trouble controlling negative thoughts.”
Be open and honest: It can be difficult to open up about anxiety, particularly since it’s an emotion characterized by fear. It can be beneficial to remember that your doctor is there to provide support and help you treat anxiety.
Bring notes: Sometimes people forget important details about their mental health once they’re sitting in the doctor’s office. Preparing notes about your symptoms and how you’ve generally been feeling can help you remember the details.
What is high functioning anxiety?
High-functioning anxiety is a type of generalized anxiety disorder that is undiagnosed. Like other anxiety disorders, high-functioning anxiety can cause a person to feel out of control, fearful, and threatened. However, individuals with high-functioning anxiety are skilled at covering up their emotional states and presenting a calm and controlled outward appearance. They may have successful careers or personal lives, but internally struggle with severe anxiety.
What does anxiety feel like metaphorically?
Metaphors can help people articulate feelings about complicated subjects. When it comes to anxiety, several common metaphors have emerged that provide accessible language to express those feelings. These include:
The Storm: Storms are unpredictable, tumultuous, and intense – all of which may feel familiar to people living with anxiety.
The Dark Room: Being trapped in a dark room conjures feelings of confinement and helplessness.
The Heavy Load: Carrying a heavy load or weight may reflect the physical symptoms that accompany anxiety such as a tight chest and difficulty breathing.
What are the 4 levels of anxiety?
The severity of an individual’s anxiety can generally be classified as mild, moderate, severe, or panic-level
Mild
Mild anxiety isn’t clinically significant and typically doesn’t require long-term treatment. It may cause occasional anxious thoughts and doesn’t impact daily life.
Moderate
Individuals living with moderate anxiety may develop physical anxiety symptoms such as nausea, muscle aches, and sweating.
Severe
Severe anxiety may make it difficult or impossible to control emotions. It may also cause a heightened sense of perceived danger and debilitating physical symptoms.
Panic-level
Anxiety at this level, also known as panic disorder, is considered a mental illness. It can be intense and debilitating, often taking the form of frequent panic attacks.
What is the most severe level of anxiety?
Panic-level anxiety is the most severe. People experiencing anxiety at this level have frequent and unexpected panic attacks. Physical symptoms of panic attacks typically include a racing heart, increased blood pressure, breathing difficulties, dizziness, sweating or chills, trembling, numbness or tingling in the extremities, nausea, weakness, and/or chest pains. Panic attacks may also be accompanied by an overwhelming feeling of discomfort or loss of control, even when perceived threats aren’t real. They can last anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
What is a normal amount of anxiety to feel?
Anxiety is not inherently negative, and most people will experience it at some point. Normal levels of anxiety may present as mild levels of fear or apprehension and common physical symptoms such as sweating, muscle tension, and increased heart rate. One of the most important indicators is whether anxiety interferes with daily life. If you notice that your symptoms are beginning to negatively affect your ability to work, play, and engage, it is no longer considered normal.
When does anxiety become a disorder?
Anxiety becomes a disorder when a person experiences severe or worsening symptoms over an extended period. If you believe you may be living with an anxiety disorder, a mental health professional can help you learn strategies to manage your symptoms and live a healthier life.
How do you calm someone with an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder?
If you know someone is dealing with an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder, the best way to calm them down is to listen to them and empathize with what they’re feeling. Don’t invalidate their feelings. Gently ask what you can do for them now, and keep them company. If the symptoms become too much to be handled, kindly refer them to a mental health professional.
What mental health services are good for anxiety?
Some of the mental health interventions that are useful for managing anxiety include medication, counseling, cognitive therapy, mental health support groups, mindfulness practices, exercise, and relaxation techniques.
What is the best type of therapy for anxiety?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most used therapy for managing symptoms of anxiety, and other anxiety-related disorders. It involves a combination of cognitive therapy as well as behavioral therapy, addressing both the negative thoughts and patterns and how they affect behaviors.
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