Note from the Editor:
This article was kindly written for the SDC by retired psychologist/ member @Joy Straw.

If you’ve ever been on a rollercoaster ride, remember back to that time when you were slowly going up the hill, and you reached the top, and suddenly you were diving and swooping down the other side of the ride. The feelings you experience riding the rollercoasters are often similar to the feelings described when having anxiety without the fun.

Like riding a rollercoaster… without the fun. Image Credit: Shutterstock

We all experience anxiety at different times, e.g. running late for a bus or forgetting to pay a bill; this is normal anxiety.

There are several signs you have clinical anxiety when these feelings continue for longer than a few weeks and/or interfere with you enjoying your life.

• Feeling restless or on edge
• Feeling irritable or quick to anger
• Getting tired easily
• Having difficulty concentrating or feeling your mind go blank
• Having difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep
• Feelings of tension in your body
• A sense of impending panic, danger, or doom.
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating, shallow, rapid breathing or trembling

If these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks or are becoming intrusive in your daily life, then please seek medical attention.

Types of Anxiety

1. Anxiety Disorder – Excessive worry, intrusive thoughts, fatigue.
2. G.A.D. Generalised Anxiety Disorder – Anxiety that interferes with daily activities, excessive worry, emotional distress, and severe anxiety.
3. Social Anxiety Disorder – Anxiety related to social interactions.
4. Separation Anxiety – Fears being left alone, anxiety, crying, and apprehension. This is common among children who fear the loss of parents.
5. O.C.D. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Excessive thoughts/obsessions that lead to repetitive/obsessive behaviours, anxiety, compulsive behaviour, dwelling on intrusive thoughts.

Ways to combat anxiety

Don’t beat yourself up about mistakes, financial worries, or things left undone. Do something constructive, even if it is a tiny footstep.

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[Catherines]

Thank you, Joy for the book information sent to me privately. I managed to copy the email even though, for some reason, it went into Spam.

 

[akramakram]

Living with anxiety can be challenging, but it's commendable that you're seeking ways to cope. Understanding the history of antidepressants, as explored on https://sunhealthcenter.com/history-of-antidepressants/, sheds light on how treatments evolved. Besides medication, exploring therapies, mindfulness, and lifestyle changes can complement managing anxiety. Remember, everyone's journey with anxiety is unique, so finding what works best for you is key.