Anxiety

Christopher Hobbs:

“Anxiety is a type of neurosis characterized by apprehension, insomnia, and difficulty concentrating. Anxiety is a symptom of many metabolic disorders and other ailments.”

Etiologic and Contributing Factors to Anxiety:

1. Biological Factors:
   • Genetics: Family history of anxiety or mental health disorders.
   • Neurochemical imbalances: Dysregulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, or GABA.
   • Medical conditions: Thyroid disorders, chronic pain, or heart problems.
2. Psychological Factors:
   • Personality traits: Perfectionism, low self-esteem, or a tendency toward negative thinking.
   • Trauma: Past traumatic experiences or ongoing stressful life events.
   • Cognitive patterns: Overthinking, catastrophizing, or avoidance behaviors.
3. Environmental Factors:
   • Stressful life events: Divorce, job loss, financial issues, or grief.
   • Chronic stress: High-pressure work environments, caregiving, or unstable living situations.
   • Substance use: Alcohol, caffeine, or drug abuse may exacerbate symptoms.

When to Seek Professional Help:

Look for these signs when deciding to seek professional help:

• Persistent or Severe Symptoms: Anxiety interferes with daily activities, work, relationships, or quality of life.
• Physical Symptoms: Frequent headaches, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or gastrointestinal issues without a clear medical cause.
• Unmanageable Stress: When self-help techniques or lifestyle changes don’t alleviate symptoms.
• Risky Behaviors: Increased substance use or self-harm as a coping mechanism.
• Co-occurring Issues: If anxiety coexists with depression, panic attacks, or other mental health concerns.
• Chronic Patterns: Symptoms persist for six months or longer or progressively worsen.