Worrying in everyday life is a completely common phenomenon. We can worry about our family, our health, our financial situation and so much, much more. However, anxiety is a different matter, the anxious person is constantly worrying and cannot control their fears.
There are also noticeable changes in the way he or she thinks, viewing information from the outside world through a negative ‘filter’. This ever-present anxiety can significantly interfere with his daily life, preventing him from resting and relaxing properly.
If this phenomenon becomes persistent and persists even when there is no reason for it, it is worth seeking professional help.
Causes of the development of generalised anxiety:
- Persistent stress
- Difficult financial circumstances
- Various losses: partner, job, material
- Inherited factors
- Low self-esteem
- Lack of companionship and intimacy
- Life crises (e.g. changing age, growing up)
Generalised anxiety is twice as common in women as in men. It is distinct from phobic anxiety, as people with phobias are particularly afraid of a particular thing. It is a much broader spectrum anxiety, with a constant feeling of unease about life and everyday life.
An anxiety condition is particularly characterised by the fact that whatever the situation, the most negative scenario is always presented. Take, for example, the case where the anxious party calls their child on the phone, but the child does not answer and does not call back. In such cases, the child does not think that he or she simply did not have the opportunity to answer the phone, but “obviously” had an accident.
These feelings are not as intense as in a panic attack, but they are quite persistent and constant.
Let us look at the main symptoms of generalised anxiety:
- Anxiousness, fearful anticipation (work, school performance)
- Lack of concentration
- Fatigue, forgetfulness
- Decreased performance
- Sleep disturbance
- Muscle tension, body aches
- Abdominal discomfort
- Heart palpitations, tremors
- Sweating and dry mouth
Persistence of these causes suffering and difficulties in living.
How can generalised anxiety be treated?
A very common psychotherapeutic method, cognitive behavioural therapy, can be used. The word cognitive in the name of the therapy means cognition, the main element of which is the identification of negative thoughts. During treatment, the person and therapist work closely together to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
The use of American CBD oil is not uncommon in hopes of solving the problem.
According to cognitive theory, anxiety disorders are also the result of thought disorders that surface as negative thoughts. These negative thoughts are then amplified by physical symptoms. The person thinks, “I am miserable.” Thus, a certain “vicious circle” is created.
This article is in no way self-diagnostic, it is informative and educational. If you experience any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor.