Fear or anxiety is one of the basic emotions of humans, meant to help us deal with dangers that threaten us. It helps us prepare to handle problems when this emotion is at a manageable level. However, when anxiety reaches a level that's too high, it can impact daily life. Many patients often come in with symptoms like stress, overthinking, or being stuck in a loop of thoughts that they can't manage. Reassurance from others, such as "Don't think too much, just meditate, or visit a temple," often doesn't help and can make the patient feel more isolated and misunderstood. In fact, most patients are aware that their thoughts are excessive, but they don't know how to cope with them. In such cases, it often turns out that what they are experiencing is more than just normal anxiety—it has become an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety disorders can be caused by many factors, such as genetics (having a family history of anxiety disorders), an imbalance in neurotransmitter levels, being in high-stress situations (which can be life-threatening), past traumatic experiences, loss, or separation.

The symptoms vary depending on the type and category of anxiety disorder, but they may include panic attacks, fear, unease, incessantly looping thoughts that lead to exhaustion, restlessness, irritability, difficulty focusing, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Some individuals may also experience physical symptoms like cold hands and feet, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing, dizziness, chest tightness, tingling, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms can impact daily life, work, and relationships.

Anxiety disorders are further divided into several types, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Sometimes, anxiety may also occur alongside other conditions, such as depression.

The first step is to consult a psychiatrist for diagnosis and to identify the underlying issue. Treatment may involve medication to balance neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which helps the patient better manage anxiety. Therapy techniques, including relaxation strategies, can also help the patient handle anxiety more effectively.

The most important thing is to assess your own emotional state and determine how high your stress levels are. You may ask close ones for their opinions. Taking time for relaxation is also essential. Many people underestimate the importance of rest, but believe it or not, scheduling relaxation is just as crucial as planning work. The body and mind that accumulate stress without relaxation are like water pouring into a glass—eventually, it will overflow and become uncontrollable. Just as stress builds up over time, it needs to be released to keep the mind resilient and able to handle stress in a healthy way.

Many working adults, especially, tend to work so hard that they have no time to relax. Eventually, they may end up seeking medical help for symptoms mentioned above. Maintaining a balanced life helps work and other areas of life run smoothly. Relaxation activities can be chosen based on personal preferences, such as watching a favorite movie, listening to music, cooking, playing sports, or spending time with friends and family.

Don’t allow your body and mind to bear stress and anxiety for too long, as it may cause anxiety levels to rise beyond normal, turning into an anxiety disorder. If you suspect that you may be at risk, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.