Thread by @shubhrata_p

A thread on #AnxietyDisorder

Anxiety disorder is not your garden variety of nervousness. Anybody can feel nervous or anxious when faced with a real threat - an exam, an impending disaster, a threat to life, illness, a situation causing trauma or distress.

Racing/pounding heart, sweating, muscle and/or stomach cramps, nausea, shortness and/or shallowness of breath, blurring of vision, confusion or brain fog, dizziness, freezing: these are the ways in which the nervous system reacts when faced with a threat, real or imaginary.

Anxiety disorder implies a disorder in the body's normal reaction to a real or perceived threat. In anxiety disorder, the nervous system reacts disproportionately to the threat or reacts even when there is no immediate or perceived threat.

A person having the nervous reaction may not even consciously be aware of the threat that the brain and the nervous system are reacting to. The anxiety attack often doesn't make sense to the person experiencing it, leaving the person even more confused and distressed.

A panic attack, which is a powerful nervous reaction to a real/perceived threat that the person may or may not be conscious of, can even feel like a heart attack. Panic or anxiety attacks are unpredictable and can happen any time without any apparent trigger.

Anxiety disorder is disabling in several ways. A person with anxiety disorder is vulnerable to having an anxiety attack, and hence avoids all probable situations where an anxiety attack can be embarrassing or even unsafe. E.g. freezing up while crossing the road or in an exam.

Anxiety disorder is a 'disorder' of the brain and nervous system: they function in a 'disorderly' fashion. It is not a character fault or a sign of moral /mental 'weakness' of the person suffering from it. It is not possible to snap out of an anxiety attack.

So, before you judge a person with anxiety disorder, pls remember that it is a disorder, not a sign of 'mental weakness'. It takes a lot of strength to overcome an anxiety attack or the fear of having an unpredictable anxiety attack, and go about one's usual business.

A person with anxiety disorder is not a nervous or weak person - they have a disorder that exaggerates the fear response. They display tremendous strength in fighting a severely disabling condition & staying afloat & functional. Help fight the stigma by staying informed & aware.

Someone with #AnxietyDisorder does not deserve loathing or ridicule or even pity. A little understanding, empathy & acceptance go a long way in enabling a person with disabling anxiety disorder.
#Mentalhealth #MentalHealthAwareness
#invisibledisabilities

#AnxietyDisorder
Treatment depends on the extent of dysfunction or disability caused by the disorder. Medication, psychotherapy, exercise and grounding strategies usually work. Please consult a mental health professional for assessment and treatment.
#Mentalhealth

To support a loved one, pls be non judgmental. Support their coping efforts. Nudge them towards professional treatment when required for they may not be aware it's a condition that needs treatment. One can still have a high functioning life despite having #AnxietyDisorder.