Interesting facts to know about anxiety.

For some people, anxiety is an on and off thing; meaning they experience anxiety occasionally. To others, anxiety is a continuous condition that gets in the way of their daily life.

While it is okay to feel anxious from time to time, if you find yourself feeling worried or stressed for prolonged periods, you could be suffering from anxiety. Talk to a health provider immediately. 

In this article, we dive deeper into the topic of anxiety and provide seven interesting facts you probably hadn’t known about anxiety.

1. There Are Six Common Types Of Anxiety

There are different types of anxiety, the most common are generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), panic attack, social anxiety and specific phobias. There are also other conditions where anxiety is present, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Warning signs differ from one type of anxiety to another. However, some warning signs, such as insomnia, nervousness, and constant worrying, are common in all six categories.   

2. Genetics Play A Huge Role In Anxiety

A person is likely to suffer from anxiety if their parents experience it too. Psychologists say that parents can pass down anxiety disorders to their children through genes as well as parental behaviour.

A 2014 study linked social and panic anxiety disorders to the α-endomannosidase gene. Another study showed that nervous parents could nurture anxiety in children by unintentionally encouraging behaviours that result in evasion of circumstances that lead to anxiety.

Note that parents do not entirely contribute to their children’s anxiety disorder. Genes and the environment a child is brought up play a huge role.

3. Anxiety Isn’t All Bad

While patients of anxiety go through a lot of struggle, the mental condition may also help shape them into better humans.

The choices anxiety patients have to make may shape them into better friends, better partners, better brother or sister, the best employee, or the perfect colleague.

Although anxiety can sometimes be messy, it is also beautiful in its unique way, and it doesn’t always define someone.

4. Certain Foods May Promote Anxiety

The phrase “you are what you eat” may sound cliché, but there’s a lot of truth to it. Studies show that people who eat healthy foods such as whole grains, fish, fruits, meat, and vegetables are less likely to suffer from anxiety.

If your loved one suffers from anxiety disorders, make sure they don’t eat diets that influence anxiety. Some of these diets include sugary foods, fried diets, beer, refined grains, and processed foods.

5. Meditation Can Help Lower Anxiety

Did you know meditation can also help lower anxiety levels? That’s right. Meditation has a lot of health benefits. Psychologists now recommend meditation to people struggling with anxiety.

In addition to physical exercise, anxiety patients should also be encouraged to meditate frequently to control their anxiety.

Psychologists recommend Transcendental Meditation to people suffering from anxiety. This type of meditation is by far more efficient than the other types of meditation.

6. Anxiety Disorders Can Affect Physical Health

Anxiety disorders can cause a whole range of physical symptoms, such as chest pains, headaches, and queasiness. People suffering from anxiety are also more prone to developing chronic diseases.

Doctors say that the mind and the body are powerfully interconnected. Have you ever noticed that your emotional state may sometimes affect your physical health and vice versa? That’s because of the mind-body connection.

Chronic anxiety is associated with a broad range of health issues such as immunodeficiency, gastrointestinal complications, respiratory diseases and heart disease.

7. Anxiety Is Treatable

Possibly the most encouraging fact about anxiety so far. Anxiety is treatable, and there is a whole range of anxiety treatment choices. The best part is that most of these choices are highly effective if implemented in the right way.

Examples of anxiety treatment options include:

• Medication
• Management approaches such as breathing exercises and mindfulness
• Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Cognitive-behavioural therapy

Final Words

Living with anxiety may prevent people from enjoying life or getting out there and living their best lives. However, this mental disorder is treatable, and people suffering from it can lead a healthy life. It helps that there are a lot of treatment options for anxiety.

Be your brother’s keeper today. Check on your family and friends to make sure they are mentally okay. Learn some techniques for anxiety treatment and help those around you to manage the mental disorder.