Anxiety and Its Symptoms

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress. It is a feeling of fear or apprehension about what will come. The nervous feeling before an important life event during a difficult situation is a natural echo of the original "fight or flight" reaction triggered by an adrenaline rush. It is a normal emotion developed by the body as an alarm mechanism to avoid the dangers that directly or indirectly threaten survival. Over time, the concept of threat has expanded, so much so that currently it is not poisonous snakes or werewolves that trigger anxiety. Anxieties now revolve around health, work, money, family life and other crucial issues. Any event or situation, even in perspective, that is perceived as a threat, from the loss of the job, to the outcome of an examination, can trigger an anxious malaise. When this sensation occurs with a certain regularity and with levels disproportionate to the stimulus, a problem can develop that can compromise the quality of life on a psychic and physical level.

Symptoms

Anxiety can occur suddenly, as in panic, or gradually over the course of several minutes, hours or days. It can last from a few seconds to years, although a longer duration is more characteristic of anxiety disorders. Anxiety is perceived differently, depending on the person who experiences it. Feelings can range from butterflies in the stomach to a heart that beats too fast (tachycardia). The discomfort is due to the fact that one feels out of control, as if there was a disconnection between mind and body. The person has a general feeling of fear and worry, or fears a specific place or event.

The general symptoms of anxiety are represented by: a sense of fear and imminent danger; fear of dying or losing control; general voltage; inability to relate. The psychological symptoms of anxiety are: excessive worries about secondary issues; tendency to catastrophism; irritability and impatience; difficulty concentrating and poor attention; feeling of loss of one's personality and sense of reality; memory disorders; sleep disorders.

Neurovegetative symptoms are represented by:

·        difficulty in breathing,

·        feeling of tightness in the chest, air hunger (dyspnoea),

·        accelerated breathing (hyperpnea);

·        chest pain;

·        lightheadedness,

·        dizziness,

·        feeling of instability and

·        lack of balance, imminent fainting (lipotimia);

·        tingling in parts of the body; hot or cold flashes;

·        feeling of suffocation,

·        difficulty in swallowing,

·        feeling of "knot in the throat";

·        dry mouth;

·        fast or irregular heart beat (arrhythmic

·        excessive sweating;

·        sense of weakness and tiredness (especially in the lower limbs);

·        tremors;

·        frequent urination diarrhea;

·        muscle tension.

 Anxiety attacks can vary widely and symptoms can differ from subject to subject because the many symptoms of anxiety can change over time.

Anxiety and depression

A panic attack and an anxiety attack have symptoms in common, but they are different problems. Anxiety disorders can be so stressful and disruptive as to lead to depression. Alternatively, anxiety disorder and depressive disorder may coexist or depression may arise first, while the signs and symptoms of anxiety disorder may occur later. Pathological anxiety, in addition to being a disorder in its own right, accompanies many diseases, especially psychiatric ones: dementia, schizophrenia, depression and mania, sexual, personality and adaptation disorders.

What is the Real Cause of Anxiety

The Causes of Anxiety

The exact causes of anxiety disorders are unknown. As reported by the American National Institute of Mental Health, the available data show that genetic and environmental causes (lifestyle, stress, nutrition) are at the origin of the disorder.

Genetic Factors. 

Anxiety tends to be familiar, as twin studies indicate the involvement of the RBFOX1 gene. In part, however, the problem can arise from living in contact with anxious people. The involvement of the amygdala is also known, a small structure deep in the brain that processes the threat and alerts the brain when there are signs of danger. It appears to play a role in anxiety disorders involving fear of specific things, such as cats, bees or drowning.

Environment. 

An anxiety disorder can be triggered by environmental stresses, such as the breakdown of an important relationship or exposure to a disaster in which life is put at risk. When the response to stress is inadequate or you are overwhelmed by events such as public speaking, an anxiety disorder may arise.

Health problems. 

There are diseases that can induce anxiety. They include: heart disease, such as heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias; hormonal (endocrine) diseases, such as an overactive adrenal gland (hyperadrenocorticocism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or a tumor that secretes hormones, called pheochromocytoma; lung (respiratory) diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Fever can also cause anxiety. Anxiety disorders often occur in conjunction with other mental health conditions, such as substance abuse and depression. Many people try to relieve anxiety symptoms by taking alcohol or other drugs. Substances such as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and other drugs can give a very brief improvement in symptoms, but in reality they worsen anxiety disorder.

Biological Factors. 

According to some studies on the brain, anxiety would be caused by alterations in the amount produced by some neurotransmitters, such as an excessive production of norepinephrine (the stress hormone) and a reduced production of serotonin (which regulates well-being) and GABA (which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter).

Drugs. 

They can cause anxiety: corticosteroids, cocaine, amphetamines and even caffeine. Abstinence from alcohol or sedatives, such as benzodiazepines (used for anxiety disorders), can induce anxiety and other symptoms, such as insomnia and restlessness.

Trauma.

 Being the victim of trauma (sexual abuse or having lived in war scenarios), being close to someone who is the victim of a traumatic experience or witnessing something traumatic, are all conditions that can promote anxiety. It is no coincidence that the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is involved in memorizing memories of threatening events, is smaller in individuals who have suffered abuse or trauma.

Gender.

 Females are most likely to have anxiety disorder than males.

What is Personality? Know Which Type of Personality you Belong

Personality is the expression of our characteristics and behavior, being the one that gives us the uniqueness in the relationship with ourselves and with others. We are different human beings and this is reflected in the existence of several personality types.

Personality is the set of own stable characteristics, which mentally and behaviorally characterize a person and distinguish him as a conscious and free individuality. It is built of two completely different traits, namely, temperament and character.

Temperament is a biological conditioning, it is hereditary and represents the set of physiological and nervous features that condition a person's ability to work, balance and self-control. The peculiarities of temperament are related to the somatic structure, the nervous system, the mobility of nervous processes, the energy resources of each person.

Character is the set of psycho-moral qualities of a person, which manifests itself in the cognitive (thinking) and behavioral in his ideas and actions. Character traits are formed and are influenced from the first years of the child's life by the parents through the preferential habits, values ​​and norms to which they refer, but also by the norms and values ​​of the society in which he lives.

Personality types - Type A personality

Personality types- Type B personality

 

Type A personality traits

They make decisions quickly and tend to split between several tasks simultaneously, which creates substantial stress. Initially, those who developed this theory of personality believed that people with type A may develop a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but the scientific data gathered later did not prove this.

There is no standard definition of what a type A personality means, and traits vary over a fairly wide range, but a general picture of person A can be added:

·        inclination towards multitasking;

·        competitive;

·        very ambitious;

·        very organized;

·        he doesn't like to waste time;

·        feels impatient or irritated when she is late or when she is dealing with overdue situations;

·        spends a lot of time working;

·        very focused on goals;

·        stressed when faced with challenges that affect her success;

·        strongly motivated;

·        militant;

·        Worker;

·        Determined to succeed

·        impatient, impulsive, hyper-energetic, can sometimes easily get angry and show hostile behavior.

·        A type A personality tends to be self-critical, in situations where he left something unfinished or if he feels that he did not give his best to achieve a goal.

Type B personality traits

Theoretically, it is the opposite of type A personality, but in reality, most people tend to borrow traits from both types. Type B people tend to be more relaxed and relaxed, so the level of stress they experience is lower.

·        tends to spend more time reflecting on things or approaching philosophical thinking;

·        she does not feel as hurried when she has different tasks to perform;

·        he does not feel so much stress if he cannot accomplish everything he set out to do.

Although people with personality type B also face sources of stress, they tend to better manage stressful moments - they constantly strive and enjoy their achievements, even when they fail to complete their projects. or tasks. These people tend to embrace careers that focus on creativity, such as that of writer, counselor, therapist, actor, and so on. In addition, people B are more tolerant than those in category A.

Intelligence Testing ( Calculate your IQ)

What Is IQ and How It Is Calculated?

IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is the measure of human intelligence expressed by a number resulting from a standardized test, related to chronological age. The vast majority of people are somewhere around 100 (between 90 and 110), with an average intelligence. A value over 120 is considered superior intelligence, and from 130 onwards we are talking about cognitive endowment. Conversely, an IQ of 75-85 expresses a "limiting intellect," while an IQ below 70 shows a delay in cognitive functioning.

Although, according to the recent definition of intelligence, IQ does not only reflect the cognitive dimension of a person's intelligence, its value provides a fairly good prediction of the academic and professional performance of the person being evaluated. Inherited intelligence potential or native intelligence

Every human being is born with a potential for intelligence genetically inherited from his predecessors. It is about native intelligence, also called fluid intelligence. It is measured by non-verbal intelligence tests that involve operating with abstract images and symbols, without the use of verbal concepts.

Activities that require native intelligence:

•  Completing a series of pictures or numbers
• Identifying a pattern (a logical structure) in a set of elements
• Fluid intelligence is fairly stable over time and is perhaps the most important component of total intelligence, making a significant contribution to a person's overall performance.
• Crystallized intelligence although it is generally agreed that human intelligence potential is genetically inherited, the influence of environmental factors is also important, and can either diminish or increase the innate potential. Thus, exposure to a living environment rich in various experiences in early childhood, but also social relationships have a major role in the development of intelligence. Intelligence gained through education, called crystallized intelligence, is measured by intelligence tests that involve operating with different verbal concepts. For example, it measures:
• The richness of a person's vocabulary
• His ability to understand and use words or expressions with a high degree of abstraction
• Ability to make verbal reasoning.
• Understanding and reacting correctly to social situations, of "common sense"

In properly assessing a person's intelligence, both components are important - both non-verbal and verbal intelligence.

How is IQ measured?

Although standardized intelligence tests can measure IQ from the age of approximately 3 years to the age of 90, a complex and valuable assessment of cognitive abilities (both verbal and nonverbal) can be made after the age of Six years. In order to make the right decisions about a child's educational plan, it is very important to evaluate the two major components of intelligence: non-verbal (fluid intelligence, genetically inherited) and verbal (crystallized intelligence, gained through education).

Formula for IQ Testing:

  Mental age / Chronical age×100

How To Stay Mentally Strong and Healthy

The most important points and practices of mentally strong people that can help you overcome any trial or adversity.

I see things in an objective way.

In this sense, there is an aphorism of ancient philosophy from the Stoic period that says that "There is no good or evil, only perception," which was later supported by a theorist.

The way we perceive a situation has an extraordinary power either to help us or to do harm. So, many times, we react in an emotional way and project negative judgments on a situation, when, in fact, the first step to overcoming a challenge is to see things objectively. He has studied countless examples in the past of people who have overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable to many of us. Examples of difficulties ranged from being unjustly accused of killing three people to discrimination based on race and sex.

He found that mental resilience comes from three things: perception, action, and will. Thus, this system contains, 1) Own perception. Can you see things clearly and objectively? 2) Can you imagine creative or innovative solutions or activities? 3) And finally, what is the level of determination or will you will use on that situation? 

Give up possessiveness.

We all deserve to be happy, but we do not deserve a life free of obstacles and failures. An attitude of possessiveness - believing that we deserve to get what we want most - can make it harder for us to cope with difficult situations that may arise and take us by surprise. This is quite common among Generation Y, according to expert Paul Harvey, an assistant professor of management at the University of New Hampshire. People with strong mental strength recognize that all plans, as well as life as a whole, can take another turn at any time - and, more importantly, they do not waste their efforts feeling unjustified by fate when things do not go that way. as they wish. ''

They are balanced in what they do.

Being mentally strong does not mean that you are always happy, but that you know "to be consistent in what you do, anytime, anywhere," says Holiday. Emotional stability and the ability to be calm are a great advantage when faced with difficult situations. Fortunately, emotional stability tends to increase with age and you will be surprised to realize that you will become happier.

 I don't want them to be happy all the time.

Excessive concern for happiness can lead to an unhealthy attitude toward negative emotions and experiences. Mentally strong people do not try to avoid negative emotions, on the contrary, they accept both positive and negative ones and the fact that they allow various feelings to coexist is an essential component of mental resistance.

They are realistic optimists.

Mentally strong people have a habit of moving on after they have failed. Instead of getting upset, hopeless, and unaffected, they take the opportunity to come up with a creative solution to any problem. They tend to be realistic optimists - they have that cheerfulness of optimists and the clarity of pessimists - which gives them both the motivation and the critical thinking needed to come up with creative solutions. "Every time they face a problem, challenge or obstacle, they don't say 'I have no choice, that's the only thing I can do,'" Sophia Chou, a researcher, told LiveScience. 

I live in the present.

Being present - let alone thinking about the past or anticipating the future - allows you to see things as they really are. Regardless of whether or not they practice meditation or conscious attention, people with mental strength tend to have a conscious, careful way of getting involved in the real world. Science has shown that attention can stimulate your brain power. This practice has been linked to emotional stability, reduced stress and anxiety, and improved mental clarity.

They are persevering in pursuing their own goals.

We have all heard wonderful stories about successful people who have overcome significant obstacles and failures to get where they set out to be. They present one of the most important qualities of strong people: Perseverance, or as the psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth mentions, judgment.

According to his studies of students in various educational systems, Duckworth noted that judgment, more than any other quality (IQ, emotional intelligence, beauty, health) is the cause of student success. She also studied teachers and workers in different work systems to see what is the cause of their success.  It was the decision, "Duckworth told TED conferences.

I know when it's time to detach from things.

As important as perseverance is the ability to recognize that you can control your own actions and not their outcome. Accepting this fact allows you to let go of things that are not in your power. Holiday argues that there is a maxim in Stoicism, called the "art of tolerance," which means not resisting things you can't change and capitalizing on, instead of allowing them to bother or frustrate you.

We need resilience, determination and perseverance, but this is not the answer in every situation. Mentally strong people live through the prayer of Peace - they change what they can control, accept what they cannot control, and know the difference between the two.

They love their lives the way they are.

Amor fati is a Latin term that translates to "love of fate", a concept derived from ancient Greece and the Roman Stoic philosophers that later reappeared in Nietzsche's work. He is perhaps the most important element of mental strength.

What Are The Habbits To Stay Mentally Healthy

What are the Habits that a Person Should Adopt in Daily Life to Become Mentally Healthy?

1.     Many experts define mental health as the routine in which the days when you struggle to succeed are more than the days when you give up any effort. This habit gives you permission to have less good days, without this necessarily leading to a worse life. Staying mentally healthy should be a goal you work towards on a daily basis. Many habits can help you become mentally healthy, but you need to take steps to maintain them.

2.     Make an inventory of the types of people you have in your life. Are they negative, pull you down, or are they emotional vampires? If so, think about either taking them out of your life completely or reducing their role. You have control over how much you allow them to be a part of your life. Manage the feelings you have about this big step you take towards freedom.

3.     Make the healthy life style and maintain that healthy life style. These boundaries are the boundaries you create for yourself, regarding the people in your life. If you do not set healthy limits, you are likely to be treated in an unhealthy way. Even if you haven't been taught how to create borders, you can learn. It's never too late. Identify the actions you don't like and decide what you want to do differently.

4.     Learn to say no and stop pleasing people. Failure to say often does not come from a desire to please others. It may not be obvious that this is happening, so it is important to realize what makes you say yes when you actually want to say no.

5.     If you struggle to say no, we recommend that you change this immediately. If you do not make this change, both you and your relationship will suffer. You cannot be mentally healthy and at the same time be a person who pleases everyone.

6.     Create realistic expectations. If you have unrealistic expectations about yourself or others, you will continue to feel disappointed. Try to write down your expectations and those of others, then review the list. How many of these are unrealistic? Now that you have identified these things, change them so that they are realistic and achievable.

If you start implementing one or two of these habits, you will already feel a difference. Include these tips in your daily routine, but don't expect immediate results. Over time, the more you do these things, the greater the impact on your mental health.

Psychological Risk and Mental Health

Mental Health and Psychological Risks

Mental health is an important aspect in everyone's life and that is why we must pay due attention to it. Mental illness is a disorder of brain function. They can have several causes, and occur globally, regardless of country, culture or socio-economic group.

Mental illness makes everything harder: school, relationships and socializing with other people, time spent at home with family, etc. If you know someone who is experiencing a mental disorder, recommend that they see a doctor as soon as possible. The sooner you intervene, the more effective the treatment will be. A specialist doctor can diagnose correctly and propose an appropriate treatment.

Mental health warning signs

-         lack of happiness, enthusiasm;

-         strong, frequent anxiety states;

-         the desire to hurt or hurt someone else;

-         Less interaction in activities

-         strong and continuous states of irritability and nervousness.

Myths About Teen Mental Health:

1.     Teenagers have no real problems

2.     Mental health problems among adolescents exist and are real. They must be treated seriously so as not to evolve until they no longer allow recovery. Take action from the first question mark regarding a teenager's poor condition.

3.     Teenagers are just looking for attention, you don't have to worry. Many adolescents with deviant behavior suffer from a mental disorder, so the need for attention or antisocial behavior of a teenager should be taken seriously and at the first opportunity directed to a specialist.

4.     Adolescents are too young to suffer from depression. Depression is a mental illness that can occur regardless of age. Untreated, it can lead to suicide.

5.     If someone talks about suicide, they certainly won't. Suicide is one of the leading causes of adolescence. When someone talks about suicide, it is very important that he be taken seriously and directed to a specialist or an emergency aid point.

Types of Mental Health Problems

Types of Mental Health Problems

The most common types of mental disorders that adolescents may face that they can overcome if they are detected in time and treated according to the recommendations of a specialist are:

Depression

It is normal to feel sad from time to time or to feel powerless and discouraged. They are normal emotions, as reactions to what is happening in our lives. Whether we are talking about the departure of a good friend, a breakup, an argument, a small note or the loss of a loved one, these are things that can make us feel sad. These are emotions that a person can normally overcome after a period of time.

Depression, on the other hand, is a permanent state of sadness, discouragement and even despair. A feeling of hopelessness, energy or desire to get involved in any activity.

This mental disorder can have several symptoms and is often difficult to identify. People around her may confuse her with a bad mood and a distant or mischievous attitude. Limited of concentration, distance from friends, family, acquaintances, plus symptoms at the physical level: sleep problems, stomach pain, headache, weight gain or loss.

Severe anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction of people that activates when a person perceives a threat or risk and to some extent is normal. The effects of anxiety are felt on a physical and mental level: alertness, rapid heartbeat, tense muscles, sweaty palms, feeling of tight stomach, shaking hands and feet. The intensity of the symptoms may be lower or higher.

Anxiety disorders involve constant fear, anxiety for no real reason. Anxiety can make you feel alert all the time, without being able to focus on other activities. When anxiety becomes a frequent condition, of high intensity, without a real reason and ends up affecting one's daily life and happiness, it means that the normal conditions have been exceeded and it is good to turn to a specialist.

 Suicide

Most people who commit suicide do so because they try to get rid of feelings that overwhelm them: rejection, pain, a loss suffered, feelings of guilt or shame, worry or fear of disappointing friends or family. Maybe others feel unwanted and accepted, are not loved, are victims of aggression, or feel a burden to others.

We all have periods when we feel overwhelmed by such emotions or difficult situations, but most look at problems in perspective and look for solutions and continue their lives either hoping for more beautiful moments or realizing that such a state can be temporary.

If a situation, no matter how difficult, can be overcome, why do some people fail to see any other escape and choose to take their own lives? The answer would be that many people who commit suicide suffer from depression.

Depression affects the way a person thinks, so that he can no longer see any way out of an unpleasant situation. Often people who think about suicide do not even realize that they are suffering from depression and do not realize that the condition is what makes them think that there is no escape from their condition, not the situation itself is without escape. . Treating depression progressively improves the way a person perceives reality.

Substance abuse

Adolescents who have problems with drugs and alcohol are at greater risk of suicide. Both alcohol and certain drugs have depressive effects on the brain. The problem is amplified by the fact that young people with various problems tend to use drugs and alcohol as a method of escape. It's just that, beyond the depressive effects, alcohol and drugs affect judgment and influence the perspective on risks, decisions and solutions to problems. Many suicide attempts take place under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Suicide can be planned, sometimes these thoughts appear suddenly after a situation in which the person feels helpless (an argument with the parents, a breakup, a low grade at school.

Alarm signals and what to do:

1.     When someone talks about suicide, they move away from friends, family, they no longer participate in activities that they would normally enjoy, they talk a lot about helplessness, despair or as if they feel a burden.

2.     If you yourself feel intense sadness for a long time and you are thinking about suicide, seek help as soon as possible.

3.     Talk to an adult you trust. Depression does not go away on its own, but requires dedicated treatment recommended by a specialist. Talk to a parent, teacher, or school counselor.

4.     Use emergency phone numbers. The specialized people are there to help and support you to overcome the difficult situation.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are more than a weight loss diet or trying to exercise daily. These are extreme in eating behavior and in the perspective on eating. A diet that never ends and that becomes increasingly restrictive or feelings of guilt after each meal or snack are signs that the person is suffering from an eating disorder

1.    Anorexia

People who suffer from anorexia have a constant fear of gaining weight, and the perception of their own body is totally wrong, always having the impression that they have gained weight. The result is that they eat very little and lose a lot of weight. Many teens with anorexia limit daily meals to extremely severe diets and excessive exercise. Every food is kept to a minimum, and calorie counting becomes an obsession. Negative effects on the body:

-         decrease in blood pressure, pulse and respiration;

-         hair loss and nail weakening;

-         menstrual cycle disorder;

-         difficulties in maintaining attention and concentration;

-         anemia;

-         fragile bones.

2.    Bulimia

People who suffer from bulimia eat in excess, so that in a short time they feel guilty and vomit or take laxatives, so as not to gain weight. In the long run, this disorder is dangerous both physically and emotionally.

Unlike those who suffer from anorexia (very weak), people with bulimia may look normal or may even be overweight. Negative effects on the body:

-         constant stomach pain;

-         damage to the stomach and kidneys;

-         tooth degradation (due to stomach acid);

-         menstrual cycle disorder;

-         loss of potassium (heart problems and even death).

Signs of eating disorders:

-         visible, excessive weight loss;

-         obsession with calories, exercise, diet;

-         obsessive weighing;

-         reduction of food portions;

-         avoiding parties and celebrations where there is food;

-         constant fear of gaining weight;

-         inventing excuses to go to the bathroom after every meal;

-         purchase of diuretics and laxatives.

Eating disorders can be treated. These involve both the body and the mind, so the treatment will involve both nutritionists and therapists. Treatment options depend on the person. It is important to talk to a trusted adult to take the first step in the right direction (parent, teacher, school counselor, coach, neighbor, nurse, etc.).

Learning to love your body and accept yourself as you are can take time, but it is a pleasant and satisfying feeling that is worth your effort.

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How to Deal with A Panic Attack

How to Deal With A Panic Attack

1. Identify the symptoms of a panic attack: rapid breathing, accelerated heartbeat, strong feeling of panic and sometimes stomach or chest pain. The sooner you realize that you have a panic attack, the faster you can try to reduce its intensity.

2.   Try to figure out what's going on and try to control the feeling. Either by breathing exercises that you practice regularly, or by focusing on the fact that nothing serious is happening.

3.     Face your fear. If you run away from the fears you have, they will return. Try to think that it is an unpleasant condition that will pass.

4.    Identify the causes of panic attacks. What are the stressful situations in your life, reconsider your lifestyle (try to get enough rest, have a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables, avoid fast food and energy drinks or high in sugar, make sure- that you exercise regularly and exercise)

5.    Talk to those close to you about what is happening to you. The next time you have a panic attack I can help you calm down and make sure everything is fine.

6.   Make an appointment with a psychologist or school counselor. A specialist can recommend a treatment that suits you.