There are different types of anxiety disorders and an attack can happen at any time. You don’t necessarily have to be stressed out. Anxiety disorders are conditions in which you have anxiety that does not go away and can get worse over time. The symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time. You may avoid places or situations to prevent these feelings. Symptoms may start during childhood or the teen years and continue into adulthood. You can have more than one anxiety disorder. Sometimes anxiety results from a medical condition that needs treatment.
“Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.”― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Treatment Resistant Anxiety
Some people with anxiety may struggle to see results from initial treatments and continue to suffer from symptoms. Some of the different anxiety disorders are of the most prevalent mental health concerns in the world, affecting over 300 million people across the globe. About 58 million of those people are kids and teens. Some individuals with anxiety disorders find relatively quick relief through therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes psychiatric medications –– but recovery can feel more out of reach for people who don’t respond to initial treatments.
Generally speaking, treatment-resistant anxiety occurs when an individual experiences significant anxiety disorder symptoms even after trying at least one first-line psychiatric medication, such an antidepressant, and psychological treatment (therapy) for at least eight weeks. Many people with treatment-resistant anxiety struggle with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Some research indicates that 33% of people with anxiety are treatment-resistant patients. Other research has estimated that 50% to 60% of anxiety patients still suffer from symptoms even after first-line treatments. For these people, additional treatment is needed –– either through different types of therapy, more intensive therapy, different medication, or a combination of all of the above.
If you have treatment-resistant anxiety, I’m sorry. I can’t imagine going through life being anxious 24/7. I’m one of those that my anxiety responded to medication. When I do have episodes, I can’t even imagine having that constantly.
“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks. Not in what they say. Just in what they are.”― Markus Zusak, I Am the Messenger
Hyperstimulation Anxiety
Hyperstimulation is another different type of anxiety. It can lead to a range of physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and stomach upset. In terms of mental effects, it can lead to feelings of restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. In reality, the impact of hyperstimulation anxiety on daily life can be significant. It can make everyday situations, like being in a crowded place or a loud environment, feel overwhelming and trigger anxiety.
Mindfulness techniques can be a powerful tool in managing hyperstimulation anxiety. By focusing on the present moment, individuals can help reduce their anxiety and manage their response to sensory stimuli. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals understand and manage their reactions to overstimulation. This form of therapy assists in developing coping strategies and challenging negative thought patterns. Certain lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring enough rest, can help manage hyperstimulation anxiety. These changes can support overall well-being and improve the body’s response to stress.
“I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”― Woody Allen
Paralyzing Anxiety
One other different types of anxiety is paralyzing anxiety. Paralyzing anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder and a severe form of the body’s automatic response, also known as the “freeze” aspect of the fight, flight, and freeze response. In other words, it is the equivalent of “playing dead” in the animal world and is adaptive in that becoming immobilized helps avoid detection from a predator, unlike the “flight” response, and can reduce strain on the body, unlike the “fight” response.1
Paralyzing anxiety differs from everyday stress or nervousness in that it temporarily freezes the body in response to a detected threat rather than activating a “get up and go” response to help tackle a stressor daily life presents. It also differs in that it impairs functioning in one or more areas of life and is distinct from other anxiety disorders that have specific symptom criteria.
People can also feel emotionally paralyzed when experiencing this type of anxiety and might not experience the full effects of strong feelings of fear, panic, worry, or impending doom. This differs from less severe forms of anxiety in that these feelings are overwhelming. With low to moderate anxiety, the person can still function but with paralyzing anxiety, the person experiences a complete shutdown of their system.
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”― George Bernard Shaw
Unspecified Anxiety Disorder
What is unspecified anxiety disorder? This is the term for an anxiety or phobia that does not meet the exact criteria for any other anxiety disorder but is significant enough to cause distress and distress to the person. The ICD-10 code for unspecified anxiety disorder is F41.9
Common unspecified anxiety disorder symptoms are:
Panic, fear and anxiety. Feelings of panic, despair, or danger. Sleep problems. Unable to stay calm and still. Cold hands or feet, sweating, numbness, or tingling. Shortness of breath. Breathing faster and more rapidly than usual (hyperventilation). Heart beats fast. Dry mouth. Nausea. Muscle tension. Dizzy . Thinking about a problem over and over and can’t be stopped (rethinking). Inability to concentrate. Stay away from objects or places that are intentionally or obsessively frightening.
“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.”― Allen Saunders
Anxiety When Trying To Sleep
Sleep anxiety is a feeling of stress or fear about going to sleep. Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the U.S. Research suggests that most people with mental health disorders such as anxiety also have some form of sleep disruption. You may be apprehensive about not falling asleep or not being able to stay asleep. Some people also have a distinct phobia, or fear, about sleep called somniphobia. They may think something bad will happen to them while they sleep, or that they shouldn’t sleep because they need to stay alert and watchful.
We’re meant to feel afraid or worried in dangerous situations. But if you have chronic anxiety, you might feel stress or worry all the time. You may feel fearful of everyday situations like driving to work or even falling asleep. Research suggests that anxiety can affect rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This is the phase of sleep when you tend to have vivid dreams. If you have anxiety, the dreams may be disturbing or turn into nightmares that wake you.
Just as anxiety can affect sleep, sleep can affect anxiety. Sleep anxiety is a common characteristic of insomnia, wherein the individual begins to experience anxiety during the day and evening about poor sleep, which may help cause another night of bad sleep.
“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of anxiety (more than I listed). An anxiety disorder is like any other health problem that requires treatment. You can’t will it away. It’s not a matter of self-discipline or attitude.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can resemble symptoms of a heart attack or another health emergency. If you’re experiencing an anxiety attack for the first time, or you’re concerned in any way about your health, call 911 or head to the nearest ER. A healthcare provider will check you for serious or life-threatening conditions.
If you’re having an anxiety attack and unsure whether you should head to an ER or not, it’s better to go. Healthcare professionals can make sure you’re OK and give you any necessary treatment.
Articles
-Anxiety Disorders
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
-What to know about anxiety
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323454
-What is Anxiety? And 10 Ways to Cope With It
Have a Good One,
Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable
“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching, love like you’ll never be hurt, sing like there’s nobody listening, and live like it’s heaven on earth.”― William W. Purkey
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