Anxiety

Did you know that there are several types of anxiety? How about that more than three million cases a year are diagnosed in the U.S.? That’s a lot, so it’s safe to say that it’s a common diagnosis. But, what causes anxiety?

Well, typically it is a big event or built up of smaller stressful life situations that can “trigger” excessive anxiety. Some examples are :

A death in the family

Work stress

Ongoing finance worry

So, let’s talk about 6 major types of anxiety… (Yes, there is more)

Separation anxiety this type of anxiety you usually the first experience as young as a toddler or possibly a baby even. It’s pretty self-explanatory really. It’s when a child becomes anxious when separated from parents or “safety net”. You usually grow out of this. However, separation anxiety can occur again in adults and it’s a bit more complicated, and usually the parent or loved one passed on. I am still a personality dealing with separation anxiety as my mom passed away in 2019.

Social Anxiety disorder This one has seen and can include excess fear of situations in a large crowd or that they might be judged. You can have the bad part where you panic (We will see panic soon) and have to leave the situation before a serious attack. This is usually a chronic disorder.

Generalized anxiety disorder This one is a very severe, ongoing anxiety that interferes with daily activities. Generalized anxiety can occur at any age. This is similar to a panic disorder, OC.D, and other types of anxiety. This includes constant worry, restlessness, and trouble with concentration. What causes generalized anxiety? Experts don’t exactly know the cause of this anxiety, but they do know some that appear to contribute to its development. Here they are – 🌟 genetics/passed down through lifestyle or environment. 🌟 brain chemistry: if the pathways the connect particular brain regions don’t work right. Problems related to mood or anxiety may happen. 🌟 environmental factors: so, with this, they mean any trama and stress such as being abused, the death of a loved one, divorce, and changing jobs or schools. This can always get worse when stress feels out of hand/overwhelming. 🚨💥 substances like alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, and nicotine can also worsen anxiety. 🚨💥. I went into a little more depth with this one because I believe this is just one of the many types of anxiety I have.

Panic anxiety disorder I despise 😡 this one but, here we go. This one happens when you experience recurring unexpected panic attacks. (It’s kind of like bipolar or personality disorders) Like an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. Those with this disorder live in fear of having another panic attack because it is pure torture and completely embarrassing. I know personally. It’s not fun.

PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder. This is where a person has a hard time recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. This one I have with the last wreck I had. Geez, the condition can last for years or could be life long when triggers. (Ex. Gunshot sound) symptoms vary from person and experience.

OCD obsessive compulsive disorder this one is so self explanitory but let’s break thus one down rkk. Excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsion like a germ a phobe.)

Childhood Anxiety

Signs of anxiety in children:

• Finding it hard to concentrate
• not sleeping, or sleepwalking ( walking in the night with bad dreams)
• Quickly getting angry or irritable, and being out of control during the outbursts.
• Constantly worrying or having negative thoughts
• not eating properly
• feeling tense and fidgety, or using the toilet often
• Separation anxiety is common in the younger children
• always crying
• being clingy
• complaining of tummy aches and feeling unwell.

New situations challenging took, and even unfamiliar people can lead to fear and anxiety in children from time to time.

Other age-appropriate fears include:

• Separation anxiety can begin at 7 to 9 months old.
• Fear of the dark, monsters, insects, and animals at preschool.
• Fear of heights or storms in younger school-age children.
• Worry about school and friends in school-aged kids and teens. (way more goes into the pre-teen and teen)

It takes a little more than just occasional anxiety. Which can be normal to indicate true symptoms of an anxiety order though children usually feel worried or moving to a new house and school.

What causes anxiety disorders in children?

• Some are born more anxious and less able to cope with other stress. They can pick up anxiety traits from being around others.
• Some develop anxiety after stressful events such as:
• frequently moving houses and/or school
• Parents fighting or arguing
• The death of a parent. ( any loved one or friend)
• becoming seriously ill or getting injured in an accident (car accidents themselves)
• School-related issues (BULLYING)
• being neglected or abused.

Children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Autistic spectrum disorder are more likely to have problems with anxiety.

When does anxiety become a problem for children? It becomes a problem for the child's everyday life. Anxiety can even be crippiling.