Chennai: Nowadays, anxiety disorder is one of the most common and ignored disorders among the young population. Imbalanced work-life, depression, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of discipline, and carelessness towards mental health are some of the factors leading to anxiety disorders and mental health illness.
Besides everything, the Covid-19 pandemic is one of the major factors in increasing anxiety issues among the population. The fear of being stuck at home, work-life imbalance, lack of physical activity, and hopelessness of getting over with the pandemic, have led to an increase in anxiety and mental health issues.
Regular nervousness is mistaken with anxiety issues but on contrary, it is beyond that. Anxiety disorder happens when someone is unable to function, overreact when something triggers your emotions and loses self-control while responding to certain situations.
Anxiety disorders are like other mental illnesses. There is a combination of factors that are responsible for the development of these disorders.
- Chemical imbalance: Prolonged ignorance towards stress can change the chemical balance that controls emotions or mood. Experiencing stress over a long time can lead to anxiety disorder.
- Environmental factors: Experiencing a trauma might cause an anxiety disorder
- Heredity: Anxiety disorders can be genetically inherited. One can get it from family members like other traits.
The signs of anxiety issues can be seen as pounding heart and sweating. Symptoms can be seen as:
- Sweating
- Dry Mouth
- Heart Palpitation
- Muscle tension
- Shortness of breath
- Mental symptoms such as feeling panic, fear, traumatic experiences
- Behavioral symptoms like inability to still and calm, trouble sleeping, etc.
Along with keeping physical health, it is very crucial to take care of your mental health as well to lead a happy and healthy life. Stress management strategies such as healthy meals, getting plenty of sleep, yoga, and meditation.
Here are some self-care tips to ensure good mental health and self-care in the face of the disruptions caused by the pandemic:
Seek Consultation: Whenever you feel low and struggling to control your emotions or behaviour, especially when it is affecting your work, well-being, and relationships. Never feel hesitated to consult a doctor/expert to talk about it. Mental health is as important as physical health. Do not try to ignore it.
Stay kind to yourself: Talk to yourself and give time to your inner self to heal. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, talk to your friends and consult a doctor.
Maintain a routine: No matter if you are stuck at home, try to maintain a fixed routine for sleep, work, meal, school, or work schedule. Maintaining a fixed schedule can give a sense of normalcy.
Practice your hobby: Take out time for your hobby, read a book, watch a comedy, play a video game, cook your favorite recipe, indulge yourself in art or plantation. It helps in taking away your worries and gives a sense of calmness to your mind.
Go for a walk: Fresh air and sunshine impact our brain in a good way. It makes you feel fresh and relaxed.
Get involved in physical activity: Staying active will help you relax and release anxiety. Cycling, walking, doing household chores can help release stress and manage your mood.
Avoid self-medication: You should strictly avoid the use of alcohol to deal with anxiety or depression.
Start practicing meditation: Meditation gives a sense of calmness. Deep breathing and meditation help in maintaining the chemical balance and bring back into a state of equilibrium.
The article has been contributed by Ms Kanchan Naikawadi, Preventive Healthcare Specialist, Indus Health Plus
