Ever heard of "Anxiety Disorder"?

According to an online source from the College of Medicine,University of Ibadan, Anxiety Disorder is a mental health disorder characterised by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one's daily activities.

Examples of anxiety disorders include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is;
*Treatable by a medical professional
*Usually self-diagnosable
*Lab tests or imaging is not required

According to this source, in Nigeria,1.5 million cases is reported every year.
Did you know women are twice as likely as men to develop an anxiety disorder? It sounds like a high number, but it's true — and there are scientific reasons why.

Kimberly Hershenson, an NYC-based therapist, says, "Women are more likely to feel anxiety because they have naturally higher levels of progesterone, cortisol and estradiol. This is why women are more intuitive regarding predicting threats and dangers." And for many women, these disorders can cause disruptions in our day-to-day lives, creating additional problems on top of what worries us initially.

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:
Feeling nervous, restless or tense
Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
Having an increased heart rate
Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
Sweating
Trembling
Feeling weak or tired
Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry
Having trouble sleeping
Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems
Having difficulty controlling worry
Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

So what are some best practices to deal with this anxiety?

*Make a daily gratitude list before bed by writing down ten things you are grateful for.

*start a meditation practice, even if it's only for five minutes a day.

*Practice self acceptance.

Make a list of what you can control in the situation causing you anxiety (your reaction) and what you can't control (others' behavior). And if these are not enough, check in with your doctor or medical professional.

When to see a doctor?
Please, see your doctor if:
*You feel like you're worrying too much and it's interfering with your work, relationships or other parts of your life

*Your fear, worry or anxiety is upsetting to you and difficult to control

*You feel depressed, have trouble with alcohol or drug use, or have other mental health concerns along with anxiety

*You think your anxiety could be linked to a physical health problem

*You have suicidal thoughts or behaviors — if this is the case, seek emergency treatment immediately

Your worries may not go away on their own, and they may get worse over time if you don't address it.

Don't forget the great physician, who told us to be anxious for nothing. Matt 6:25,31