I'm on my third half-hour study break (hopefully I can finally finish this post!), because quite frankly if I have to read another Austen quote right now I think I'll go completely nuts.
SO, let's get down to business! This is part 2 of my little anxiety-themed section: Different types of problematic anxiety. Yes, it manifests in more than one form! Source: Marian Centre ECS1 document.
SO, let's get down to business! This is part 2 of my little anxiety-themed section: Different types of problematic anxiety. Yes, it manifests in more than one form! Source: Marian Centre ECS1 document.
1) First up, let's give a warm welcome to (drumroll)... panic! A panic attack is defined as the abrupt onset of an episode of intense fear or discomfort. It generally peaks in about 10 minutes (although I know from experience that this can vary), and includes at least four of the following symptoms: - The need to escape - A feeling of imminent danger or doom - Palpitations - Sweating - Trembling - Shortness of breath/a smothering feeling - A feeling of choking - Chest pain or discomfort - Nausea or abdominal discomfort - Dizziness or lightheadedness - Depersonalisation (a sense of things being unreal) - A fear of losing control - A fear of dying - Tingling sensations - Chills or hot flushes |
2) Agoraphobia. As I understand it, this is quite common amongst people who have anxiety issues. I've certainly experienced it a lot! Agoraphobia is characterised by a fear of having a panic attack in a place from which escape is difficult. It can impossible for sufferers to travel beyond what they consider their safety zones.
3) Specific Phobia. This is characterised by the excessive fear of an object or situation, exposure to which causes an anxious response (e.g. a panic attack). The feared object or situation is usually avoided or anticipated with dread. SP is generally diagnosed when the fear interferes with daily routine, employment or social life.
4) Generalised Anxiety: excessive uncontrollable worry about everyday things. It affects daily functioning and can cause physical symptoms (see above). Usually focusses on school, social events, etc. but can also include mundane things (e.g. chores, being late). The anxiety interferes with the sufferer's performance of tasks and ability to concentrate. |
5) Social Anxiety. It's characterised by an intense fear of situations (usually social or performance situations) where embarrassment may occur. Sufferers are acutely aware of the physical signs of their anxiety (e.g. sweating, looking uneasy, odd behaviour, fast breathing) and fear that others will notice, judge them and think poorly of them. This often results in extreme anxiety in anticipation of an activity, or avoidance of the activity altogether. People with SA tend to be sensitive to criticism and rejection, have difficulty asserting themselves, suffer from low self-esteem and are easily embarrassed. |
6) Trauma-Related Anxiety (PTSD). Symptoms include re-experiencing the event (intrusive thoughts or dreams), avoidance behaviour (avoiding activities/situations associated with the trauma), detachment from surroundings, and hypersensitivity (inability to sleep, anxiety, overactive startle response, hyper-vigilance, irritability). It can occur at any age, from childhood to old age. Some examples: sudden death of a loved one, serious injury, witnessing death. |
7) Obsessive-Compulsive Anxiety (OCD). Lots of people know about this one! It's characterised by uncontrollable obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are recurring thoughts or impulses (e.g. obsessions with contamination, orderliness) that are intrusive or inappropriate and cause the sufferer anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or rituals (e.g. cleaning, double-checking, hoarding) that neutralise the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts (relief is only temporary). Again, OCD is only diagnosed if it affects the sufferer's routine, work, social life or relationships.
So, hopefully you now know a whole lot more about different types of anxiety! It was a bit of an eye-opener for me (before my own anxiety, I'd heard about lots of the symptoms and characteristics of several types, but it was all blurred together!) and I hope it can give you a better idea and understanding of the topic.
Love always,
Em xox
Love always,
Em xox