The world health organisation has discovered that the most common mental illness in the world is Anxiety Disorder.
4.7% of the British population suffer from anxiety and 9.7% from combined anxiety and depression problems. These statistics are staggering and yet mental health vulnerability still goes unnoticed in so many people.
And, this isn’t a first world problem, and by no means a new one either.
Anxiety disorders are in the top 10 reasons for disability world wide, because mental health does not only effect our heads, but can lead to serious physical problems including back pain and self harming.
There are 6 main types of Anxiety Disorder:
•Generalised Anxiety Disorder- Long-lasting anxiety not specific to a situation or object.
•Panic Disorder- Quick hit of terror often flowed by trembling and difficulty breathing.
•Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- Repetitious obsessions and compulsions
•Social Anxiety Disorder- Intense fear in and of social interactions managed with avoidance.
•Specific Phobias- Fear of a situation or object
•Post Traumatic Stress Disorder- Anxiety from a traumatic experience
36% of people experience symptoms of an anxiety disorder for 10 years before seeking help. A few symptoms include:
•Constantly on edge
•Shortness of breath
•Insomnia
•Pounding heart
•Sweating
•Fears remain even when you know the outcome
•Avoid everyday activated due to anxiety
If you find yourself suffering from an anxiety disorder, its okay, you’re not broken. You can still live a full life alongside an anxiety disorder and in fact lots of well known and famous people such as Sigmund Freud and Johnny Depp suffer from anxiety disorders, but this doesn’t stop them achieving and being brilliant!
Anxiety is normal, but realising you suffer from a disorder is very important in order to accept your problem. It is normal to be self-conscious and feel embarrassment, but once you start avoiding situations in order to escape these anxieties, it might be time to seek help.
There are lots of people going through similar problems and there’s always help available. We can provide you with advise on how to ease the symptoms and support groups to help get your life back on track.