Can’t Breathe? It Might be a Sign of Anxiety Disorder
The occasional bout of anxiety is part of life. It can happen when you’re faced with an emergency or before making an important decision. While the current situation has caused feelings of worry and fear to arise more frequently, it doesn’t instantly mean you have an anxiety disorder.
Practice a little introspection to check how you are. The sooner you learn what’s happening, the easier it will be to find the appropriate remedy, whether It’s cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or medication.
What is an Anxiety Disorder?
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) lists several types of anxiety disorder, including panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobia-related disorders. But they all share a commonality—the constant or excessive state of anxiety.
It can be debilitating, especially when it is undiagnosed. An anxiety disorder can interfere with your daily activities and affect your personal and professional relationships. In some cases, it can have physical manifestations, such as headaches and chronic fatigue.
What are the Signs of an Anxiety Disorder?
By familiarizing yourself with their differences, you can identify the signs and symptoms unique to different anxiety disorders.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Also known as GAD, it’s often characterized by over-worrying. People with GAD feel they have no control over anything in their life. They may also feel:
- Constant restlessness
- Increased irritability
- Persistent muscle tension
- Chronic Fatigue
- Difficulty in concentrating
Panic Disorder
It is characterized by regular panic attacks. These panic attacks often don’t have a specific trigger, with the person suddenly feeling an intense bout of fear. Any of the following can happen during a panic attack:
- Excessive sweating
- Uncontrollable trembling
- Accelerated heart rate
- Sudden shortness of breath
Phobia-related Anxiety Disorder
As the name suggests, this is triggered by a situation where the person faces the cause of their fear. People with this anxiety disorder experience fear that is out of proportion to the situation. They may go to great lengths to avoid facing their fear. Other signs of this disorder include:
- Irrational worry over the chance encounter of the feared subject
- Immediate anxiety when encountering the feared object
In recent months, mental health experts reported higher stress levels throughout the country due to the pandemic and its effects. They warned that the current situation is making people vulnerable to depression and anxiety disorders. Educating yourself on the matter can help you manage your mental health.
How to Treat Anxiety Disorders?
Anxiety disorders are typically treated with either therapy or medication. In some cases, both are used. Consulting a professional before choosing a treatment is a must to get a proper diagnosis and care.
We understand how confusing and difficult it is to deal with anxiety, especially when it’s your first time experiencing it. The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health has a team of therapists that treat anxiety disorders. Let us help you live your life more comfortably.
To learn more about our treatments, book an appointment with us today.