October 10 was celebrated across the world as World Mental Health Day. The time was used for raising awareness and spreading education about mental health issues across the globe. Many individuals here in Anguilla continue to be stigmatised if they have a mental illness, and the lack of attention to mental illnesses during World Mental Health Day is a cause of great concern, especially during this time when we are facing the COVID-19 epidemic which has been associated with an increase in mental health illnesses worldwide. The general population in Anguilla has experienced a significant elevation in fear and anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic – and this article will focus on anxiety disorders.
COVID-19 and mental illness
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health, but the global extent of this impact remains largely unknown. Several studies have shown a significant increase in the prevalence of both depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health has come to focus in pandemic times, like never before, as people of all age groups and occupations bear the brunt of the ‘new normal’. Health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, have been particularly affected. Anxiety disorders were very prevalent prior to the pandemic – and the pandemic has resulted in further increases in this mental health illness.
What is an anxiety disorder?
An anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition. If you have an anxiety disorder, you may respond to certain things and situations with fear and dread. You may also experience physical signs of anxiety, such as a pounding heart and sweating. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear that can be mild or severe.
It is normal to have some anxiety at some point in our lives. You may feel anxious or nervous if you have to tackle a problem at work, go for an interview, take a test or make an important decision. You might have an anxiety disorder when anxiety goes beyond the regular nervousness and slight fear you may feel from time to time. An anxiety disorder happens when the anxiety interferes with your ability to function – or if you often overreact when something triggers your emotions. When you have an anxiety disorder you cannot control your responses to situations. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
What are the types of anxiety disorders?
There are several types of anxiety disorders, including the following:
• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
• Panic disorder.
• Phobias.
• Separation anxiety.
What causes anxiety disorders?
Anxiety disorders are like other forms of mental illness – do not come from personal weakness, character flaws or problems with upbringing. Researchers do not know exactly what causes anxiety disorders. It is generally believed that a combination of factors plays a role. These include the following:
• Chemical imbalance: Severe or long-lasting stress can change the chemical balance that controls your mood. Experiencing a lot of stress over a long period can lead to an anxiety disorder.
• Environmental factors: Experiencing a trauma might trigger an anxiety disorder, especially in someone who has inherited a higher risk to start.
• Heredity: Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. You may inherit them from one or both parents – like eye colour.
What are the symptoms of an anxiety disorder?
Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have. General symptoms of an anxiety disorder include the following:
Physical symptoms:
• Cold or sweaty hands.
• Dry mouth.
• Heart palpitations.
• Nausea.
• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet.
• Muscle tension.
• Shortness of breath.
Mental symptoms:
• Feeling panic, fear and uneasiness.
• Nightmares.
• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences.
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts.
Behavioural symptoms:
• Inability to be still and calm.
• Ritualistic behaviours, such as washing hands repeatedly.
• Trouble sleeping.
Diagnosis
There are no lab tests or scans that can diagnose anxiety disorders, but your provider may run some of these tests to rule out physical conditions that may be causing symptoms. If you have symptoms of an anxiety disorder, talk to your doctor or other healthcare providers. They will carry out a complete medical history and physical examination. If your provider finds no signs of physical illness, they may refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. These mental health professionals specialise in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They may use specially designed interview and assessment tools to figure out if you have an anxiety disorder.
How are anxiety disorders treated?
An anxiety disorder is like any other health problem that requires treatment. You cannot will it away. It is not a matter of self-discipline or attitude. Your healthcare provider will tailor a treatment plan that works for you. Your plan may combine medication and psychotherapy. Medications cannot cure an anxiety disorder, but they can improve symptoms and help you function better.
Conclusion
Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide. There is growing evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to further increases in this treatable mental health disorder. Anxiety disorders can often go undiagnosed and untreated. If you have an anxiety disorder you do not need to live with constant worry and fear. If you notice symptoms of an anxiety disorder, talk to your healthcare provider. It is best to get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field is ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty eight years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
