Health Corner

Have you ever felt uncontrollable nervousness and anxiety? In fact, anxiety is a very normal emotional reaction — everyone faces different kinds of worries and stress every day. So how can you tell whether you’re actually suffering from an anxiety disorder? 

What is mental illness?

Mental illness is not the same as simply feeling unhappy or telling yourself to “look on the bright side.” For example, if you’re upset because something happened today but feel better tomorrow, that’s just a normal emotional fluctuation.

However, with mental illness, not only are your emotions affected, but your body, thoughts, and even overall functioning can show specific symptoms that last for a longer period of time, interfering with daily life.
Research has found that many people with mental illness show unusual features in the brain, such as imbalances in neurotransmitters.

When should you see a psychiatrist?

Many people have stereotypes or even stigmas about psychiatry, and recent social events have caused further misunderstanding.
In reality, psychiatry doesn’t only cover conditions like schizophrenia or psychosis. The field is very broad and includes common emotional disorders such as:

• Depression

• Anxiety disorders

• Dementia in the elderly

• Attention deficit in children

• Hyperactivity disorder

• Insomnia

Psychiatrists also handle addiction-related problems, including:

• Alcoholism

• Substance abuse

• Gambling addiction

• Internet addiction

If you often feel tense or nervous, could you have an anxiety disorder?

People with anxiety disorders often experience persistent and excessive worry, or constantly expect danger to occur. This is often classified as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Symptoms of GAD include:

• Ongoing uneasiness

• Dizziness or headaches

• Rapid heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Digestive discomfort

• Nausea

• Cold sweats

• Feeling hot or flushed

These symptoms can significantly interfere with everyday life, affecting health, work, finances, relationships, and emotional well-being.

Other types of anxiety disorders include:

• Panic disorder

• Social anxiety disorder

• Agoraphobia

• Claustrophobia

• Acrophobia (fear of heights)

• Hemophobia (fear of blood)

• Insect phobia

Anxiety disorders more common in children:

• Separation anxiety disorder

• Selective mutism

If you notice that you or someone around you shows signs of emotional or mental distress, seek professional help as soon as possible.