Anxiety – When is it a Problem? Day 1

Troubling Times

Welcome to Daily Health with Dr. Gabby. We are living in times of great apprehension and it is only normal that we become anxious once in a while. However, we should not let this feeling overcome or over power us.

Is Anxiety a Sickness?

Anxiety in itself is normal and is a feeling we have when expecting danger.

Disorders due to anxiety are among the commonest psychiatric disorders generally, with the US having about 40million people with the condition. In Nigeria there are about 1.5 million cases annually. It affects people of all ages, from 6 – 60 years and above.

In this series we will be looking at the causes, symptoms and practical steps with which you can manage anxiety and its disorders.

When is Anxiety a problem?

How then do we know when it is abnormal? When it significantly impairs your day to day functioning we can say it is abnormal.

Causes of Anxiety

Though the exact cause(s) is largely unclear, there are a wide spectrum of possibilities. It could be heredity, chemical imbalances in the brain, life events, medical / psychiatric conditions and drugs.

If you have an immediate family member with the condition, there’s a possibility of you developing it. This is increased if the family member is your twin.

Life events like trauma in childhood could also be contributory.

Relationship between Stress and Anxiety

General stressful events can also make one anxious. These include relationship, financial, work or unemployment and school issues. Loss of a loved one as well as being diagnosed with a terminal condition are also predisposing factors.

There are some medical conditions that it can come along with such as heart disease and hyperthyroidism.

What are you going through today, have you tried to speak to someone or are you bottling it all up?

Do you feel you or a loved one is constantly anxious? You are not alone.

Please inform your friends and family to subscribe to this service. Join me tomorrow for more.

Stay Healthy!