What can Anxiety look like in the modern context?

Anxiety is a natural human response to stress, fear, or uncertainty. However, in today's fast-paced and interconnected world, Anxiety has become an increasingly prevalent and debilitating problem for many individuals. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 260 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders, and the prevalence of Anxiety has increased significantly in recent years. In this article, we will explore what anxiety looks like in the modern context, including its causes, symptoms, and potential treatments.

 

Causes of Anxiety in the Modern context

There are several factors that contribute to the rise of Anxiety in the world that we live in now. One of the most significant causes is the fast-paced and competitive nature of modern life. Many people feel overwhelmed by the demands of work, family, and social obligations, leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. Social media and technology also often contributes to Anxiety, as people are constantly flooded with information and social pressures to present a certain image.

Another common cause of Anxiety in the modern context is the past / ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 has created a sense of fear and uncertainty, with many people struggling to cope with the changes and restrictions that have been imposed on our daily lives. Many of us are still experiencing the ongoing impact of Covid-19, including time loss and grief during this period. Click here for a past blog post that discussed this in more details. The pandemic has also led to economic instability and job losses, which can further exacerbate anxiety and stress.

 

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways. The symptoms can vary by culture, society and can be quite an individualised experience. Some common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Physical Symptoms: Anxiety can cause a range of physical symptoms, such as a heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and muscle tension.

  • Cognitive Symptoms: Anxiety can also affect your thoughts and thinking processes, leading to symptoms such as racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, excessive worry, ruminations etc.

  • Behavioral Symptoms: Anxiety can also lead to changes in behavior. Avoidance is the most common behaviour symptoms of Anxiety, e.g., avoidance of certain situations, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping.

  • Emotional Symptoms: Anxiety can also affect your emotional state, leading to symptoms such as irritability, agitation, and a feeling of often being on edge.

 

Therapeutic frameworks and options for treatment of Anxiety

Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for anxiety. These include:

  • Therapy: There is strong evidence supporting the efficacy of therapy in managing Anxiety. Some of these effective therapeutic frameworks include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-based therapies, Schema Therapy etc. These therapies can be with a trained mental health professional, such as a Psychologist or an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.

  • Medication: Anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be effective in managing anxiety symptoms. However, medication should be used in conjunction with therapy and under the supervision of a medical professional, such as your GP or psychiatrist.

  • Lifestyle Changes: Making lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, having a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, can also help manage anxiety.

  • Support Groups: Joining a support group or seeking support from family and friends can be a helpful way to manage anxiety.

 

By understanding the causes and symptoms of anxiety and seeking professional help, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety and improve their mental health in a meaningful way. There are many options available to help, and if you would like to discuss further, give us a call to speak to one of our friendly Client Support Team members. We can then take it from there.

Yuedda Sio