Anxiety – A Mental Strain or a Serious illness?

 

Anxiety – A Mental Strain or a Serious illness?

 

Muhammad Raza Saju

 

Introduction:

Have you ever felt sudden, unexplained anxiety? Or had a strong sense that something terrible was about to happen, even when there was no real reason for concern?

 

For instance, imagine Sara, a 28-year-old marketing executive, who frequently experiences intense nervousness before client meetings. Even though she is well-prepared, she constantly fears she will make a mistake. Her hands tremble, her heart races, and sometimes, she even feels breathless. Despite reassurance from colleagues, she struggles to shake off this overwhelming fear.

 

Situations like Sara’s are common, and when anxiety persists, it can indicate an anxiety disorder.

 

In today's fast-paced world, anxiety has become a common yet overlooked mental health condition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders, and cases in Pakistan are rising rapidly. Unfortunately, many dismiss it as mere "overthinking" or "weakness", failing to recognize it as a serious medical condition.

 

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a persistent fear that arises in the mind without any real cause, yet the person perceives it as true. It can stem from various concerns, such as fear of the future, health worries, or social pressure.

 

Take the case of Bilal, a 32-year-old software engineer. Every night before going to bed, he keeps checking his office emails, fearing he might have missed something important. If he doesn’t check, he feels restless and uneasy. Even on weekends, he cannot relax, as he is constantly worried about work-related matters. His anxiety is affecting his personal life, making him emotionally drained.

 

Is Anxiety Just a Psychological Issue?

No! Anxiety is not just a mental state; it affects the body as well. Research shows that individuals suffering from anxiety experience an imbalance in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, worsening the condition.

For instance, some people experience stomach pain, dizziness, or headaches without any medical cause. These could be physical symptoms of anxiety, as stress hormones like cortisol impact the body’s nervous system.

Symptoms of Anxiety

Anxiety symptoms vary from person to person, but they can generally be classified into three categories:

 

1. Psychological Symptoms:

✔ Constant worry and restlessness

✔ Always expecting the worst outcomes

✔ Recurrent negative thoughts

 

For example, Hina, a university student, constantly worries about her grades. Even after scoring well, she feels she isn't good enough and fears failure.

 

2. Physical Symptoms:

✔ Rapid heartbeat

✔ Sweaty palms

✔ Sleep disturbances or wake up suddenly

 

Consider Ali, a 40-year-old businessman, who often wakes up in the middle of the night, gasping for breath. He describes the experience as feeling like a heart attack, but medical reports confirm his heart is fine, his symptoms are anxiety related.

 

3. Behavioral Changes:

✔ Avoiding social interactions

✔ Loss of interest in daily activities

✔ Overreacting to small issues

 

Example: Sana, a young mother, stopped attending family gatherings because she feared people would judge her parenting skills. This isolation made her anxiety worse.

 

Why is Anxiety Increasing?

🔹 Digital Stress: The unrealistic standards set by social media and the pressure to always be "online."

➡ Example: Teenagers compare themselves to social media influencers and feeling insecure about their looks or lifestyle.

 

🔹 Financial Pressure: Rising inflation, unemployment, and economic instability.

➡ Example: A middle-class father struggling to pay his children’s school fees, constantly worrying about money.

 

🔹 Loneliness: Thousands of virtual friends but no real-life connections.

➡ Example: A social media addict who spends hours online but feels disconnected in real life.

 

🔹 Unhealthy Lifestyle: Lack of sleep, poor diet, and no exercise.

➡ Example: Office workers skipping lunch due to stress, consuming caffeine excessively, and staying up late.

 

The Growing Anxiety Crisis in Pakistan

Anxiety cases in Pakistan are escalating. Studies indicate that approximately 34% of young Pakistanis suffer from anxiety or depression. Experts attribute this to modern lifestyles and the misuse of social media.

For example, many students face extreme pressure from family and society to excel in studies, leading to anxiety disorders.

 

Is Anxiety Treatable?

Yes! Anxiety is treatable, and there are several effective methods, including:

 

✔ Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A psychotherapy approach that helps control negative thoughts.

➡ Example: A college student with public speaking anxiety learned coping strategies through CBT and successfully delivered a presentation.

 

✔ Exercise & Yoga: A 30-minute daily walk can significantly reduce anxiety.

➡ Example: A stressed-out banker found relief through morning jogging, which improved his mood and energy levels.

 

✔ Breathing Techniques: Slow, deep breathing calms the mind.

➡ Example: A woman with panic attacks practiced deep breathing and felt immediate relief during stressful moments.

 

✔ Medication: In some cases, psychiatrists prescribe medication to restore chemical balance in the brain.

➡ Example: A lawyer suffering from extreme anxiety took prescribed medication alongside therapy and regained his confidence.

 

When Should You See a Psychologist?

If anxiety symptoms persist for more than two weeks and start affecting daily life, it's essential to consult a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist immediately.

 

For instance, if someone:

🔹 Starts missing work or school due to fear and stress.

🔹 Avoids answering phone calls or replying to messages.

🔹 Experiences anxiety attacks frequently.

 

Conclusion

Anxiety is a real and serious issue, but fortunately, it is manageable. The first step is to understand and acknowledge that anxiety is not a weakness, but a common mental health condition that can improve with proper treatment.

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, do not leave them alone. Encourage them to seek professional help.