Anxiety is a natural part of the human experience – it is your body’s way of warning you that there may be danger. An anxiety disorder, however, is a more serious mental health condition where these feelings of nervousness go above and beyond the body’s natural response to urgency and disrupt your daily life.
Most people will experience anxiety regularly, and up to 40 million adults in the United States experience an anxiety disorder every year.
There is hope, fortunately, for even the worst cases of anxiety disorder thanks to treatment options and general lifestyle changes. There is no one treatment that works for everyone, but anyone can find relief with the right treatment plan.
What To Do For Anxiety
Physical Activity
Your physical health is very important to your mental health. You can support your mental health by getting at least 30 minutes of exercise 3 to 5 times a week.
Sleep Schedule
You should aim for around 8 hours of sleep a night. If getting to sleep is a struggle, try spending less time in front of electronics or adapting a consistent sleep schedule.
Avoid Certain Substances
Substances like caffeine and alcohol may be easy to turn to during times of significant stress, but these substances will only make your anxiety worse with extended use.
Treatment
Anxiety is like any other health condition – there should be no shame in seeking out treatment, and there are plenty of options that may help you find relief.
Different Anxiety Disorders
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Selective Mutism
- Separation Anxiety Disorder
- Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder
The Symptoms of Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- A sense of impending doom or urgency
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid breathing (hyperventilation)
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Avoidance of anxiety triggers
The Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety disorders cannot be traced back to a single cause, but are instead a complicated mixture of environmental and biological factors. In some cases, anxiety disorders are an indicator of an underlying medical condition, but they can also be brought on for seemingly no real reason.
Examples of conditions or medical problems linked to anxiety include some of the following:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid problems (like hyperthyroidism)
- Respiratory disorders, such as COPD or Asthma
- Drug abuse or withdrawal
- Chronic pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Ketamine Treatment for Anxiety Relief
Exactly how ketamine treats anxiety disorders is still being researched, much like what leads to the development of anxiety. The current understanding is that ketamine binds to receptors in the brain that how much of the neurotransmitter glutamate is released. This will then set off a chain of reactions within the brain that affects thinking and emotional regulation.
To put this in simple terms, the brain reacts to Ketamine in a way that triggers the hormones that help create more positive emotions. This can occur within minutes after a person receives their infusion, but some people may need several treatments before they experience the highest level of benefits.
To learn more about these treatments and if they are right for you, contact us today.
