What are anxiety disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a common mental illness in South Africa. Approximately one in five South Africans are affected each year, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).

They include panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are also closely related to anxiety disorders.

“GAD includes symptoms such as excessive worry and self-doubt that interferes with daily life and lasts for more than six months,” said Felicity Pienaar, from Akeso Clinic.

Physical symptoms include trouble falling or staying asleep, muscle tension, chronic indigestion and self-doubt.

Pienaar explains that some people experience specific phobias that are overwhelming, disruptive and out of proportion to the actual risk involved.

Others spend a lot of time thinking and worrying about being at a specific event where they will be in the spotlight. They may experience self-consciousness, blushing, trembling, nausea, and difficulty talking and sweating when having to interact with others, even a small number of people.

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People with OCD suffer from obsessive behaviour and may have anxiety about making mistakes or falling short of standards. They develop compulsive behaviour that may be cognitive or physical. This becomes a disorder when these ‘rituals’ drive their life.

PTSD is a debilitating condition that follows a traumatic event. People are often plagued by frightening memories of the event, which trigger the condition. People struggling with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, numbing of emotions, depression and feeling angry, irritability or feeling distracted and being easily startled.

What causes anxiety?

“Experts believe that anxiety can sometimes be a learned behaviour that can be unlearned with the correct help,” said Pienaar.

Heredity plays a role, as does altered brain chemistry, the condition may also be exacerbated by personality and certain life experiences.

Overcoming avoidance behaviours

Recognise the cost of avoidance. Take note of the time and mental energy spent trying to avoid something. Ask yourself how it has affected your relationships and your view of yourself.

Start learning to tolerate uncomfortable thoughts and feelings about situations. The more you are willing to expose yourself to thoughts and feelings that make you anxious, the more quickly they will pass naturally.

Avoid stimulants. Substances such as caffeine and nicotine make one feel jittery and tense, and can worsen existing anxiety.

Getting enough sleep allows your body to regenerate and recharges your mind. After a good night’s sleep, coping with our problems becomes more manageable.

Joining a support group may also help. Contact www.akeso.co.za or SADAG to find a group in your area on 011 262 6396, or visit www.sadag.org.