Everyone deals with anxiety. Its purpose is to serve as a defence mechanism against external dangers. Even though it’s a normal feeling, some people experience higher levels of it. When it occurs once in a while, it’s a completely normal psychological phenomenon and is not a bad thing. However, it can turn into a disorder when it becomes an excessive occurrence that prevents an individual from functioning normally.
What are anxiety disorders? Who is susceptible to them and how are they treated? Here are the answers from our professionals.
A closer look at anxiety disorders
What makes normal anxiety different from anxiety disorders is that the latter affects an individual’s ability to function normally and it can even lead to physical anguish. An individual who cannot control their levels of anxiety may be suffering from a disorder.
Anxiety disorder is a generic term that may refer to a plethora of psychological issues, such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder, to name but a few.
Anxiety disorders may lead to a variety of physical symptoms caused by excessive anxiety, fear, and worry. These can include:
- Heart palpitations
- Vertigo and dizziness
- Nausea
- Trouble breathing calmly
- Hot flashes
- Excessive sweating
Needless to say, when it comes to anxiety disorders, different people experience different psychological symptoms. However, most people affected will develop what is known as avoidance behaviour. In other words, the person will change their routine to avoid coming into contact with what triggers their anxiety. That generally means they will cut back on their activities and, in extreme cases, they might even refuse to leave their home.
Who suffers from anxiety disorders?
Because they include a variety of disorders, anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental disorder in the country. According to a 2014 study, 3 million Canadians aged 18 or older (nearly 12% of the population) reported they are affected by a mood and/or anxiety disorder.
Nobody is immune, but women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder than men. The good news is that anyone can take steps to treat this disorder. No one should be afraid of talking to a health professional because, as the statistics show, it is a reality that a lot of people must deal with.
How do you treat anxiety disorders?
The first thing to do when dealing with an anxiety disorder is to change certain habits that can exacerbate the problem. Quitting smoking, limiting your alcohol consumption, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can greatly help. Along with regular exercise, these changes can help alleviate the symptoms.
Another way to treat anxiety disorders is to consult a psychologist. The most common type of treatment is called cognitive behavioural therapy. With the help of a psychologist, the person affected will be able to identify the negative thoughts that cause their problem in order to progressively replace them with thoughts that are more adapted to their reality.
This type of therapy takes place over the course of several sessions and its objective is to help the individual avoid the symptoms caused by their disorder.
Clinique GO™ to the rescue
Clinique GOTM’s team includes psychologists who have experience treating anxiety disorders. Our professionals will be able to provide their support and offer advice to help you carry out your daily activities as normally as possible. Clinique GOTM’s team of psychologists can even provide teleconsultation services so you can get therapy no matter where you are! Additionally, in many cases, Clinique GOTM’s mobile social workers can come to your home to act as a support and provide you with tips to help improve your situation.
Clinique GOTM’s teleconsultation and mobile services are adapted to today’s reality, to allow anyone with a busy schedule to get the advice and treatment they need, whether for physical or psychological issues.
No matter the kind of psychological disorder that affects you, if you want to get back to living your life normally, call upon Clinique GOTM’s teleconsultation services today!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
