Approximately four million people in the United States suffer from general anxiety. It is more common in women than men, and it typically appears between the ages of 20 to 35.
The holiday season can exacerbate this condition. Common symptoms include worry, irritability, fatigue, restlessness, avoidance and poor concentration. In addition, anxiety can produce real physical symptoms consisting of heartburn, shortness of breath, itching of the skin, stomach pain, trembling, sweating, diarrhea and nausea. Symptoms of anxiety may also disrupt sleep leading to insomnia and/or grinding of teeth at night.
Although the exact cause of anxiety is not fully understood, there are believed to be several contributing factors. A chemical imbalance in the brain of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, and norepenephrine) may play a major role. In addition, stress, genetic factors, and environmental influences can also aggravate or contribute to the development of generalized anxiety.
People at increased risk of developing anxiety are those exposed to persistent stress. If there is a family member with anxiety, the risk of developing this condition is greater. Substance abuse, a history of childhood trauma (victim of abuse), the presence of certain personality types also increases an individual’s chance of developing this condition over time.
The majority of people with generalized anxiety cannot recall the last time they felt truly relaxed or at ease. Therefore, learning coping skills and relaxations technique can be beneficial. Consider taking a class in Yoga or medication. Schedule a massage.
Decrease your daily intake of caffeine, as caffeine can aggravate many symptoms of anxiety and interfere with restful sleep. The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep every night.
Eat three healthly meals a day, as missing meals can function to stress the body more, and poor nutrition can weaken the immune system. Spend 30 minutes a day exercising, as this helps to defuse stress. Consider having a cup of tea; Tazo Calm herbal tea may help a person relax. Counseling services also can help by providing a personal insight into anxiety while assisting with the development of better problem solving skills and coping strategies.
If symptoms of anxiety begin to become intrusive, interfering with your job and/or perhaps relationships, it is time to see your doctor. Excellent prescription medications are available to help treat generalized anxiety.
Dr. Linda Petter, of Auburn, is a weekly feature on the ABC affiliate KOMO TV/News Radio in Seattle (1000 AM and 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m., and a columnist for the Auburn Reporter. She trained at the Mayo Clinic and the University of Illinois, Carle Hospital. Dr. Petter is Chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer health care advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense” are available on Amazon.com. Please visit here website, www.DocForAll.com.
