Please hit "WEBCASTS"
Anxiety is one of the most common clinical mental disorders today. Regrettably, many misinformed patients perceive it as a physical illness due to a lack of understanding. This misconception arose after repeated studies into physical discomforts failed to uncover one of Mother Nature’s secrets. As a result, some patients view anxiety as a normal response to pressure, leading them to forgo the benefits of proper treatment.
We know for a fact that anxiety is a treatable disorder. I encourage you not to lose heart and to seek treatment without delay if you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety.
Before moving on, we must be clear about what constitutes anxiety. It is a very common emotional response to unexpected scenarios, such as a vehicle speeding toward you as you attempt to cross the road. In that split second, when you are unsure whether you can escape the impending threat, your heart feels as though it has been tightened into a knot—this is anxiety in action! Similar reactions have been observed in people scattering in all directions when someone starts coughing at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How does anxiety come into play? It is a natural reaction designed to keep us alert to an imminent existential threat, even before we know how to handle the feared outcome. However, individuals react differently to the same perceived threat. For example, some people become extremely worried about potential job retrenchments when economic uncertainty looms, especially if they have a history of poor performance or strained workplace relationships.
On the other hand, employees who have been with a company for 20–30 years may even welcome a 'golden handshake.' These individuals might see this as an opportunity to start their own ventures with a financial cushion or take a much-anticipated vacation to rejuvenate before their next challenge.
In short, reactions to the same situation vary widely—some people embrace challenges with confidence, while others see them as overwhelming threats. What matters is whether one can face these challenges head-on rather than slipping into anxiety mode.
Let’s acknowledge that anxiety is a natural reflex. It is an instinctive mechanism bestowed upon us to alert us to potential dangers and pull us out of harm’s way. It acts as an emergency brake, reinforcing our ability to avoid or manage risks in time.
Consider a schoolchild working harder to avoid failing an exam or a child cautiously using the staircase after a previous mishap. In the latter case, residual anxiety from a bad experience serves as an invisible guiding hand, encouraging caution.
Anxiety manifests physically—your heart beats faster, breathing intensifies, and blood pressure rises to supply essential organs. The liver converts glycogen to glucose, ensuring the brain and muscles are primed for action. Adrenaline fuels a mother's instinct to snatch her child away from a snarling dog. Similarly, pupils dilate to enhance vision, improving response times. The list goes on.
Anxiety can also cause temporary paralysis—causing some to freeze in place. These split-second reactions are memorably captured in the alliteration "fight, flight, or freeze," illustrating how anxiety can serve as a protective mechanism.
These physiological responses are driven by increased adrenaline levels and subside once the perceived danger has passed. However, if these symptoms persist, they may indicate an anxiety disorder, such as a phobia-like response to certain objects or situations, or physical symptoms like a racing heart and cold sweats. If these signs persist, professional help should be sought.
More people today exhibit anxiety symptoms, likely due to the fast pace of modern living, compounded by the constant presence of high-tech gadgets. Ironically, these devices were designed to lighten our workloads and increase our leisure time, yet they have contributed to heightened anxiety.
Work, too, has evolved into an endless cycle of waiting for responses—messages sent but not immediately answered create a sense of unease. Anxiety builds as society increasingly idolizes elitism, pushing everyone into an exhausting rat race.
One might ask: Do retirees experience anxiety despite being 'unshackled' from financial responsibilities? Surprisingly, many elderly individuals suffer from anxiety as they feel devalued and disconnected from society. With an abundance of time and solitude, they grapple with uncertainties—"In sickness or in health?"—and ponder their declining physical resilience. With their grown children focused on their own families and careers, these elderly individuals often feel neglected. Those with mobility issues may face additional isolation, leading to prolonged loneliness and a sense of emptiness.
Anxiety can be found everywhere, written on the faces of people from childhood through adulthood and into old age.
When excessive worrying takes over, anxiety can spiral into depression. A mind overcrowded with anxious thoughts loses its ability to relax, leading to psychological strain. Some individuals avoid social situations due to concerns about their ability to interact, despite reassurances from friends. While they alone feel self-conscious, others see no issue at all. This is where depression reveals its claws. When someone struggles to focus, their daily life and moods become dominated by anxiety.
Depression presents in various forms, with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) being one of the most common. As the name suggests, GAD involves persistent worry over multiple aspects of life—health, relationships, work performance, and more.
Other forms of anxiety include phobias—exaggerated fears triggered by specific stimuli. Aviophobia (fear of flying) may cause individuals to quit jobs that require travel. Claustrophobia prevents some from entering elevators. Acrophobia, the fear of heights, is also common.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by uncontrollable, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions), such as excessive handwashing or repeatedly checking if doors are locked before leaving the house.
Panic disorder is another form of anxiety that manifests through sudden, intense episodes of fear without warning. Symptoms include heart palpitations, excessive sweating, trembling, breathing difficulties, chest pain, dizziness, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Many sufferers mistakenly believe they are having a heart attack and rush to the hospital, only to be discharged with no diagnosis. Their anxiety worsens as they constantly worry about future attacks, leading them to avoid certain places or situations.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is caused by lingering anxiety following traumatic events such as disasters, wars, or accidents. Victims experience persistent fear, dizziness, flashbacks, nightmares, and sleep disturbances. Despite being physically exhausted, they struggle to rest. This relentless anxiety can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair. Some victims develop anger issues, while others become emotionally numb. A PTSD diagnosis is considered if these symptoms persist for more than a month without improvement.
A basic understanding of anxiety prepares us to better support loved ones who may experience such conditions. Encouraging them to seek professional help is crucial, as self-diagnosing or making assumptions can be misleading and ineffective.