Feeling anxious when you are going to give an interview, moving to a new place, etc. is normal. Sometimes it becomes beneficial for the people. Well, people daily feel anxious for somethings or get nervous and this feeling is completely normal. But you should worry when this starts affecting your daily work and activities.
If your feeling of anxiety is extreme and lasts for longer, if it’s affecting your life then you might have anxiety disorder. Due to this mental health condition you should meet a psychiatrist. But, before that let’s know what anxiety disorders are.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
Normal anxiety comes and goes, but it will not affect or interfere your daily life. At the same time when you have anxiety disorder then a feeling of fear will always be with you. In fact, you will always be worried for even minor things. And this will interfere your everyday works.
If you have anxiety disorder then you will no longer enjoy doing the things you used to enjoy. And in worst cases, it may prevent you from entering an elevator, going your house or leaving your house, crossing streets, etc. If left untreated then this condition keep going worst. And that’s why it is advisable to seek medical advisory or counselling immediately.
Anxiety disorders can affect anyone at any age as it’s the most common form of emotional disorder. According to research women are more than men are diagnosed for anxiety disorder. We should take care of our near and dear ones when we see them anxious. They might be suffering from something really serious and are in need of any help. You must talk to them about their problems or the main cause of the anxiety. And if not then try to consult a psychiatrist for this.
What are The Types of Anxiety Disorder?
- Phobia- fear of any specific objects or situation.
- Separation anxiety disorder- fear of separating from any loved one.
- Panic disorder-fear of next panic attack.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder– irrational thoughts that leads to repeated behaviour.
- Social anxiety disorder – extreme fear of being judged by the people in social situation.
- Illness anxiety disorder–anxious about health condition.
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety feeling can vary from person to person and their behaviour. You may feel butterflies in your stomach to heart racing. You will feel out of control like you have no connection between your mind and your body. You will not be able to think or work properly, cannot even focus on your job or daily works.
Other people may experience nightmares, painful thoughts, or memories that you have no control over it. You will always feel fear, tensed or worry.
Here are the general anxiety symptoms
- Restlessness
- Rapid breathing
- Fast heartbeat rate
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty falling asleep
It’s not necessary that you would feel the same way like others feel. Your experience can be completely different from others who are suffering from anxiety disorder.
How and from where to start?
Anxiety disorder is also like the other medical treatment that many medical professionals offer. That’s why it is said the sooner you will start the treatment, the better outcome of the treatment you can expect.
Well, there are many doctors and medical professionals who you can consult to. But it’s really important to share each and everything with your doctor about the things that are bothering you or giving you anxiety. You should not hide anything from your doctor only then he or she can provide the right treatment.
It’s really important to be open and honest with your doctor. Don’t just feel that you are stuck with your first doctor you see. If you are not feeling comfortable then you should definitely change your doctor.
You and your doctor should work as a team. Well, there are many medical professionals and specialists that can help to manage your anxiety. But the best place to start with is a primary care physician. And if you don’t get a good result consulting a primary care physician then you can consult a psychologist.
And even after consulting a psychologist you don’t find any improvements in your behaviour and condition then you should see a psychiatrist for anxiety.
Who is a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who is specialized in diagnosing and treating mental illness. He can do both prescribing medication and psychotherapy for anxiety disorder treatment.
When you plan to see your psychiatrist then it’s important to be prepared in advance. Your doctor would require some information about your past and present life to know the cause of your problem. So, here are a few things that you must prepare before visiting to the psychiatrist for the first time.
- Make a note of things that you are facing in present and have faced in past.
- Write about everything that bothers you, gives you anxiety, etc.
- Any big stresses of life or traumas that you have experienced in past or present.
- Write down about your mental and physical health condition.
- Make a list of the symptoms and when they began. Also, the time when it becomes better or worse.
- Name of the supplements or medicines you are taking and also how often.
Apart from all these things your doctor or psychiatrist may ask about the things you take like coffee, alcohol, drugs, tobacco and sugar, especially in case of large amounts.
So, this is how you should be prepared for your first meeting with a psychiatrist. Here are a few important questions that you should ask to your psychiatrist: –
- Do I have anxiety disorder or normal anxiety or is it depression?
- Is there anything else that might causing my symptoms?
- What type of treatments or medicines you can recommend?
- How long the treatment would take?
- Is there any medicines that I can take? Do they have side-effects?
- When will I feel better?
This will help you to know more about your treatment and recovery as well. But, you should first consult a primary care surgeon. And if they would be unable to treat you they may refer you to the medical practitioners. But, remember that the sooner you will seek medical treatment the better outcome of the treatment you can expect.
Dr. Shashi Kumar, MBBS, MD (Psychiatry), is a highly regarded psychiatrist in Delhi. With extensive education from esteemed institutions like Patna Medical College & Hospital and AIIMS, he has built a strong foundation in the field. Dr. Kumar’s expertise spans Adult Psychiatry, Depression, Anxiety, Old Age Problems, Epilepsy, Chronic Headaches, Psychosexual Disorders, and Addiction. He currently operates the Sri Ganesh Psychiatry Clinic in Shalimar Bagh and Rohini Sector 16, providing exceptional care to patients. Alongside his commitment to the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, he also serves at Max Hospital in Shalimar Bagh. Dr. Kumar’s reputation as one of the best psychiatrists in Delhi stems from his deep knowledge, experience, and dedication to improving mental health.