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With the growing conversation on mental health, many celebrities are coming forward about their struggles, the most recent name being Alia Bhatt. She shared her clinical anxiety diagnosis on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s podcast, saying, “I was doing therapy for a few years, but now life has become so busy that I can’t even do that.”
Others like Shraddha Kapoor and Adele have also shared their struggles dealing with anxiety. Emma Stone, who herself admitted that she had a difficult childhood due to the disorder, now gives it a positive spin. He said, “Worry is like rocket fuel… You can’t help but get out of bed and work because there’s all this energy present within you. And that is truly a gift.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven people aged 10 to 17 suffers from clinical anxiety.
What is the cause for concern?
The causes of clinical anxiety are complex and may include family history of anxiety disorders, stressful life events, adverse childhood experiences, certain medical conditions, and substance abuse. Clinical anxiety often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression. Several studies also show that unhealthy lifestyle habits can increase anxiety levels, even in people who do not have an anxiety disorder. These include not getting enough sleep, less physical activity, more screen time and higher intake of sugar or processed foods.
general stress vs anxiety
General stress and anxiety are normal temporary reactions to challenging situations in daily life. Clinical anxiety, on the other hand, is a psychological disorder that involves persistent and intense symptoms that interfere with thought and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
signs to look for
Clinical anxiety symptoms can vary widely among individuals in terms of severity and specific manifestations. Some of these include difficulty in concentration, extreme anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, restlessness, palpitations, increased heart rate, shallow breathing or gastric problems. If these symptoms persist for more than six months, it is best to seek medical help.
Can it be treated? Yes!
Family support is paramount. Alia Bhatt shared that her husband, actor Ranbir Kapoor, has been very supportive: “He understood (the diagnosis) and said, ‘Okay, now you’re going to be really worried, so let’s talk about it.’ We discussed everything and eventually, I realized that it’s just a part of life.
Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both is recommended. The course of action depends on the individual’s symptoms, preferences, and severity of the anxiety disorder.
Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy help identify and change thought patterns and behavior.
The medicine helps reduce symptoms by affecting neurotransmitters.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, stress management techniques, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol may help.
Regular monitoring and support from mental health professionals is important. It is important to learn about triggers, early signs, and coping skills.
Dr. Sneha Sharma, Psychiatrist, Co-Founder, Anvay Healthcare and Dr. Jaya Sukul, Consultant and HOD, Clinical Psychology, Marengo Asia Hospitals Faridabad
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