If you have been experiencing anxiety, you aren’t alone. According to a 2015 study, anxiety is becoming increasingly ubiquitous in the U.S. The results show that the prevalence surpasses that of cancer by 800 percent, making anxiety the most common mental illness in the nation.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has collected data which has lead them to the conclusion that as many as 40 million people, or 18 percent of adults aged 18 and up, suffer from anxiety. This data includes those with general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. So yes, that means anxiety has surpassed depression as a predominant mental illness with as many as 50 percent of college students seeking clinical help with anxiety.
In order to combat this mental crisis, we have to know what we’re dealing with and how exactly is it caused.
What Causes Anxiety?
Stress is a strong contributor to the issue of anxiety. While genetics, brain chemistry, life, and personality also contribute to the probability of anxiety, any type of stress can be found as the common trigger. Other triggers that are commonly associated with anxiety include: exposure to cell phones/radiofrequencies, food additives, GMOs, food dye, lack of vitamin D or omega-3, artificial sweeteners, excessive sugar or junk food, improper breathing, and exposure to toxic mold.
What Happens During A Panic Attack?
Panic attacks can be scary even if it’s not the first time it has happened. The attack is normally sudden and develops a serious sense of fear, impending doom, or even death. This sort of fear is typically not proportional to the actual situation. Common physical symptoms include: hyperventilation, heart palpitations, sweating, hot or cold flashes, trembling, nausea, dizziness, and numbness or tingling.
Few last longer than an hour and it isn’t uncommon for people to seek medical attention thinking they are having a heart attack or similar problem.
How To Cope With Anxiety Attacks
It’s all about breathing. The process involves the goal of preserving and gathering CO2. This way you will have calmer breathing and in turn reduced anxiety.
- So start with taking a small breath into your nose and a small breath out. Hold your nose for five seconds to hold your breath and release.
- Breathe ordinarily for 10 seconds.
- Repeat steps one and two several times, typically until you reach a relaxed state of mind.
Anxiety cannot be dealt with in the same way for every individual, so you can also try taking a brisk walk instead of pacing, listening to sounds of nature or calming music, exercising, or call someone you trust to “talk it out.”
Anxiety is a serious mental issue plaguing millions of individuals on a daily basis. If you want to learn more about how to deal with anxiety, treat it, or how to help a friend, then visit this page for more information. Talk to your doctor or seek professional help if you think you are suffering from anxiety because mental health is just as important as your physical health. Seek help and take action.