Feeling ͏anxi͏ous is completely normal. It's the body's way of alerting us that something in the environment is changing or that we are faced with new challenges that require more of our attention and resources. Anxiety can happen in response to everyday stressors and not all anxiety is problematic or a disorder. An example includes the anxiety we experience before a big exam or a job interview. It is the feeling of anxiety in the mind or in the body that creates discomfort and asks for attention.

But anxiety is more than just a worry. If it persists - even when there is no threat or if the level of anxiety is out of proportion to the stress faced then what one experiences is an abnormal level of anxiety, which will fall under Anxiety Disorder. Common symptoms are feeling anxious or worried all of the time or most of the time or experiencing symptoms of anxiety that come out of nowhere and start affecting daily life. Physical symptoms of anxiety like increased heart rate, palpitations, breathlessness, shallow breathing, chest discomfort, increased sweating, frequent urination, belching, gastric discomfort, lump in throat and tremulousness can often accompany the psychological symptoms of anxiety like restlessness, irritability and feelings of being on edge.

To summarize Anxiety disorders are a class of mental disorders characterized by excessive, irrational, fear or worry. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or specific phobias are the various subtypes of anxiety disorders.

Living with anxiety can be challenging and distressing to a person. It can impact their sense of well-being, their productivity and their ability to enjoy life. It is essential to know that anxiety is a treatable illness. A diagnosis is made by a psychiatrist for anxiety. There are multiple treatment options available to address anxiety disorder. The various modalities of treatment are explored depending on the severity of symptoms. Therapy for anxiety, medication by a psychiatrist for anxiety, lifestyle changes, and stress management techniques by psychologists for anxiety can effectively manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

It's also crucial to remember that you're not alone – millions of people experience anxiety, and reaching out for support is a courageous and important step toward getting better. We at Anvaya are committed to supporting you in your journey of managing and overcoming anxiety and have a skilled team of psychiatrists and psychologists to provide the best support.