Category: anxiety support
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WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF STRESS?
Stress is a normal physical response to events that make one feel threatened or that upset one’s balance in some way. The nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, that rouse the body for emergency action. During development, stress has often been regarded as a potentially disruptive force,…
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WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS?
Typically, genetic and environmental factors are risk factors for anxiety disorders. More specific variables have been identified such as shyness, or behavioral inhibition in childhood, being female, economic pressure, low social support, exposure to trauma, parental history of mental disorders, and anxiety disorders in close biological relatives.
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WHAT CAUSES ANXIETY?
Anxiety disorders run in families, and that they have a biological basis, much like allergies or diabetes and other disorders. Anxiety disorders may develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events, particularly stress.
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IS ANXIETY CURABLE?
The answer is a resounding YES! Anxiety can be cured with the proper treatment and lifestyle changes. The brain is malleable and new brain connections sprout out everyday, which tells you that your brain can change. Look at anxiety as a bad habit that you need to unlearn.
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ARE THERE LAB TESTS OR BRAIN SCANS FOR ANXIETY DISORDERS?
No, anxiety cannot be detected through a blood sample or an X-ray. Instead, a diagnosis is made based on the individual’s answers to specific questions and the physician’s observation. Advances in brain science and technology could in the near future yield a method to diagnose an anxiety disorder just by looking at the brain, so…
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ARE SLEEP PROBLEMS COMMON WITH ANXIETY?
Yes, sleep problems are a common occurrence in anxiety. For example, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) list sleep disorders as one of the core symptoms of the conditions. Sleep problems in anxiety include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and waking up too early.
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AGORAPHOBIA OR THE SEARCH FOR A SECURE BASE
A different approach to agoraphobia is to view it as an anxiety-driven attempt to find a secure base or a space associated with a caregiver or significant other, which is reminiscent of the attitude of the toddler who does not wander far from her mother (i.e., secure base) when exploring her world. When stressed or…
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GLOSSARY FOR ANXIETY
I – PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH ANXIETY Excessive worry: A hallmark symptom of anxiety is excessive and persistent worry about a wide range of everyday events or activities. This worry can feel difficult to control and can interfere with daily life. Physical symptoms: Anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat,…
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DOG THERAPY HELPS REDUCE ANXIETY IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
The acute vulnerability of university students as a group is highlighted by reports of significantly rising levels of psychological distress when starting school and during their entire time in university. Specifically, it appears that the transition to university life is characteristically stressful, marred by anxiety and depression as the most commonly faced psychological issues. These…
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SELF-CARE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
REACH OUT When suffering, you can experience an onslaught of feelings of unworthiness, helplessness, hopelessness, shame and guilt. As a result, asking for help might be harder than you think. Don’t let those feelings overwhelm you, because it is not your true voice. Reaching out is crucial to prevent your self from crumbling. Similarly, if…