ANXIETY

Anxiety, affecting more than one-fourth of the population, is possibly the first stage of depression.   The weepy spouse, irritated colleague, the speeding driver full of road rage is commonplace examples of mental illness.

What is Anxiety:  Anxiety is the scientific term for ‘stress’.  It is useful in low doses, but if it interferes with daily activities, there is cause for concern.  Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent worry.

The medical reasoning is that stress hormones, like cortisol and corticotrophin-releasing hormone, which help respond to an immediate threat, end up boosting anxiety when stress continues to stay high.  The major causes are five ‘I’s and one ‘M’ for the rising incidence of anxieties.   These are: Irritability, insomnia, impulsivity, isolation, impotency and Mistresses.

It can be said that anxiety disorder is first step towards depression.  This is especially true about the elderly.  Many senior citizens are so lonely; they want to be hospitalized for a common cold as there is no one to talk to them at home.

Symptoms of Anxiety: Feeling apprehensive, A sense of impending danger, panic or doom, An increased heart rate Breathing rapidly, Sweating, Trembling, Feeling weak or tired.

How to Overcome Anxiety: It can be overcome by psychotherapy or medication, but lifestyle changes can also make a difference.  Exercise, or use relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or visualization techniques.  Eat adequate vegetables, fruits whole grains and fish. Avoid fried, sugary food. Get proper sleep.