Recognizing Anxiety Disorders and How to Overcome It

The PPKM situation, which has recently been implemented throughout Indonesia, has caused some people to experience social dysfunction. This is understandable because everyday we have to stay at home and when we have to deal with the environment outside the home, we may feel awkward. Have you ever felt uncomfortable when you’re among the crowd? Or do you often feel anxious about certain things and find it very difficult to control the anxiety? Be careful, it might be a sign you have an anxiety disorder.

Until now, there has been no research on the exact causes of anxiety disorders in individuals. However, it is known that there are several factors that contribute to excessive levels of anxiety. Some of them could be hereditary, trauma to bullying or violence and the last one could be caused by stress.

So, if an anxiety disorder arises, what can be done to make it stable or normal again? Check out some of the following tips.

Focusing Your Mind on the Activities You Are Doing
The term mindfulness is becoming increasingly popular today. For Initiator Friends who are still unfamiliar with this term, mindfulness is a type of meditation that is able to train one’s focus on the surrounding situation and emotions that are felt to be accepted openly and with full awareness. This activity not only provides benefits to your physical health, but also benefits your mental health.

Avoiding Caffeine and Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks are often used by someone as an outlet for the negative emotions they feel because they are considered to be able to provide a relaxed and free sensation in the short term. However, in people with anxiety disorders, alcoholic beverages should be avoided because they can worsen the level of anxiety itself.

As for consuming caffeine, whether in the form of coffee, chocolate, or tea, it can also trigger and worsen anxiety symptoms. Several studies have shown that coffee and tea consumption can make a person feel more restless and have difficulty concentrating, especially if consumed in excessive amounts, which is more than 2 glasses per day.

Therapeutic Consultation with a Clinical Psychologist / Mental Health Specialist
If the anxiety disorder experienced is considered very severe, it is advisable to consult with experts such as psychiatrists, counselors, or psychologists. Because at this stage or level, anxiety conditions often interfere with daily activities so that work functions or social functions as individuals can also be disrupted. Usually, after giving a diagnosis, including the type of excessive anxiety experienced, the doctor will consider whether or not to take medication.

Sport
Apparently, exercise can be an alternative to overcome excessive anxiety disorder. This is because active exercise can help the body release endorphins and serotonin hormones that can make you feel happier emotionally. At a minimum, exercise for 30 minutes for 3-5 days on a regular basis so that Initiator Friends can feel the benefits.

Keep in mind, anxiety disorders may not go away or heal without proper medical treatment. Therefore, it is important to continue to visit a clinical psychologist if you feel it has affected your daily activities. For Initiator Friends who need free psychosocial services, please contact the HELPCARE HUMAN INITIATIVE service wa.me/6281280804561